conservation

Neotropica Foundation

The Neotropica Foundation is a private, not-for-profit Costa Rican organization founded in 1985. The Neotropica Foundation provides the technical, scientific and financial means to promote and develop alternative production methods and provide for sustainable management of natural resources and protection of biodiversity. The Neotropica Foundation promotes the generation and dissemination of technical and scientific information related to the environment.

To contribute to the balance between human beings and the conservation of nature.

To promote the intelligent and equitable use of natural resources.

To transform specific, real-life forms of natural resource management into sustainable practices that protect our natural heritage and improve the quality of life for present and future communities.

Promoting economically viable social and environmental activities based on the sustainable use of natural resources.

Facilitating a mutual process of learning, discussion and feedback with community members, supporting the active participation of all social groups and assuring that local experience and knowledge are respected and valued.

Stimulating individual changes of attitude that advance the quality of life.

Encouraging changes in environmental legislation and improving inter-institutional coordination for environmental administration.

Increasing the scientific and technical knowledge available to sustainable development efforts at all levels of society.

The pursuit of a balanced relationship between human beings and nature guides the Neotropica FoundationÕs actions, and has done so since its inception. Our goal is to reconcile all living beings, permitting harmonious coexistence. To that end, the Neotropica Foundation conducts sustainable development projects in border regions and the buffer zones surrounding protected areas, and supports similar initiatives throughout the Central American region. Specifically, the Neotropica Foundation is committed to working with local communities and the national government, as well as the private sector and academic community, to improve the quality of life in the Osa Peninsula, the Grande de T‡rcoles river basin, and the areas around the Nicaraguan and Panamanian borders. This effort also involves technical research in socioeconomic and environmental areas so as to provide effective, opportune solutions relevant to todayÕs context and the near future.