The survival of Osa’s abundant species and the functioning of its ecosystems is critically dependent upon protecting and restoring its habitat. Our programs protect and restore this vital habitat through the creation of private protected areas, replanting deforested areas with native tree species, establishing biological corridors to maintain habitat connectivity, and the support and management of national public protected areas. Learn more about each of these programs here:

 

 

  Osa’s Marine Habitats

The coastal and marine ecosystems of Osa support extensive marine resources including sharks, coral reefs, and important fish stocks. The peninsula is separated from the mainland by one of only four tropical deep water fjords in the world, the Golfo Dulce. Rich in marine mammals and sea turtles, this gulf supports a vibrant artisanal fishing and ecotourism industry.

 

Osa’s Wetland Habitats

Wetland ecosystems are some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet, home to innumerable species of plants and wildlife and serve to purify and filter water sources, control flooding, stabilize shorelines, store carbon, and provide protection from natural disasters. Unfortunately, the world’s wetlands are being degraded at an alarming rate, so many international conservation efforts are now focused on preserving these delicate ecosystems and raising awareness about their issues.

 

 

Osa’s Forests

The world’s tropical forests, the lungs of the planet, are being degraded at an alarming rate with a consequent loss of species diversity. Our work in the Osa Peninsula has shown that degradation does not have to be a one-way street.  We utilize over 100 species of native trees–grown from hand-collected seeds propagated in an on-site nursery–to restore degraded habitat on our conservation properties in Osa.

 

Osa’s Biological Corridors

 

Our conservation efforts are concentrated in the biological corridors connecting the three most important wildlands in Osa: Corcovado National Park, Piedras Blancas National Park and the Terraba-Sierpe National Wetlands. Ensuring forest connectivity on these private lands is crucial to the survivial of keystone species such as jaguar, tapir, and white-lipped peccary.

 

Osa’s River Habitats

 

Through our Ríos Saludables de Osa (Healthy Rivers of the Osa) program, we are committed to ensuring the sustainable preservation of the Osa Peninsula’s network of streams, rivers, and tributaries. Crucial to the stability of these freshwater habitats is the monitoring of macro-invertebrates and the diffusion of environmental education to locals and students to ensure the responsible management of human impact on this highly valuable ecosystem.