Living with Quetzals | Costa Rica

From forest destruction to conservation

In the past, local communities in the Talamanca Mountains cleared large areas of forest to make way for agriculture and charcoal production. Over time, as Costa Rica began restoring and protecting its forests, these communities became guardians of an extraordinary natural heritage.

Today, the forests are recovering and provide habitat for a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including many flora and fauna species found only in the mountains of southern Costa Rica and western Panama. Among them, the most iconic is undoubtedly the Resplendent Quetzal (though this species is found from Panama to Mexico).

The challenge

As forest conservation replaced activities such as logging and charcoal production, local communities needed new economic opportunities that would allow them to make a living while protecting their natural surroundings.

Ecotourism has provided an answer for some communities. San Gerardo de Dota, for example, has become one of Costa Rica's best-known birdwatching destinations, attracting visitors from around the world.

However, other nearby communities, including Siberia, Villa Mills, and La División, have remained largely outside the tourism circuit. Despite sharing much of the same extraordinary birdlife and natural heritage, they have yet to benefit from the tourism opportunities enjoyed by their neighbors.

The challenge is therefore not only to protect the forests, but also to ensure that the communities living alongside them can benefit economically from their conservation.

A local initiative for change

At the heart of this initiative is Freddy Madrigal, a bird photography guide who wants to help his neighbors in Siberia, La División, and Villa Mills develop the knowledge and skills needed to become part of Costa Rica's growing ecotourism sector.

By training local people as wildlife and birdwatching guides and helping them connect with visitors, Freddy hopes to create new income opportunities while encouraging the protection of the forests, birds, and extraordinary biodiversity that surround their communities.

Costa Rica has become a global leader in forest restoration and conservation. But protecting forests also means creating opportunities for the people who live alongside them. By connecting local communities, birdwatching, ecotourism, and conservation, initiatives like this can help ensure that the country's forests remain protected for generations to come.

Want to get involved?

Interested in supporting this initiative or exploring the area with a local guide?

For donations, contact Freddy Madrigal: photo@freddymadrigal.com

Explore birdwatching tours offered by Sueños Natura, owned by Freddy Madrigal. By booking a tour, you directly support this local initiative.

Explore more tours offered by local guides in the Talamanca Mountains.