Lemur Frog Biological Corridor
In Costa Rica, Biological Corridors are the second most important conservation strategy in terms of territory and scope, promoted by the National System of Conservation Areas SINAC. This initiative allows management of the territory and natural resources with the aim of sustainable development and the protection of ecosystem services. The corridors are managed by a committee of community-based associations, the indigenous community, non-profit organizations, private companies, private farm owners, and SINAC, which are in charge of establishing the region’s management and sustainable development priorities.
The Veragua Foundation is part of the group of local representatives that founded the Lemur Frog Biological Corridor, located in the Central Caribbean of Costa Rica. This corridor runs from the Matama Mountain of the Talamanca Mountain Range to Route 32 (San José Limón). It includes part of the buffer zone of the La Amistad International Park, the Bajo Chirripo Indigenous Reserve, private reserves such as the Veragua Rainforest, and the communities of Peje, Río Blanco, Quito, and Liverpool. The name of the biological corridor comes from the fact that this region is recognized for having the last wild population of the critically endangered frog species Agalychnis lemur or lemur frog. In addition, in this region, the Veragua Foundation leads a conservation program for this species, in which the community, national and international research centers, volunteers, and students participate.
Contributions to rural schools
The Veragua Foundation and the Veragua Rainforest Park contribute to the development of young people in these remote and beautiful rural communities, through contributions to small local schools, such as materials, infrastructure, and environmental education workshops. In addition, it organizes a group of national and international volunteers who collaborate in activities such as infrastructure maintenance, english tutoring, reforestation, and cultural exchange with children.
Citizen science
Our community is a massive help for conservation and research, mainly because of their immense knowledge of the terrain and its nature. For this reason, most of our studies include citizen participation from the Cabécar ethnic community and other residents. In addition, we also have the valuable involvement of national and international students and volunteers. Citizen participation ranges from collaboration in participatory biodiversity monitoring to integrating ecosystem restoration work teams or direct participation in scientific publications.
Environmental education
As part of the Veragua Foundation’s conservation strategy, environmental education is essential to meet our goals. For this reason, our researchers continually offer for the local community and visitors talks and workshops at the Veragua Rainforest Park to analyze our contributions to the ecology, natural history, and conservation status of wild populations. In addition to discussing local environmental problems and possible conservation alternatives.
Be part of us
One of the goals of our organization is to promote citizen science and, together with the local community, visitors, volunteers, and national and international students, to achieve our objectives. For this reason, we have developed a volunteer program adapted for people of any age, condition, or educational level. The possibilities range from specific collaborations in our ecosystem restoration projects, biodiversity monitoring, or environmental education strategy; to participation as a research assistant in the NGO’s prioritized projects, including internships and research scholarships that contribute to the professional development of young conservationists.
Suppose you want to be part of our team and contribute to protecting one of the world’s valuable ecosystems for human well-being. In that case, here you can find information about how to apply to our different programs.
