TUI Wildlife Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to an exceptionally high level of global biodiversity. TUI Wildlife Costa Rica second phase takes place in the Caribbean lowlands of central eastern Costa Rica, in the buffer zone of Barbilla National Park and next to the Cabécar Indigenous territory of Bajo Chirripó. This area is one of its most species rich, yet most threatened, forest ecosystems, growing press with growing pressure from deforestation, poaching, and habitat fragmentation, which directly threatens already endangered wildlife. The project protects and conserves critically endangered species and their habitats. It continues focused conservation work for the Lemur Leaf Frog and the Great Green Macaw, and expands to protect additional endangered species including the Gliding Tree Frog, the Splendid Tree Frog, and threatened bat species. Alongside habitat protection it also actively involves local and indigenous communities through conservation jobs, skills development, and access to nature-based activities. By reinforcing existing conservation systems, the project helps to secure long-term biodiversity protection and resilient forest ecosystems.
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and the Caribbean lowland rainforest holds an especially high concentration of species within a small and fragile area. This makes the region highly valuable yet highly vulnerable. Ongoing deforestation, illegal logging, hunting, and land conversion continue to fragment forest habitats and disrupt biological corridors. Even small losses have serious consequences for endangered species that depend on stable and connected ecosystems, including amphibians, birds, and mammals. At the same time, indigenous communities near the reserve face limited infrastructure, restricted access to services, and few local income opportunities, which increases pressure on natural resources and drives youth migration.
During the first phase of the project work was undertaken to improve rainforest conservation and to strengthen links with local communities. Over 4,000 native trees were planted to restore habitat and support endangered species. Artificial frog ponds were built to support the reappearance and breeding activity of the critically endangered Lemur Leaf Frog and other amphibian species. Specialised nesting boxes for the Great Green Macaw were installed, and increased macaw presence was observed in the reserve. Camera traps and monitoring systems were introduced, and forest rangers were employed to prevent deforestation and poaching. Free guided walks and school visits were established, creating local awareness and participation. These experiences showed that targeted habitat restoration, combined with community involvement, leads to measurable conservation results.
The second phase of the project continues and expands this work, with the protection of 275 hectares of rainforest within the reserve. Forest rangers patrol the full area on a weekly basis to prevent illegal activities and protect wildlife. An additional 500 native trees are planted to restore degraded areas and provide food and shelter for the Great Green Macaw, whilst maintaining thousands of trees planted earlier. The arboretum continues to grow, with 50 additional native tree species added to build a living tree collection that supports education, research, and seed conservation. These activities strengthen habitat connectivity and improve forest resilience, whilst creating work and training opportunities for local and Cabécar community members who support planting, maintenance, and monitoring activities.
TUI Wildlife Costa Rica strengthens conservation of endangered animal species through structured monitoring and research. Frog ponds remain in active use and are maintained to support the Lemur Leaf Frog, and new studies focus on the Gliding Tree Frog and the Splendid Tree Frog. Artificial macaw nests are maintained and monitored throughout the year using camera traps, audio equipment, and visual counts. A researcher analyses data from these systems to identify species presence and conservation trends, including new bat species that have not been documented before.
Alongside this, the project continues free guided walks, school field visits, and Indigenous-led activities. In total, 338 people participate in naturebased activities, including 258 school children, local residents, and small international pilot groups, linking conservation work directly with learning and local engagement.
Project Partner
Work with Nature was born out of pure passion for the rainforest and its biodiversity. This passion is in the DNA of the foundation and is the unlimited motivation to continue with the good work they do. The foundation is located in the Netherlands and mainly focuses on fundraising and education in order to achieve the practical goals in Costa Rica. The foundation protects Costa Rican rainforest, and facilitates research in this area. Work with Nature is committed to the preservation and restoration of at least 2000 hectares of rainforest in Costa Rica through the purchase of rainforest and the active protection of both this rainforest and its biodiversity.
