This project is rooted in Barra del Colorado, a beautiful but forgotten corner of the country where wetlands still hold life and hope. Together with the local community, we aim to enhance the resilience of Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) and the wetland ecosystems of Costa Rica’s north Caribbean. We will create a small native tree nursery to restore up to 500 meters of damaged riverbank, using species that are important for manatees and other wildlife. It’s a simple but powerful action to give back to nature.

To keep manatees safe, we’ll install “no-wake” signs in key areas to reduce boat speed and raise awareness. We’ll also work hand in hand with local guides and tour operators to co-create a responsible wildlife observation protocol so people can enjoy nature without harming it.

Youth will be at the center of this effort. Through fun workshops, games, and real field activities like camera trapping and aquatic monitoring, they’ll learn about local species and become future conservation leaders.

This isn’t just about trees or signs, it’s about building trust, local pride, and new ways of living with nature. We’ll end with a community action plan that reflects their voice and vision, supported by local businesses and shared with others across Mesoamerica.

We believe that when communities lead, conservation lasts. And that by protecting manatees, we’re protecting something much bigger, our wetlands, our identity, and the stories that connect us to this land.