Close-up of leaves in organic farm at Playa Cativo Lodge
Farmer planting in Organic Farm at Playa Cativo Lodge

PIC-PCL Guiding Principles

1. Scientific Rigor: Projects are based on validated methodologies, technical monitoring, and traceability of results.
2. Territoriality: The program is developed from and for the territory of Playa Cativo and Piedras Blancas National Park.
3. Citizen Participation: Integration of tourists, local communities, and institutions in research and outreach processes.
4. Methodological Accessibility: Priority is given to simple, low-cost, and highly replicable techniques.
5. Regenerative Conservation: Actions aim to restore and strengthen ecosystem resilience, applying a pragmatic approach that prioritizes viable, evidence-based solutions adapted to the local context.
6. Transversality: Research, conservation, tourism, and education are articulated as interdependent axes.
7. Legality and Ethics: All activities comply with national legislation and scientific ethical principles.

2. Citizen science

At Playa Cativo Lodge, we believe that conservation is built collectively. That is why the PIC-PCL invites every guest to become part of the research and protection of the ecosystems of the Golfo Dulce and Piedras Blancas National Park.
Through experiences such as nature tours and expeditions, visitors can record their sightings on global platforms like eBird or iNaturalist. What may seem like simple field notes are transformed into valuable scientific information: they help us understand species distribution, detect changes in populations, and strengthen conservation efforts at both regional and global scales. Participating in citizen science means that every walk, every photograph, and every observation becomes a real contribution to knowledge.
The PIC-PCL supports this process with a resident scientist and naturalist guides, who demonstrate how each record is integrated into research projects and the management of biological knowledge about local ecosystems. As part of the open experience of the PIC-PCL, guests are welcome to join and learn about ongoing research projects whenever the scientific staff is working in the field.
 

3. Ecosystem Stewardship

As the PIC-PCL research projects progress, our scientific team is dedicated to the active stewardship of the physical and biological environment of Playa Cativo. This work involves observing, recording, and understanding the changes that occur in the territory, generating key information to strengthen ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.
Among the actions we carry out are the documentation of environmental events such as algal bloomings, coral bleaching and water quality analysis, ecological monitoring through bioindicators, the collection of data on forest phenology, species migration, and other natural processes, as well as the curation of biological collections. Each record provides essential pieces to build a more complete picture of the natural history of the area and the dynamics that sustain its biodiversity.
This stewardship is not only a scientific exercise but also an ethical commitment to the territory: to care for, document, and understand the ecosystems in order to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the natural wealth of the Golfo Dulce and its surrounding forests.
 

4. Alliances and Collaborations

Conservation is a collective effort, and at the PIC-PCL we believe that alliances are essential to expand the impact of our actions. For this reason, we work closely with non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and independent projects, building research partnerships and providing logistical support that strengthen both scientific inquiry and the protection of ecosystems in the Golfo Dulce and Piedras Blancas National Park.
Among our collaborations are alliances with non-governmental organizations and conservation associations, focused on knowledge exchange and the development of joint research in the Golfo Dulce and Piedras Blancas National Park. We also provide logistical support and accompaniment to coral restoration initiatives, as well as to ongoing marine research projects on key species of the Pacific coast.
These collaborations demonstrate how cooperation between local and international actors enables progress toward stronger and more sustainable solutions. Every visit, every exchange of knowledge, and every joint effort strengthens the capacity of the PIC-PCL to respond to conservation challenges in a pragmatic and participatory way.

1. Evaluation of the Ecological Integrity of Lowland Forests

The coastal lowland forests of the Golfo Dulce are ecosystems of extremely high biodiversity and ecological functionality, yet they have historically been underrepresented in scientific studies. Their conservation is essential to maintain processes such as biological connectivity, water regulation, and refuge for species sensitive to climate change.
This project seeks to evaluate the ecological integrity of a lowland forest in Playa Cativo, using terrestrial fauna indicators standardized by the National Ecological Monitoring Program (PRONAMEC), within the framework of the National Biodiversity Strategy (ENI, 2016–2015). The research takes place in the context of Piedras Blancas National Park, within the AMISTOSA biological corridor, and employs non-invasive methods to record amphibians, birds, and non-flying terrestrial mammals.
The analysis of species richness, abundance, and community functionality, together with forest structure and composition, will allow the identification of sensitive species as bioindicators and strengthen regional conservation strategies. Due to its low level of fragmentation and representativeness as a coastal forest, Playa Cativo is an excellent model site for this research.

2. Creation of the Playa Cativo Arboretum

Another project in development is the creation of the Playa Cativo Arboretum, conceived as both a research and environmental education tool. An arboretum is a space dedicated to the study and conservation of tree species, allowing documentation of forest diversity, monitoring of ecological processes, and the creation of learning opportunities for visitors, local communities, and students.
This arboretum will serve as a living laboratory, where the dynamics of growth, phenology, and resilience of trees in the face of climate change can be observed. It will also function as a pedagogical space that connects science with direct experience, inviting visitors to understand the importance of tropical forests and their role in biodiversity conservation.

If you would like to learn more about our initiatives, explore how you can get involved in citizen science, or directly support our research and conservation projects, we invite you to contact our resident biologist. She can provide detailed information and guide you on how your participation can contribute to strengthening biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in the Golfo Dulce.