Linking Costa Rica’s National Parks Through Forest Restoration
BARCA is helping restore biodiversity and reconnect habitats between two of Costa Rica’s most important national parks. In partnership with Fundación Osa Conservación and socially conscious investors, the project has planted over 100,000 native trees to secure critical ecological corridors.
Project Details
Location: South Pacific Costa Rica (between Corcovado and Piedras Blancas National Parks)
Client / Partners: Fundación Osa Conservación, Empresa Propietaria de la Red (EPR)
Project Type: Habitat connectivity, tropical reforestation, biodiversity restoration
Scale: 125,000 native trees planted over two years across three farms in strategic locations; 54 native and endemic species reproduced and planted
Project Overview
In one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica, forest fragmentation has threatened species movement and ecosystem health. BARCA partnered with Fundación Osa Conservación and Empresa Propietaria de la Red (EPR) in a three-part collaboration model that links landowners, socially responsible investors, and experienced forestry companies.
The goal: restore forest corridors that connect Corcovado National Park with Piedras Blancas National Park. By planting native and indigenous tree species on strategic farms, the project is creating continuous habitat and enhancing long-term conservation outcomes in this globally significant landscape.
Impact at a Glance
- 125,000 trees planted across Fundación Osa Conservación lands and other private properties
- 54 native and indigenous species reproduced and planted, many never before propagated in a nursery
- 3 strategic farms restored: Cerro de Osa, Puerto Escondido, La Cecilia
- Strengthened ecological connectivity between two world-renowned national parks
- Collaboration across landowners, investors, and forestry expertise through an innovative triangulation model
BARCA Nursery and Reforestation Program
BARCA produces native and endemic species through two decades of genetic improvement and forestry specialization, supplying seedlings for reforestation farms. These seedlings are planted and carefully maintained across selected farms to ensure strong growth and survival. The program also advances reforestation strategies that strengthen local biodiversity, while coordinating long-term management and monitoring with partners.
Advancing Rare and Endemic Species Cultivation
BARCA’s nursery team, led by Evelyn Ramírez, played a central role in producing rare and endemic species, some propagated for the first time in a controlled nursery setting. Planting teams established trees in carefully selected locations where ecological connectivity would be maximized. Maintenance and monitoring ensured survival rates and adaptation of species to site conditions.
The collaboration was structured under the triangulation model:
- Fundación Osa Conservación provided the land,
- EPR and other socially responsible investors raised the funds, and
- BARCA delivered the technical forestry expertise to establish and manage the project.
Outcomes
The Linking National Parks project demonstrates how innovative collaborations can achieve large-scale ecological restoration. By restoring connectivity between Corcovado and Piedras Blancas National Parks, the project enhances biodiversity protection, supports climate resilience, and showcases Costa Rica’s leadership in conservation.
For BARCA, the project highlights both technical capacity and long-term commitment to restoring Costa Rican forests. It also contributes to the broader Pacífico Initiative, a national effort to restore and protect Costa Rica’s Pacific forests.
