The Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG) is an extraordinary marine protected area, encompassing 106,255 acres of pristine coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nutrient-rich cold currents create exceptionally productive waters that support an estimated 500 fish species, migrating whales, and critical nesting habitat for four sea turtle species, including critically endangered leatherbacks.

This biodiversity hotspot harbors endangered species like yellow-naped parrots and mangrove hummingbirds. On predator-free Isla San José, Costa Rica’s most important seabird colony thrives alongside one of the eastern Pacific’s largest green sea turtle populations.

Despite its protected status, ACG faces mounting pressures from illegal fishing and coral reef damage caused by tourist boat anchors. The Guanacaste Dry Forest Conservation Fund (GDFCF) has co-managed the area with Costa Rica’s government since 1997. It funds monthly patrols and conducts community outreach in four coastal villages that are moving from traditional fishing to marine tourism.

GDFCF’s innovative approach includes biological education in schools, Ocean Festivals, and ecotourism development. Several people from fishing families now conduct biodiversity research for GDFCF. Despite limited formal education, they have become community leaders and educators —a testament to effective grassroots conservation.

However, Costa Rica’s chronic underfunding of parks, worsened by pandemic-related budget cuts of nearly 50%, threatens ACG’s future. Critical infrastructure needs immediate attention. A Seacology grant will repair the Isla San José ranger station’s roof and dormitories, upgrade marine patrol equipment including night-vision goggles and waterproof cameras, and install five boat moorings to prevent reef anchor damage. It will also restore the station’s only freshwater well, solar panels, and reverse osmosis purification system.