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About Us

Stewards of the KMR since 1996

  • About Us

Join the Effort to Protect Nature and Communities

ASEPALECO (Asociación Ecológica de Paquera, Lepanto y Cóbano) is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and water sources in Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Founded in 1991, the organization works through conservation actions, environmental education, scientific research, and community participation.

Our mission is to protect natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable development and environmental responsibility within local communities. ASEPALECO’s vision is a future in which nature and communities coexist in balance, ensuring healthy ecosystems and water resources for generations to come.

The organization operates through a structured governance model that includes a Board of Directors and a multidisciplinary work team. ASEPALECO follows established statutes and strategic planning to guide its conservation priorities and long-term objectives.

For any inquiries call us:

+(506) 2650-0607
  • Vision & Mission

Protecting Nature, Empowering Communities, Preserving Life

ASEPALECO works to protect forests, water sources, and biodiversity while strengthening the relationship between communities and the natural environment. Through conservation, education, and research, we seek long-term solutions that ensure ecosystems remain healthy and resilient for future generations.

Conservation

Stewarding 1,000+ hectares of tropical biodiversity in the Karen Mogensen Reserve.

Community

Leading sustainable waste management and fire prevention initiatives across region.

Education

Empowering the next generation through our "Guardians of the Forest" programs.

Protected

Preserving and restoring vital forests and water sources.

  • Our History

A Commitment to Protect Nature and Communities

ASEPALECO was established in response to growing concerns over deforestation, water scarcity, and ecosystem degradation in the Nicoya Peninsula. From its early beginnings, the organization focused on protecting key forest areas and water sources that were vital to nearby communities.

Over the years, ASEPALECO expanded its scope of work to include environmental education, fire prevention programs, scientific research, and ecotourism initiatives. One of its most significant milestones was the creation and consolidation of the Karen Mogensen Reserve, which has become a cornerstone of conservation efforts in the region.

The organization’s history reflects continuous growth, adaptation, and long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.

  • Our Board

Meet Our Board of DIRECTORS

ASEPALECO is guided by a Board of Directors composed of professionals committed to conservation, community development, and sustainable practices. The Board provides strategic direction, ensures transparency, and supports the organization’s mission and long-term vision.

Each board member contributes experience and expertise in areas such as environmental management, social development, education, and organizational leadership, strengthening ASEPALECO’s institutional foundation.

Patricia Slump is driven by a lifelong vision to protect the forests and wildlife of Costa Rica, dedicating her conservation work as a service to humanity.

Originally from the Netherlands and a naturalized Costa Rican citizen, Patricia has lived in the coastal town of Montezuma for over 46 years. Trained as a nutritionist and cooking instructor, she and her husband co-founded the renowned Ylang Ylang Beach Resort and the El Sano Banano Hotel & Restaurant, both deeply rooted in the Montezuma community.

For many years, Patricia has played an active role in fundraising for the expansion of the Karen Mogensen Reserve and supporting the conservation work of ASEPALECO and its projects. Through an innovative guest donation program at Ylang Ylang Beach Resort, where visitors voluntarily contribute $1 per night of their stay, in 2015, this initiative successfully added 30 hectares of forest to the reserve, strengthening critical habitat for wildlife and conservation in the region.

Patricia Slump-Mulder - President of the Board

Miguel, an agricultural engineer with a bachelor’s degree from the UCR, spent 35 years in government service. He began his career as the director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) in Cóbano, after which he became coordinating engineer for the Integral Peninsular Rural Development Office’s Natural Resources Program. He served 2 years as the national co-Director, and finally, he became the director of the MAG in Nandayure for 25 years. During his time with the DRIP, Miguel became a founder of ASEPALECO. He has been a dedicated member of the organization for many years, at times serving on the board and representing the association at international events, including at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Thailand. Now, as an agricultural producer primarily focused on oranges, mangoes, teak, and beekeeping, Miguel continues to support ASEPALECO and its mission by sharing his knowledge and experience.

Miguel Escalante Arias - Vice President

Olga Murillo was born on May 31, 1959, in the beautiful city of Grecia. Since 1977, she has been living in Jicaral, Puntarenas. The daughter of merchant parents, she inherited from them a passion for customer service and a strong spirit of service—values that have shaped both her personal and professional journey. It is within this context that Librería Sions was born, a venture that became a successful business in Jicaral, providing the community with access to top brands to meet its needs.She deeply enjoys reading, meaningful conversations, good music, art, dancing, photography, cooking, and walking while peacefully taking in the surrounding landscape. Her spirit of service and community leadership led her to become involved with ASEPALECO, where she developed a deep sensitivity and love for nature. Through various experiences, she has strengthened her commitment alongside a group of people who share a common vision for conservation.She feels proud and grateful to life to be part of this path.

Olga Murillo Blanco - Treasurer

Rebeca, a Costa Rican originally from San José, first arrived in the southern Nicoya Peninsula over 40 years ago, specifically in the community of Montezuma, which at the time was a small coastal fishing village. She fell in love with the nature and the simple, harmonious way the community lived with one another and their environment, and she decided this was the place where she wanted to build her life. As an entrepreneur in tourism and a community leader, Rebeca has consistently advocated for sustainable development that benefits the original inhabitants of these lands. She is a founding member of ASEPALECO and has always been an active participant in the Association.

Rebeca Quesada Güell - Secretary

Luis is an sociologist and have worked in the development of projects focused on community development and environmental protection. Luis have also been involved in the defense and protection of the rights of children and adolescents in different regions at the national level, working with various organizations in both the private and public sectors.

In the work carried out, a participatory methodology was applied, promoting local development with a comprehensive and sustainable approach.

Luis enjoy reading books and analyzing films on various topics related to socio-environmental issues, as a way to provide feedback and strengthen teaching and learning processes.

Luis Carlos Barquero Rodríguez - Board Member 1

Víctor is a resident of Paquera and a retired educator with years of experience in community involvement and activism. He has worked with and led various organizations, including serving as the director of local branches for the National Association of Educators and the Union of Educators. Additionally, he co-founded the Administrative Council of Coopepaquera and the Green Peninsular Association, and he is a member of Coopeinpesa and ADIP. Víctor has also been the president of the fishermen’s committee and currently serves as a delegate of Coopeguanacaste. As a founding member of ASEPALECO, he has served on the board at various times. Víctor considers it an honor to utilize his expertise for community development and holds a deep commitment to environmental conservation.

Víctor Barboza Jiménez - Board Member 2

Dario, from Italy, is a biologist and retired professor from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. He now resides in San Ramón de Río Blanco, Costa Rica. Throughout his professional career, he combined his work with environmentalism. In Italy, he was a founder of the Voluntary Ecological Guard and the “Forests Forever” Association, promoting international cooperation for forest conservation and biodiversity through projects in Central America, Brazil, and Madagascar. Dario arrived in Costa Rica 30 years ago, joining INBio as a researcher. He returned each year, bringing volunteers and students to engage in work and study experiences in parks and reserves. He has collaborated with several national parks and worked with FONAFIFO on reforestation projects in indigenous areas. For the past 25 years, he has been collaborating with ASEPALECO, supporting land purchase programs for the Karen Mogensen Reserve through Forests Forever. He supports environmental education programs in primary schools in Italy and Costa Rica and established the Italy-Costa Rica Bio-climatic Research Station inside the reserve. Dario believes that action taken in Costa Rica for nature conservation and living in harmony with the environment can serve as examples to other countries and stimulate local change, and this is why he shares ASEPALECO’s mission.

Dario Sonetti - Board Member 3

Damaris was born in 1974 in Puntarenas and grew up in La Gloria as part of a hardworking farming family. From a young age, Damaris was always involved in the farm work, helping with the vegetables and the various products harvested in the region. Damaris feel very fortunate to have grown up surrounded by such abundant flora and fauna.

At 22, Damaris decided to move to San Pedro, where Damaris have lived for the past 28 years. Damaris is a mother of two daughters and have always been active in school committees. Damaris truly enjoy helping out in any way she can. Currently, She is a member of my community’s Development Association and serve as the Comptroller (Fiscal) for the Agricultural Center, which she represent within this organization.

Damaris love learning about different topics and she passionate about our country’s nature; Damaris would love to gain even more knowledge about it.

Damaris Mena García - Board Member 4

Luis Ángel was born and raised in Lepanto on the Nicoya Peninsula and currently lives with his wife and three children. As a biologist and visionary of the Karen Mogensen Reserve and nature conservation and environmental efforts in the Nicoya Peninsula, he is a founding member of ASEPALECO, actively participating and serving on the board, including as president. He previously worked for the Costa Rican Ministry of the Environment and Energy in the National System of Conservation Areas, and is currently enjoying his retirement.

Luis Ángel Mena Aguilar - Prosecutor

Do You Have Any Questions?

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