La Amistad International Park’s Second Quarter 2025 Report
Illegal logging was addressed in the community of Ollan, the indigenous territory of Salitre de Buenos Aires, where one hectare of forest was cleared to establish pasture for cattle production.
Introduction
This report summarizes key conservation efforts implemented by Global Conservation's Global Park Defense (GPD) in collaboration with SINAC across Costa Rica’s protected areas, in La Amistad International Park (PILA), during the first semester of 2025.
Environmental control and protection made significant progress during the evaluation period. A total of 157 operations were carried out to safeguard natural resources, which resulted in the seizure of goods valued at over USD $70,000. Additionally, over 25,000 kilometers of terrestrial patrols were conducted, and 28 environmental complaints were addressed, strengthening surveillance and response to ecological threats.
Road checkpoints were conducted on Route #2, specifically in Buenos Aires and El Brujo, to inspect documentation for timber transportation.
PILA Rangers.
Photographic Documentation
The following photographic record documents the main achievements reached during the period as part of environmental control and protection efforts. It includes visual evidence of some of the operations carried out. These images reflect the commitment to conservation and environmental protection, especially in key areas such as La Amistad International Park.
A report was made on a felled forest area where land use is being changed for the implementation of coffee plantations, and a chainsaw was confiscated for the crime of illegal logging in the community of San Isidro de Biolley. Sawn timber was found in the forest in the community of Bella Vista de Biolley.
Timber was confiscated in the community of Agua Caliente de Pittier, which had been felled without the corresponding permits.
Timber and a portable sawmill are observed. This operation took place in the community of Agua Caliente de Pittier.
Inspections were carried out on forest exploitation permits to verify compliance and respect for the protection areas of water bodies. Timber and a truck were confiscated for the crime of illegal timber transport in the community of Santa Marta de Buenos Aires.
Illegal logging was addressed in the community of Ollan, indigenous territory of Salitre de Buenos Aires, where one hectare of forest was cleared to establish pasture for cattle production.
Dredges were confiscated from the Cabagra River for the crime of riverbed diversion without the permits granted by the Water Directorate.
A total of 99 fish of various sizes were confiscated due to illegal fishing practices (use of casting nets) in the Ceibo River, located in the community of Ceibo de Buenos Aires. Four possible suspects were reported to the Buenos Aires Auxiliary Prosecutor's Office.
Eight iguanas were confiscated in the Ceibo River, located in the community of Ceibo de Buenos Aires. Four possible suspects were reported to the Buenos Aires Auxiliary Prosecutor's Office.
