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A family with a mission

Planet Conservation, since 2006

Planet Conservation was born from a dream of supporting local projects and multiplying their impact. Today it is an organisation full of passion, sustainability and commitment to the community.

Beate and Federico, founders of Planet Conservation, in front of a cabin with a palm-leaf roof — Beate and Federico, founders of Planet Conservation

From the Osa Peninsula to the South Caribbean

More than two decades ago, Beate and Federico fell in love with Costa Rica. That connection became a mission: turning passion into action.

2005
Osa Peninsula
Beate and Federico were living on the Osa Peninsula when they began taking groups of young travellers to discover its nature. They lived alongside local people and worked hand in hand on community projects: beach clean-ups, playgrounds, tree nurseries in schools and trail restoration in national parks.
2006
Planet Conservation is born
It started as a small family-run volunteer organisation and an agency for adventure travellers looking for personal, sustainable experiences close to the community.
2016
Asociación Conservación del Planeta
The project becomes a registered non-governmental organisation and reaches Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, in the South Caribbean, where our home is today.
Today
A network of impact
We offer volunteer adventures, sustainable travel programmes and Spanish immersion across the country. We connect people from all over the world with projects that protect ecosystems, care for communities and build a more sustainable future, together with partners such as Universidad Latina and Wayers, from Germany.

The South Caribbean coast seen from the air — The South Caribbean coast from the air

What guides us

Building community

We care about people, their environment and their quality of life. We know everything is connected, and we work to strengthen those ties through collaboration and care.
Commitment to sustainability

A better future is possible and every action counts. We are proud to be part of the solution and to leave a positive impact for the planet and the next generations.
Education as a driving force

Change begins with knowledge. We help new generations connect with their environment to grow environmental leaders who will build a sustainable tomorrow.

Our mission

To create a better world with commitment, joy and optimism. Every day we work to inspire a more conscious and sustainable future, and we enjoy every moment of the journey.

Our vision

Environmental education and the protection of Latin America's ecosystems and oceans. Through partnerships and shared capacity, we aim to leave a lasting impact on the communities we work with.

A year in numbers

What we did in 2025 with volunteers and communities, according to our technical study from February 2026.

37,995hours of volunteer work: Wildlife, turtles, education, social care and recycling.
380volunteers from all over the world: Together they worked 1,534 weeks on the projects.
490children in schools and kindergartens: Games, environmental education and English practice in 11 schools and kindergartens.
110workshops at Casita Caribe: Art, music, social circus, sport and healthy living for about 45 children in Puerto Viejo.
48beach clean-ups: About 400 kg of recyclable material recovered from the coast.
138,000caps transformed: About 300 kg of plastic turned into beads, earrings, necklaces, sunglasses and chess sets.

In the 2024 season, volunteers at the Corcovado turtle project also helped release about 9,600 sea turtle hatchlings.

What volunteers make possible

Over these two decades we have built a network of community projects and partnerships with national and international organisations, from conservation and sustainability to research and social responsibility.

Our projects run on the energy of volunteers: they become part of the team, immerse themselves in the local culture and drive initiatives that truly change things. Thanks to them we have been able to:

Support sustainable tourism practices.
Strengthen community resilience and livelihoods.
Protect critical ecosystems and marine environments.

Live and work alongside our local team, with days full of meaningful activities and the pura vida lifestyle: surf the Caribbean Sea, learn Latin dance moves and stretch on our yoga platform to the sounds of the jungle.

Two volunteers picking up litter on the beach — Beach clean-up with volunteers

Surf class: students with their boards on the beach — Surf class in the Caribbean

Join this journey

Change is a collective effort. We work with communities, companies and travellers to create solutions that inspire action. If you're ready for a transformative experience, write to us: together we can be part of the solution.