ABOUT ATEC
Adventure, wildlife and culture!
ABOUT ATEC
Our history
Talamanca, a canton located on the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, is home to vibrant and culturally rich communities such as BriBri, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo, among others. This region, blessed with abundant natural and cultural wealth, has witnessed significant changes over the years.
It all began in 1987, when a group of Talamanca residents, concerned about the rapid social, cultural, and economic changes brought on by the rise in tourism, started meeting. These gatherings reflected a deep love for their land and a desire to preserve their identity amidst the transformation. Tourism was emerging as a response to these changes, and in 1990, we decided to formalize our efforts. The Talamanqueña Association of Ecotourism and Conservation (ATEC) was born—a grassroots, nonprofit organization with a mission to promote ecological and nature-based tourism in Talamanca, while preserving communal values and fostering cultural expression.
In 1991, the paving of the main road connecting Talamanca to San José made our region more accessible. This development brought in new influences, which in turn spurred the rise of businesses catering to tourists: private transportation, imported food, non-local guides, swimming pools, and entertainment. However, with these opportunities came challenges. We noticed that the local culture and traditional economic opportunities were beginning to be impacted.
Aware of these changes, ATEC decided to take action. We joined forces with our neighbors to explore alternatives that would help preserve our family farms while highlighting the unique value of our forests and our rich and diverse cultures. In 1992, we launched our first training program, where we prepared sixteen community members to become nature guides throughout the region. This was just the beginning, as we continued to offer more training to strengthen our commitment to the community and the environment.
Today, ATEC remains a cornerstone in Talamanca, promoting ecotourism that respects our roots, preserves communal values, and fosters sustainable development for future generations.
OUR STORY
Through the Years
ABOUT ATEC
Our mission
Our mission is to protect the territory (culture/society/nature) of Talamanca through the strengthening and alliance of the community organization, preserving the historical and cultural dynamics of the canton and preventing it from undergoing irreversible changes.
ABOUT ATEC
Our vision
Continuing to be the leading organization in Talamanca, guiding comprehensive regenerative development through community awareness, circular economy, local cultural empowerment, intercultural dialogue, and ecosystem preservation to dignify every form of life inhabiting the canton.
ABOUT ATEC
Our values
Respect
Self-awareness
Empowerment
Listening
Alliance
Teamwork
Solidarity
Equity
Responsibility
Tolerance
Our team
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General Assembly: The general assembly is made up of people from the canton of Talamanca who are affiliated with the organization. Currently ATEC has 80 members.
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Board of directors: ATEC has a board of directors with 6 key positions, presidency, vice-presidency, secretary, treasury, board member and fiscal, all of them affiliated to the NGO.
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Executive team: ATEC has a team in charge of the daily operation of the NGO, which works to achieve the organization’s goals. The team is in charge of administrative and financing tasks, NGO strategy, development and project execution.
