Our Story

Thanks largely to Rafael “Rafa” Gallo and his whitewater adventure company, Rios Tropicales, the Pacuare River still flows free. Rafa helped stop two hydroelectric dam attempts in 1990 and 2005. Over 35 years, he advocated for the river's permanent protection, fiercely protected the land from illegal logging and hunting, and planted close to 31,000 native hardwood trees in reforestation campaigns that have regenerated the region's biodiversity.

In 2020, after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Rafa focused on creating a conservation legacy initiative to protect and regenerate his beloved Pacuare River Valley. His close friends gave the organization the name RAFA – Rivers and Forests Alliance – to honor his nickname. After his sudden passing in March 2021, Rafa’s family and friends united to continue his lifelong work and carry forward the Rivers and Forests Alliance mission. His loss is felt acutely by the river and conservation communities worldwide.

Currently, the Pacuare River is protected from hydroelectric development through 2040 by a 25-year Presidential Decree, signed by former Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis in 2015. However, deforestation, illegal hunting, extraction of river materials, and agricultural pollution threaten the river and local communities.

While ecotourism is instrumental in protecting the Pacuare, it also puts environmental pressure on the river. Over the last 20 years, there has been a significant increase in the number of ecotourism businesses operating along a short stretch of the Pacuare River in the middle watershed. Within a stretch of 26.25 km (16.3 miles), there are 11 river lodges and 17 rafting companies operating, bringing thousands of tourists annually to this fragile ecosystem.

Our Guardians of the Pacuare program unites key stakeholders—including ecotourism businesses, conservation organizations, local communities, and government agencies—to protect the Pacuare River Basin’s forests, wildlife, and water resources. Our initiatives include reforestation, forest conservation, environmental education, habitat restoration, biological corridor connectivity, water quality monitoring, and working with ecotourism businesses to promote sustainable operations.

Please help us preserve and protect the Pacuare River Basin and Rafael’s legacy, Contact us today to get involved.

We thank you for your support and commitment to conservation.