Who we are
About ASOPROP GM
A community organization formed by landowners who have lived in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge for years, organized to actively participate in its co-management and support MINAE.
Our history
Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge
ASOPROP GM is made up of landowners who have spent years living inside the Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge, knowing its biodiversity, its challenges, and its enormous ecological and cultural value.
We organized formally because we believe that private landowners within the refuge have not only the right, but the responsibility to actively participate in its co-management. We want to be a bridge between the community and government institutions, especially MINAE and SINAC, to contribute to the protection of the refuge from within.
Our association was founded with the commitment to work in a transparent, respectful and collaborative manner, contributing the knowledge that only those of us who live here can offer, while defending the rights that belong to us as landowners within a mixed-category refuge.
Mixed-category refuge
Private property with environmental management
The Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge is a mixed-category refuge, meaning that within its boundaries both state-owned land and privately titled properties coexist under a special conservation and sustainable use regime. This classification is fundamental to understanding the role of ASOPROP GM.
Recognized private property
Landowners within the refuge hold legally valid property titles. The mixed refuge status does not eliminate or suspend these private property rights.
Right to co-management
The mixed category enables private landowners to actively participate in the co-management of the refuge, in coordination with MINAE, SINAC and other government institutions.
Support for MINAE
ASOPROP GM was founded with the vocation of supporting MINAE's work in protecting the refuge, contributing local knowledge and the permanent presence of those who live here.
Defense of rights
We ensure that the rights of private landowners are respected in all planning, regulatory and management processes of the refuge.
This mixed-refuge status distinguishes Gandoca-Manzanillo from other protected areas in the country and is the reason for ASOPROP GM's existence as a representative organization of private landowners.
Mission
To represent and defend the rights and interests of private landowners of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge, actively participating in its co-management and supporting MINAE's work, to guarantee the conservation of the refuge and the quality of life of the community.
Vision
To be a strong, transparent and recognized association that fully exercises its role in the co-management of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge alongside MINAE and SINAC, serving as a model of community participation in the management of mixed-category protected areas in Costa Rica.
Our values
Conservation
We protect the biodiversity and ecosystems of the refuge as a heritage of humanity and future generations.
Community
We work for the well-being of the families who live in and depend on the refuge.
Collaboration
We work hand in hand with MINAE, SINAC and other institutions to achieve effective management of the refuge.
Responsibility
We embrace our commitment to responsible environmental stewardship as landowners within a protected area.
Conservation partners
Organizations we work with
ASOPROP GM actively collaborates with conservation programs and projects present in the refuge and its surrounding area. These partnerships strengthen our capacity to protect biodiversity and support local communities.
Marine conservation
Cahuita Sea Turtle Conservation Program
A program dedicated to monitoring and protecting sea turtles that nest on the beaches of Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean, including the beaches of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge.
Bird conservation
ARA Project — Macaw Conservation
A project focused on the recovery and protection of macaw (lapa) populations in Costa Rica, with an active presence in the Caribbean region and forested areas of the refuge.
Does your organization work in the refuge? Contact us to explore collaboration opportunities.
Board of directors
Association leadership
ASOPROP GM's board of directors is elected at the general assembly by active members. The current board of directors is presented below.
President
Guillermo Lizano B.
Vice President
Roberto Cordero
Secretary
Andrés Hernández
Treasurer
Rubén Valdez
Board Member
Sunny Rudnay
Legal framework
Bylaws and official documents
ASOPROP GM is legally established under Costa Rican law. Its bylaws, assembly minutes and other official documents are available for review by members.
Association bylaws
Founding document and internal regulations of ASOPROP GM.
General assembly minutes
Record of resolutions adopted at ordinary and extraordinary assemblies.
Activity reports
Annual reports of activities and board of directors management.
To request documents, contact us directly.
Contact Us