Results Through Science

Paso Pacifico depends on the latest, most cutting edge conservation science to inform all of our decision-making and to help endangered plants and wildlife avoid extinction and thrive in their natural habitats. Collaborative partnerships with Nicaraguan universities as well as international scientists and researchers are a major component of this program.

Paso Pacifico partners with landowners to conduct baseline studies and monitor wildlife. These studies provide training opportunities for our local partners, while research findings further inform our conservation actions and corridor design. For example, Paso Pacifico monitors populations of the Geoffroyi Spider monkey across the Paso del Istmo as an indicator of healthy forest patches. Identifying disruptions in spider monkey habitat helps us to identify future priority sites for reforestation.

With new data constantly coming in from the field, we are able to frequently adapt and adjust our programs to maximize our effectiveness. Paso Pacifico is currently forming a scientific advisory board that will further assist us in developing projects that will make a measurable impact on biodiversity conservation. 

The social sciences are also a critical component of Paso Pacific’s Conservation Science program and our efforts to strengthen local communities. Ethnographic, socio-economic data, and livelihood-specific data help Paso Pacifico to better understand attitudes towards wildlife and to identify the social drivers of land use along corridors. We use this information to collaborate with communities to identify restoration needs and innovative ways to preserve natural resources. 

As part of Paso Pacifico’s long-term goal of cultivating self-supporting communities, we meet with individuals to identify challenges and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, and we strive to create viable job opportunities and new sources of income within these communities. 


Paso Pacifico has also partnered with the Portable Light Project to provide small solar-powered lights to energy-poor Nicaraguan communities.  In rural homes without electricity, simple nightly tasks like finishing homework or household chores become possible for the first time. Paso Pacífico and Portable Light also worked together to develop a prototype for our Sea Turtle Rangers, which includes a soft red light that allows our rangers to monitor the light-sensitive sea turtles without disturbing them.