About Us

Discover Planet Conservation: A Family’s Mission to Inspire Change

Planet Conservation began as a dream to make a difference for local projects and amplify their impact. Over time, it has blossomed into a vibrant organization that embodies passion, sustainability, and community engagement. More than two decades ago, Beate and Federico fell in love with Costa Rica. This enduring connection led to the founding of Planet Conservation in 2006, transforming their passion into a mission of meaningful action.

A Unique Journey in Conservation and Sustainability

Planet Conservation started as a family-run volunteer organization, but our mission has always aimed higher: to inspire meaningful change through environmentalism, education, and sustainable travel. Nestled in the heart of this beautiful and biodiverse country that we proudly call home, we invite adventurers worldwide to experience Costa Rica’s extraordinary beauty while contributing to its preservation.

Our journey began with creating a small agency tailored for adventure travelers seeking personalized experiences that blend sustainability and community engagement. Today, Planet Conservation connects people from all walks of life to impactful projects that protect ecosystems, nurture communities, and promote a more sustainable future.

Our Core Values

At Planet Conservation, our work is guided by deeply held beliefs:

  • Building Communities: We care about people, their environment, and their quality of life. Recognizing our interconnectedness, we strive to strengthen these bonds through collaboration and care.
  • Commitment to Sustainability: A better future is possible, and every action matters. We’re proud to be part of the solution, creating positive impacts for our planet and future generations.
  • Education as a Catalyst: Change begins with knowledge. By empowering new generations to connect with their environment, we’re cultivating environmental leaders who will shape a sustainable tomorrow.

A Mission Rooted in Joy and Action

Our mission is simple yet profound: to create a better world through commitment, joy, and optimism. Every day, we work to inspire a more conscious and sustainable future—and we cherish every moment of this journey.

Our vision builds on this mission, emphasizing environmental education and the protection of Latin America’s ecosystems and oceans. By fostering partnerships and building capacity, we aim to create lasting impacts on the communities we serve.

A Network of Impact

Planet Conservations journey began in 2005 on the magical Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica where Beate and Federico lived at the time and first brought groups of young travelers to explore this beautiful nature, while living with the local people and working hand in hand in community projects like beach cleanups, building playgrounds and tree hatcheries in local schools, help with national park trail restoration and much more. In addition to the intercultural exchange volunteers could support local initiatives hands-on and live an unique experience in one of the most biodiverse areas of the planet.

Today, Planet Conservation has evolved into a leading provider of volunteer adventures, sustainable travel programs, and Spanish language immersion across the country, with active programs that combine Spanish classes, exciting adventures, cultural immersion as well as community and volunteer work. Our mission is to empower each participant to learn, grow, participate and connect with like-minded people from around the world. 

Our programs offer participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with environmental projects, such as sea turtle conservation, and to engage in sustainability initiatives like our recycling program. This program combines beach cleanups, support for local recycling facilities, and the transformation of plastic waste, creating a network between local organizations and volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Together, we work to combat pollution and promote environmental education within the local community.

Live and work alongside our local team, filling your days with meaningful activities while immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture and the pura vida lifestyle. Surf the stunning Caribbean Sea, learn Latin dance moves, and stretch on our yoga platform to the soothing sounds of the jungle.

These experiences foster lasting friendships with the people you meet and the places you visit, all while contributing to real environmental impact and conservation efforts.

Over the past 18+ years, we’ve built a unique network of community projects and partnerships with both national and international organizations. This network enables us to address diverse topics, from conservation and sustainability to research and social responsibility. Our approach integrates local culture, nature, and community engagement, ensuring impactful and enduring outcomes.

Our projects thrive on the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers. These dedicated individuals become integral members of our team, immersing themselves in local culture while driving initiatives that lead to real change. Thanks to their efforts, we’ve been able to:

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

Join Us on This Life-Changing Journey

At Planet Conservation, we believe change is a collective effort. By collaborating with communities, corporations, and travelers, we create solutions that inspire action and foster hope. If you’re ready to embark on a transformative experience, contact us today. Together, we can be part of the solution and build a brighter, more sustainable future!

Where we are

We are based in the stunning Caribbean region of Costa Rica, where we host our volunteers in the heart of the rainforest, just a short distance from the ocean. Our efforts center on impactful conservation initiatives such as beach cleanups, reforestation, and recycling (learn more about Plastic Free Planet). We also prioritize environmental education and social work with local youth through projects like Casita Caribe. Beyond our local endeavors, we collaborate on nationwide initiatives, including Sea Turtle Conservation, and design Community Projects for group participation and collective impact.