The Community

The “El Mirador” community of 100 families, located at the center of the Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve.

The majority of community families are involved in the fishing industry and their main source of income is dependent upon the abundance of crustaceans and fish in the mangroves. They also work with livestock and agriculture, which in low season is their only source of income. Improvements to the Reserve’s access road were made possible through income generated by tourism in the area.

The community has begun offering classes to students on the importance of preserving the Reserve and on reversing ecological damage that has already been done.

The community also undertakes efforts to preserve the area’s natural resources, such as educating fishermen on the risks of overexploiting fish stocks.