FUNDACIÓN PARA EL DESARROLLO DE LA ECOLOGÍA Y EL MEDIO AMBIENTE
About us
Connecting forests, rivers and communities in the Western Region (Occidente) of Costa Rica since 1995. The Foundation for the Development of Ecology and the Environment of the Potreros de Puax (FUNDEMA PP) was born out of a commitment to the active conservation of the territory.
Our History and Roots
With operational roots dating back to December 4, 1995, our organization has evolved to lead the protection of watersheds and the creation of biological corridors in the western (Occidente) part of the Central Valley of Costa Rica.
Our name pays tribute to the Potreros de Puax, a historical and geographical designation that encompasses key cantons such as Grecia, Sarchí, Naranjo, Zarcero and Poás.
Learn about our full story: Read more about our territorial origins in our blog article: "The Potreros of Puax: Historical and Ecological Legacy."
MISSION
Connecting forests, rivers and people in the West (Occidente) Region
to protect biodiversity, mitigate the
climate change and cultivating development
conscious community in harmony with
nature.
VISION
To be the leading organization in the West (Occidente)
region of Costa Rican for the consolidation of corridors
biological resources through land stewardship, the
Scientific research and strategic alliances
intersectoral.
Board of Directors and Leadership
At FUNDEMA-PP, we combine strategic leadership, scientific research and innovation to protect the natural heritage of the (Occidente) Western Region of Costa Rica.
However, our impact is only possible thanks to the valuable support of our volunteers, donors, and partner organizations.
Together we form a committed network that transforms the vision of conservation into real actions for our community.
President, Founder of Fundema PP, Biologist, Researcher and Socio-Environmental Manager
Alberto Hámer Salazar Rodríguez
Hámer Salazar is the founder of Fundema PP, a biologist, researcher, and socio-environmental manager, as well as the CEO of HC Editores.
As a retired professor from the University of Costa Rica, he has extensive experience in wildlife conservation, water resource management, and community activism in the Western Region.
The author of more than a dozen books and hundreds of articles, he combines scientific research with active advocacy for the country’s natural heritage.
Municipal Representative, Member of the Board of Directors of Fundema PP, Founder of Primates de Grecia and Technology Professional
Francis Suárez López
Francis Suárez López, originally from Tacares de Grecia, is a professional in the area of technology, a member of the board of directors of Fundema PP (Municipal Representative) and the founder of Primates of Grecia.
Combining his technical skills with a deep passion for conservation, Francis leads projects focused on documenting, protecting, and raising awareness of local wildlife in the (Occidente) Western Region of Costa Rica.
Treasurer
Orlando Vega Marto
Orlando Vega Maroto is a prominent local businessman, community leader, and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of FUNDEMA-PP.
With deep roots in the canton of Grecia, Alajuela, Orlando combines his solid experience in business management and institutional leadership to ensure transparency, financial sustainability and operational success of the foundation's environmental projects.
Marketing & Communication
Mariëtte Pepping
Mariette (Mari) Pepping is a marketing and communications strategist, a Gallup-certified strengths coach, and the founder of MariMundo. With years of experience leading corporate marketing globally. Born and raised in the Netherlands, Mariette combines international best practices with her new roots in Costa Rica.
At Fundema PP, she leads the comprehensive marketing and communications strategy, helping to amplify the foundation's voice and regional impact. Her work focuses on strengths-based growth, developing clear narratives, and transforming strategic vision into concrete actions.
Fundema PP Pillars
Our commitment to the Western Region (Occidente) of Costa Rica is firmly built on three fundamental pillars: Conservation, Community, and Cultivation. We focus on Conservation by protecting local biodiversity and natural ecosystems, and build Community by connecting the efforts of volunteers, scientists, and businesses with the real needs of our environment. In this way, we Cultivate sustainable development and a culture of environmental respect that positively transforms our communities for generations to come.
Conservation
Our Mission in Action
We conserve the (Occidente) West region of San Jose Costa Rica by purchasing and safeguarding critical lands to connect rivers and biological corridors.
We protect at-risk areas to ensure the passage of wildlife and the health of our watersheds.
With each donation, we expand this natural refuge, transforming resources into forests protected forever.
Community
Nature for all
At Fundema PP, we promote our Community pillar by uniting volunteers, companies, students and scientists in an active network that works for the protection of our regional environment.
We foster dynamic partnerships that link technical knowledge with community action, facilitating spaces where sponsoring companies, private donors, and local researchers work together to enhance their impact in the field.
From our team building days to participatory wildlife monitoring, we grow as a community so that caring for the biodiversity in this beautiful part of Costa Rica is a goal shared by all.
Cultivation
Love for the environment
At Fundema PP, we promote a culture of respect through environmental education, community workshops, volunteering, and research.
We promote conscious development, teaching how to integrate construction with the environment: protecting forest cover and designing rainwater absorption systems to manage our intense rainfall.
From our educational routes to technical advice, we cultivate solutions where progress and nature coexist in harmony.
Institutional Values
Commitment
We are committed to the cause of conservation and sustainable development.
Respect
We respect diversity, culture, and the values of people and the environment.
Transparency
We operate transparently and responsibly in all our activities.
Innovation
We seek creative and sustainable solutions to environmental and social challenges.
Collaboration
We foster collaboration with partners, communities, and other organizations to achieve a positive impact.
Ethics
We act with integrity and ethics in everything we do.