Applied research guides the restoration of the Central Volcanic–Talamanca Biological Corridor

• A final project from CATIE’s Master’s Program in Management and Conservation of Tropical Forests and Biodiversity provides key tools for decision-making in one of Costa Rica’s most strategic landscapes.

The research conducted by Simón Torres Gaviria, a student from the 2023–2024 cohort of CATIE’s (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) Master’s Program in Management and Conservation of Tropical Forests and Biodiversity, addressed a concrete need: to strategically guide restoration actions in the Central Volcanic–Talamanca Biological Corridor (CBVCT) in order to maximize their impact on the provision of ecosystem services.

The study focused on providing technical guidance to the corridor’s coordinating team by integrating ecological and social information to identify where conservation and where restoration efforts should be prioritized across the landscape. To this end, Simón applied knowledge acquired during the master’s program—particularly in geographic information systems, landscape ecology, and landscape management—allowing him to adapt innovative methodologies and combine local stakeholders’ perceptions with data derived from remote sensing.

As a result, thematic maps were developed to identify priority areas for conservation and restoration within the biological corridor. These inputs were delivered and shared with the CBVCT management committee, strengthening evidence-based decision-making grounded in scientific knowledge and an understanding of the territory.

The project was made possible thanks to partnerships facilitated by CATIE, which connected the student with key landscape stakeholders, including staff from the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), who provided strategic spatial information and contributed their experience in corridor management.

After completing the master’s program, Simón is currently working as an intern with the Latin American Network of Model Forests, where he continues to apply his technical expertise to the sustainable management of landscapes in the region. For him, one of the key lessons learned is that research must go beyond academia and be shared with the communities that can directly benefit from its results.

“Choosing a thesis topic with real impact opens doors to communities and territories where our knowledge can generate tangible change,” he notes.

Enrollment is currently open for CATIE’s International Academic Master’s Program in Management and Conservation of Tropical Forests and Biodiversity. In addition, interested individuals may participate in a free professional development bootcamp, where they will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the program’s approach and access scholarships of up to 80%.

For more information, visit: https://www.catie.ac.cr/maestria-academica-internacional-en-manejo-y-conservacion-de-bosques-tropicales-y-biodiversidad/