Helping local leaders connect with donors and build community capacity at a time of need.

When the global pandemic resulted in the closure of Costa Rica’s borders and the total suspension of tourism in the country – its largest industry – Ann reached out Rebeca Quirós, a long-time friend, biologist/naturalist guide, and leader in the eco-tourism-dependent community of Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. Ann wanted to learn about the most urgent needs on the ground directly from those most impacted. When she heard that the sudden loss of income was preventing hundreds of Drake Bay families from putting food on the table, Ann worked with Rebeca and Amigos of Costa Rica , a U.S. nonprofit that receives funds on behalf of Costa Rican nonprofits, to develop an emergency fundraising campaign via the Amigos website.

Ann knew that for many former Travel with Ann participants, giving to the Drake Bay community would be a way to reconnect with powerful memories and dear friends at a time when travel was impossible. The campaign raised more than $12,000 for Drake Bay families. Rebeca and the Drake Bay Nature Guides’ Association (AGUINADRA) began a related campaign (Covirena) to train and provide a stipend to unemployed guides to protect against poaching and environmental damage in Osa. AGUINADRA’s inspiring leaders continue to strengthen local capacity through community engagement in such initiatives as road repair, beach clean ups, and physical improvements for the local school and health clinic. The Drake Bay campaign also helped inspire other communities’ emergency and capacity building campaigns around Costa Rica.