Welcome to the Association Wak Ka Koneke!

The Wak Ka Koneke Association is a Bri Bri indigenous organization and is one of a network of community development organizations in the southern Caribbean county of Talamanca, Costa Rica. Our group of a just a few dedicated individuals is committed to the sustainable development and conservation of natural resources for the people of the place we call home, the Kèköldi Indigenous Reserve. Our initiatives include Avian Ecology research and observation (raptor migration counts at the observation tower and resident and migratory species studies using mist nets and point counts), conservation and restoration of the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), native species reforestation, and conservation land acquisitions.

Wak Ka Koneke is also a leader in the local Community Ecotourism Network and has recently finished the construction of a rustic lodge that has converted into the Kèköldi Scientific Center. We arrange visits and field studies opportunities for individuals, families, and special groups.  All of these activities are designed to serve as tools for protection of natural resources as well as socioeconomic development.   

The Kèköldi Indigenous Reserve measures approximately 3,538 hectares and ranges from 22 to 300 meters above sea level.  The terrain is mostly slopes greater than 45 degrees, but there are also flat areas.  The vegetation is a mosaic of primary and secondary forests, abandoned cacao plantations and private farms.  The reserve is a part of the Talamanca-Caribbean Biological Corridor, more than 36,000 hectares of land and 5,400 marine area under protection.  La Amistad International Park, the Hitoy Cerere Biological Reserve, the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, other indigenous reserves and several private lands are also part of the Biological Corridor. 

Asociación Wak Ka Koneke is leading the way in the development of educational development and scientific research in Talamanca. In collaboration with the many local and national conservation and sustainable development initiatives as well as institutions and organizations from all over the world, Kéköldi is helping to ensure that the benefits of ecoogical and educational tourism stay local. The development of the Field Studies Program is a tool to acheive just that.  We are constantly developing new opportunities for student groups, university and high school alike, to participate in courses and service learning acitivities. The Scientific Center also serves as a great base for Independent Research Projects as well. If you are interested in finding out more information please contact us. 

• Set up the iguana farm in 1997 and successfully accomplished breeding of iguanas.
• The reserve was recognized as an important site for migratory bird observation and as an attractive coastal tourist destination.
• Began to operate the scientific observation tower in 2000.
• Generated funds for the iguana farm from tourism. The entrance fee of $5.00 is used to manage the iguana farm and the surplus goes to help seniors and students.
• Received support from the Talamanca-Caribe Biological Corridor (CBTC).
• Constructed a research station