About Quetzal Conservation

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Project Quetzal Paradise works with farmers in the area to involve them in the conservation of this mountainous ecosystem where the resplendent quetzal lives. In return, the farmers benefit financially from ecotourism. The project, spearheaded by the Paradisio Quetzal Lodge started about a decade ago and has already collaborated with more than 20 families. Hector Wiliams, shown here with me, was the first farmer to work on the project.

At the time, Hector’s main livelihood came from growing blackberries, strawberries and other crops. He didn’t know much about conservation, nor the quetzal then. In fact, he was about to cut down an aguacatillo tree on his farm—the tree on which quetzals feed—because he wanted more space and sunlight for his crops.

Luckily, his son, who was working with the hotel Quetzal, heard about the opportunity for farmers to get involved with Project “Paraiso Quetzal.” He encouraged his father to join the project. Hector kept the tree on his farm and started to receive income from the tourists coming to the region in search of the quetzal. Shortly after Hector joined the project, other local families wanted to contribute as well.