Who we are
Our organization
Founded in 2022, Las Oncas' main purpose is the long term monitoring of jaguars in the Osa Peninsula and the Talamanca Mountain Range in Costa Rica, as well as the protection of their environment. Recognizing the loss of wild spaces in favor of agricultural expansion or urban areas, the urgency of their protection quickly became evident. In order to make a real impact and ensure a better world for future generations, the creation and expansion of our conservation reserve are our primary actions.
Convinced of the importance of making the results of our work visible and accessible, we attach great value on sharing the achievements obtained in the field.
Las Oncas is above all an ambitious and complementary team. Bound by the vocation to protect biodiversity, each member uses their experiences and skills to successfully carry out the initiatives led by the organization.
Our values
Responsibility
The notion of responsibility is closely linked to the constitution of Las Oncas. Convinced that the preservation of the planet and biodiversity is the duty of everyone and is not only charity, our ambition is to convey this vision to as many people as possible.
Creativity
Creativity is the cornerstone of Las Oncas' development. Through the presentation of our actions and the way of establishing connections with new partners, we provide a unique experience that goes beyond traditional sponsorship.
Social inclusion
Our vision of conservation is that it should be open to all and include as many people as possible. Everyone, regardless of their background, can play a significant role in the places where we carry out our conservation actions.
Rigor
As a result, we maintain the highest level of requirements in achieving our goals, executing our actions and choosing the right people to collaborate with.
Board of directors
Tico Haroutiounian is a conservationist and photographer who has dedicated his life to monitoring jaguars and protecting their environment. In 2022, after more than 10 years of fieldwork tracking and studying jaguars in the Osa Peninsula, he founded Las Oncas to better protect them.
César Termine has a background in software design and is a strategic leader who shapes the organization’s vision and drives its long-term strategy alongside Tico. In 2022, after working with various tech companies and developing the growth strategy for Tico’s Wild Studio, he co-founded Las Oncas with Tico Haroutiounian.
Javier Espinach has a background in engineering and is the founder of the La Cotinga Biological Reserve and Biological Station in the Osa Peninsula, a project dedicated to research and the conservation of natural resources through educational and scientific experiences. His expertise supports Las Oncas through valuable strategic guidance.
With a strong background in property management and hospitality, Johanna Bermudez brings extensive experience in overseeing large teams. A core member of the project since day one, she now leads all logistics and operational aspects of Las Oncas, ensuring the smooth execution of its day-to-day functions.
Juan José Jiménez is a well-known figure in the conservation field in Costa Rica and serves as head of SINAC (environmental authority) in the Osa Peninsula area. His experience helps guide Las Oncas in aligning its actions with national conservation efforts. He also acts as the representative of the Costa Rican government within Las Oncas.
Léopold Deconinck is a video editor who plays a key role in Las Oncas’ communication and social media strategy. As raising awareness through aesthetic and engaging content is essential to the organization’s mission, his work is instrumental in amplifying its impact.
Nito is a well-known figure in the Osa Peninsula and a renowned guide with over 600,000 followers on social media. Through his expeditions in Corcovado National Park, he shares compelling wildlife content that raises awareness about conservation. His influence makes him a strong ambassador for jaguar conservation in Costa Rica.
Kevin Ramirez has a background as a guide in Corcovado National Park and serves as Las Oncas’ camera trap network manager. He plays a key role in wildlife monitoring, coordinating regular camera trap checks and contributing to data collection and analysis.
TEAM MEMBERS
