Karen and Olof: pioneers of conservation in Costa Rica

In the 1960s, long before Costa Rica became a global symbol of environmental conservation, a pair of idealistic Europeans decided to change the course of the country’s natural history. Nicolás “Olof” Wessberg, from Sweden, and Karen Mogensen, from Denmark, settled in the Nicoya Peninsula, drawn by the wild and untouched beauty of tropical nature.

After moving to Montezuma, they were shocked by the systematic destruction of forests and the loss of biodiversity. At a time when few spoke of environmental protection, they began mobilizing to defend Costa Rica’s natural wealth. Thanks to their determination and collaboration with local scientists and environmentalists, they played a key role in the creation of the country’s first national park: Cabo Blanco, in 1963.

Their commitment was both concrete and visionary: they succeeded in convincing the government and civil society of the importance of saving primary tropical forests and promoting a sustainable development model.

Sadly, this courageous stance came at a high price. In 1975, while working to protect a forest threatened by speculation, Olof Wessberg was murdered. His body was found weeks later, buried in a shallow grave—a tragic sign of how dangerous environmental advocacy could be. 2025 marks 50 years since his death, an anniversary that invites reflection and renewed commitment.

But the dream did not die. Karen Mogensen, now alone, transformed her grief into new strength and continued their mission. In her honor, in the heart of the Nicoya Peninsula, the Reserva Karen Mogensen was created—now a model of ecological management, biodiversity protection, and local community involvement.

Karen and Olof’s story is one of love for nature, sacrifice, and hope. Their legacy lives on in every hectare of forest saved, every species protected, and in Costa Rica’s identity as a green nation.

Foreste per Sempre OdV, active in Costa Rica for many years, is now a vital part of this legacy: it collaborates in the management of the Reserva Karen Mogensen, contributing in particular to the development and operation of the biological and climate monitoring station, a key tool for tracking ecosystem health and fighting the effects of climate change.

Supporting Foreste per Sempre means carrying forward the dream of Karen and Olof—a dream of ecological justice, living forests, and a possible future.