Experiencing Interruptions?

Coexistence: Building Corridors for People and Nature

Discover what it means for people and nature to live in harmony in Osa Conservation's official documentary: Coexistence. Meet the rangers, the ranchers, and the citizen scientists prepared to restore the landscape and prepare for changes as we face two major global crises: climate change and biodiversity loss. Follow the story of how one small Costa Rican town went from having a negative reputation in local history to being leaders in change.

  • Ian Rock
    Director
  • Andrew Whitworth
    Producer
  • Dailyn Souder
    Producer
  • Lucy Kleiner
    Producer
  • Yolanda Rodríguez
    Key Cast
  • Andrew Whitworth
    Key Cast
  • Eliecer Arguedas
    Key Cast
  • Rodrigo De Sousa
    Key Cast
  • Karen Delgado
    Key Cast
  • María Jose Mata Quiros
    Key Cast
  • Ian Rock
    Director of Photography
  • Ian Rock
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    Environmental Documentary, International Documentary
  • Runtime:
    44 minutes 27 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 1, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    Costa Rica
  • Country of Filming:
    Costa Rica
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Ian Rock

Ian Rock is a travel and conservation filmmaker based in Costa Rica. He is passionate about telling stories of humans and their connections to nature, especially about those on the frontlines of conservation who have dedicated their lives to protecting, understanding, and restoring wild places. A lifelong love of animals has brought him around the world to some of the most biodiverse and remote places. He is happiest in the field, surrounded by wildlife and passionate about humans working to protect the planet.

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Director Statement

When I first arrived in Rancho Quemado, the passion for conservation was palpable. It's not just a commitment; it's ingrained in their very identities. This shared dedication extends to anyone who collaborates with the community, making their stories a wellspring of hope and the genesis of our mission. Meeting the farmers committed to land restoration and the local teams involved provided a broader perspective. The impact of their work stretches far beyond what I initially envisioned.

What struck me most was the unwavering humanity at the heart of this endeavor. In every corner, there were thousands of stories, each with its unique perspective, all intertwined with the ecosystem, wildlife, climate change, and the restoration effort.

Although the work involves planting trees, wildlife surveys, or peccary protection, the core of it lies in the people.

For local communities, it's about realizing the incredible value in preserving their natural landscapes and forests. For policymakers, it's understanding that this form of restoration can be a powerful economic driver, fostering a more sustainable future for biodiversity, water resources, agriculture, and more, especially in the face of a changing climate.

For organizations seeking to fund their projects, the key lesson is that you cannot restore a place without involving the people who live there. Exposure and education are vital at every step. Thinking in generational terms is crucial. In summary, communication and collaboration with those on the frontlines are essential, always approaching them with the respect and acknowledgment that they possess knowledge you do not.

For me, this film aims to craft a narrative that serves as a guide, a map of possibilities. This project serves as a model that can be replicated worldwide. I want to reveal the true essence of restoration and the unwavering dedication required for lasting change. It's a solution that demands time and effort, but the impact it can generate is exponential in our quest for coexistence between humans and nature.