Over 25 years ago Pacuare River rafting started, pioneered by outfitters like Rios Tropicales.  As the adventure tourism industry grew, limited employment opportunities opened up for El Tigre residents. Those jobs included working at the various Pacuare River eco-lodges, learning how to guide rafts on the river and lead naturalist tours in the rainforest. Residents also were introduced to the need for, and importance of, restoring the surrounding rainforest through tree-planting and permanent conservation. They now help manage and work in the Rios Tropicales Rainforest Restoration Preserve, over 2000 acres bordering El Tigre being replanted with native trees.With these changes came more education about sustainable practices in everything from farming and forestry to water conservation and recycling. Importantly, gender empowerment became more possible through this increased education and awareness.

Electricity and Telephone Service Arrives Within The Last Decade.
South-South Project Seeds Sustainable Development.

Ten years ago the community got electricity.  Six years ago, the phone service was introduced. In 2008, with the help of funding from the South- South Grant and guidance from Rios Tropicales, the families of El Tigre now had the opportunity to begin to develop sustainable businesses to support their families. Today, El Tigre is a model sustainable ecotourism rural community. El Tigre now welcomes national and international visitors to its various rainforest attractions, has modernized its one elementary school, and it connected to the entire world through its new Internet Cafe.