CANOPY GUARDIANS 2027
Executive Certificate in Regenerative Leadership and Cloud Forest Ecology
A Forest Ecology Immersion to Drive Systemic Impact
March 1-7, 2027 | Costa Rica
At a Glance / Key Facts
An immersive learning experience to some of the most biodiverse and relevant forest ecosystems on Earth.
We look for participants with a positive, adventurous mindset who are comfortable with a tropical forest immersion, shared lodging, group living, changing weather, and flexible daily plans.
A spirit of adaptability, adventure, and mutual support is essential to the learning experience.
Certificate Awarded: Executive Certificate in Regenerative Leadership and Cloud Forest Ecology (Issuing Institution: Bionomía Institute).
Dates & Duration: March 1-7, 2027 (7 days / 6 nights).
Locations: San José (one night), Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (two nights) and Florestral Ecovillage (three nights).
Program Fee: USD $2,450 | Early Bird Rate: $2,150 USD for the first 8 participants through December 18, 2026.
Group Size Limit: Maximum 16 participants.
Language of Instruction: English.
Physical Activity Level: Light to moderate.
The best classroom on Earth is not a room —it’s a forest. Tropical canopies represent the last biotic frontier on land, serving as living laboratories to decode complex planetary challenges. Monteverde, among the most biodiverse cloud forests on Earth, is experiencing rapid micro-climatic shifts that have drawn global attention from PBS, The Guardian, and France 24. Although overall rainfall totals remain constant, climate change is drying out this invaluable primordial ecosystem. Unpacking the science behind Monteverde’s transformation is fundamentally redefining forest ecology and offering critical keys to preserving Earth’s most vital biodiversity hotspots.
This 7‐day immersive executive learning journey will start with an experiential deep dive into cloud forest ecology –in partnership with the Monteverde institute, co-founded by pioneering researcher and National Geographic Explorer Nalini Nadkarni. We will explore hyperdiverse Cloud Forest Reserves through expert workshops and guided hikes, before heading down the Pacific coast of Costa Rica to the Florestral Ecovillage, a regenerative intentional community, for a nurturing and insightful tropical forest retreat, where we will experience what is possible when you strip away the noise of the modern world and immerse yourself in the forest to integrate complex concepts into embodied wisdom, and distill it into concrete regenerative actions that you can take to drive systemic change.
This executive‐level field program will turn an embodied forest immersion into actionable skills, frameworks and insights to elevate your knowledge, your leadership, your sense of purpose, and your capacity to make life-affirming strategic decisions in your organization – and in your personal and professional life.
Led by Manuel Maqueda (Harvard University, Bionomía Institute), this exclusive learning program moves beyond theory into a visceral, field-based understanding of the living systems that shape our world. Shrouded by the tropical forest canopy and alongside a select cohort of visionary leaders, abstract ideas like biodiversity, planetary boundaries, keystone species, will become tangible and immediately applicable to your work.
What You Will Get
Field Experience & Living Ecosystem
- Field program In one of the most biodiverse forests on the planet, led by Monteverde Institute and inspired by the pioneering work and research of National Geographic Explorer Dr. Nalini Nadkarni. It includes hands-on workshops and forest walks in Cloud Forest Reserves, to understand both the challenges, and the opportunities for conservation and regeneration.
- A Journey to the Frontlines of Climate Change to witness and learn first-hand both the daunting challenges, and the beauty, resilience, and regenerative power of forests.
- A True Field Experience: explore nature reserves with local guides, travel the rural roads, and share simple forest lodging and communal meals in amazing natural settings.
Regenerative Frameworks & Leadership
- Regenerative Economics and Leadership training from Manuel
Maqueda (Harvard University Instructor, Bionomía Institute CEO), through accessible learning sessions and practices. - A nurturing Forest Immersion Retreat at the Florestral Ecovillage, dedicated to reflection, group exercises, and on-site practices to turn forest wisdom into actionable skills, frameworks and insights.
- A Regenerative Leadership Plan with concrete actions you will be able to roll out over the next 12 months in order to strengthen your regenerative impact.
Community, Certification & Impact
- A Cohort of Peers Who “Get It”. Build lasting relationships with a small group of leaders, practitioners, and change-makers facing similar challenges, who can become allies, sounding boards, and collaborators
long after the journey ends. - An Executive Certificate in Regenerative Leadership and Cloud Forest Ecology, issued by the Bionomía Institute (non-accredited, not affiliated with Harvard University).
- After-Program Integration, Resources, and Support to deepen your
practice, as well as and continued access to updates and opportunities
from the Bionomía Institute.
Learning Outcomes
Embrace Regenerative Thinking
Go beyond the failed traditional view of
“sustainability” and embrace transformative Circular and Regenerative frameworks.
Gain Forest Ecology Insights for Regenerative Impact
Immerse yourself in the ecology of hyperdiverse
tropical forests to internalize and integrate both the risks we are facing and the power of regenerative solutions.
Apply Systems Thinking
Move beyond symptom-patching. Learn to see the
interconnectedness of ecology, economy, and society by witnessing how they collide in Costa Rica.
Deepen your Purpose and Leadership
Let the Forest teach and transform you. Engage in site-specific lessons and exercises to boost your
Regenerative Leadership. Develop an actionable plan to amplify your impact.
Who Should Attend
Executives and Professionals
Leaders already committed to sustainability and seeking to deepen their applied regenerative thinking—and to take their clarity, purpose, and impact to the next level.
Sustainability-Minded Leaders and Change-Makers
Sustainability leaders looking for a profound shift in perspective through regenerative frameworks,
experienced directly on site in Costa Rica.
Investors, Fund Managers and Board Members
Mission‐driven capital allocators eager to
understand living systems and nature-based solutions more deeply—and to sharpen their impact.
Sustainability Students and Alumni
Ready to see theory come alive in one of the most relevant natural settings possible -and committed to taking their understanding, commitment, and practice to the next level.
Course Syllabus Overview
Cloud Forest Ecology
Understanding cloud forest ecology, threats and conservation
Regenerative Economics Frameworks
Understanding ecosystem services and regeneration
Planetary Boundaries & Nature-based Solutions
Understanding coupled human-Earth systems and how humans can partner with natural systems
Regenerative Leadership in the Anthropocene
Elevating our active purpose, resilience, and regenerative impact, and building an actionable Regenerative Leadership Plan
Your Lead Instructor
Manuel Maqueda
CEO, Bionomía Institute
Special Programs Instructor, Harvard University
Manuel is a special programs instructor of Applied Circular Economics and Regenerative Economics at Harvard University, and the co-founder of the Bionomía Institute. A recognized thought‐leader, business consultant, and a futurist thinker, Manuel helps organizations worldwide pivot from extractive models to regenerative innovation, and designs executive
education programs that provide professional training in economics, sustainability, and leadership for organizations worldwide.
Drawing on years of training and practice in group facilitation, adventure travel, and deep ecology, Manuel will weave together the academic and experiential dimensions of this journey, always oriented toward real‐world leadership and impactful organizational practice
Inspiration & Scientific Legacy
The Work of Nalini Nadkarni
Nalini Nadkarni, known as the “Queen of the Forest Canopy” is a Professor Emeritus of Biology, a National Geographic Explorer, and a co-founder of our partner for this executive program: the Monteverde Institute. Dr. Nadkarni’s pioneering research has been pivotal in understanding the role of epiphytes as keystone species in tropical forest ecology. In addition, Dr. Nadkarni has written and lectured on the topic of Trees and Spirituality, engaging people of many different faiths in the conservation of forests worldwide. Now in her 70s, she still vertically climbs 70 ft (30m) trees to further her research—and to nurture her connection to the canopy.
Although Dr. Nadkarni will not be joining us in Costa Rica, this course is greatly inspired by her work, and offered in partnership with the Institute she co-founded in 1986.
The Legacy of Joanna Macy
Joanna Macy (1929 – 2025) was a teacher of Systems Theory and a seminal author in the field of Deep Ecology. Her work connects the dots between ecology, systems science, leadership, and human potential, offering an actionable pathway to transform ourselves and our work in service of the regeneration of living systems.
Joanna’s concepts of The Great Turning, Active Hope, and The Work that Reconnects, along with systems thinking, are woven throughout the leadership elements of this course, and will guide us during our jungle retreat at Florestral. Joanna was a friend, a teacher and a mentor to lead instructor Manuel Maqueda. Her legacy continues to guide and inspire the work of all of us at Bionomía Institute.
Program Itinerary
March 1 | San José, Costa Rica
Our Journey Begins
Rendezvous at 6 PM in a hotel near the Juan Santamaría International airport of San José, Costa Rica. We will enjoy welcome drinks, introductions, an orientation, and a shared dinner to kick off our learning journey.
Overnight at the hotel.
March 2 | Monteverde Cloud Forest
Into the Last Biotic Frontier
After breakfast at the hotel we will travel by mini bus to the Monteverde Cloud Forest (about 4 hours), a first opportunity to examine the contrasts between development and preservation as we drive across rural Costa Rica.
Welcome lunch at Monteverde Institute. Afternoon epiphyte workshop by Nacho Loria – based on the work of Nalini Nadkarni. Transfer to the Biological Station. Introduction to the Regenerative Economics framework.
Dinner. Overnight at the Monteverde Biological Station.
March 3 | Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forests
Deep Dive into the Cloud Forest
Breakfast at the Biological Station. Transfer to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve -a 40 minute drive. Natural History hike led by naturalist Victorino Molina, co-founder of the Fundación Conservacionista Costarricense, a landmark organization leading forest restoration initiatives in the area. Journey back to Monteverde and lunch at the local Artisan’s Co-Op. Lecture “Regenerative Allies: Plants and Fungi” to be broadcast live via Zoom for Harvard students, followed by on-site workshops on Biodiversity, Conservation and Biomimicry with naturalist Mark Wainwright of the Monteverde Conservation League.
Pizza dinner andforest night hike with Mark. Overnight at the Biological Station.
March 4 | Pacific Coast Learning Road Trip
From Forest to Forest, along the Pacific Coast
7:30 am departure. A packed lunch will be eaten on the road. We will drive south along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, stopping on the way to view crocodiles (and scarlet macaws if lucky) on the banks of the Tárcoles, and/or to learn about plastic pollution on Guacalillo, and/or to swim at Bejuco Beach, and/or to learn about oil palm plantations near Quepos (flexible itinerary per weather and road conditions). Driving time is about 5 h (8.5 h with stops). Arrival at Florestral Ecovillage in the late afternoon. Welcome, orientation, and dinner.
Overnight at Florestral.
March 5 | Florestral Ecovillage
Integrating Forest Ecology and Regenerative Economics Frameworks
During our time at Florestral, we will enjoy an intentionally slow pace and a spacious learning program, allowing time to just be in nature and to connect with self, with peers, and with the land. During this time, we invite you to do a digital detox, avoiding or limiting screen time.
Morning embodied session. Breakfast. Guided Tour of the Florestral grounds and hike to La Diosa Waterfalls. Morning Learning Session in Nature: Integrating forest ecology with regenerative economic frameworks.
Lunch. Afternoon Learning Session in Nature: regenerative leadership in a turbulent world. Nature group activity.
Dinner and group sharing. Overnight at Florestral
March 6 | Florestral Ecovillage
Going Forth as Keystone Agents of Regeneration
Morning meditation and movement. Breakfast. Morning Learning Session: embodying planetary regeneration: applied strategies for Regenerative Leadership. Lunch. Afternoon Session in Nature: How to go Forth as Keystone Agents of Regeneration.
Executive Certificates in Regenerative Leadership and Cloud Forest Ecology will be issued to participants during our Canopy Guardians Graduation and Dinner.
Overnight at Florestral.
March 7 | Return to San José and Farewell
Our Journey Ends
Group farewell ceremony. Breakfast at Florestral and transfer to San José. This scenic drive takes about 4 hours and goes over Cerro de la Muerte, the highest point on the Pan-American Highway (3,335m / ~ 11,000 ft).
We expect arrival to the Juan Santamaría International Airport by 1 PM.
End of the 2027 Canopy Guardians Executive Program.
What Is Included
A Program Fee of $2,450 USD ($2,150 Early Bird) includes:
- Top-level instruction, workshops, and masterclasses. Participants will receive an Executive Certificate from Bionomía Institute.
- All accommodations and meals as described.
- All transfers described.
- Guide services for all activities—hiking, night forest walk, etc.
- 2x Carbon Compensation for all in Costa Rica travel.
What Is NOT Included
- International flights to and from your location to San José.
- Unexpected expenses as a result of weather conditions (including difficulties or cancellations due to road closures or
weather conditions) or flight or bus delays. - Travel and Emergency Medical Insurance (required).
- Any other item not listed above as included.
Monteverde Institute
Monteverde Institute is a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1986 to promote social, ecological and economic sustainability by integrating community initiatives with education, research and conservation.
In partnership with universities and schools primarily from the United States, Monteverde Institute has conducted extensive research and provided courses for thousands of students in topics such as sustainability, permaculture, and tropical and conservation biology.
Central to the work of Monteverde Institute has been the pioneering research on epiphytes led by one of its cofounders, Dr. Nalini Nadkarni. Monteverde Institute has put its research and activities in service of sustainability and conservation, experimenting to discover and apply in practice the best reforestation techniques for the native tropical forests. Notable ecosystem restoration activities have been performed in partnership with the Fundación Conservacionista Costarricense -whose cofounder will take us in a natural history hike of the nearby Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
For this learning journey, Monteverde Institute will be in charge of coordinating all logistics, transfers, meals, accommodations, guiding services and forest ecology instruction.
We are proud to be in partnership with such a landmark organization and look forward to being inspired and guided by them.
Visit Monteverde Institute.
* Photo courtesy of Monteverde Institute
Florestral Ecovillage and Retreat Center
In the mountains of Western Costa Rica, a group of passionate visionaries and artists have created Florestral: an intentional community and a forest retreat center –which also holds the largest music recording studios in Central America.
This area had been degraded by the encroachment of cattle ranching and teak wood plantations, and Florestral is one of several local initiatives that seek to restore the forest ecosystems while demonstrating that it is possible to live in a right relationship with the land.
At Florestral, shared facilities, gathering places and cabins for lodging are interspersed throughout the forest The Diamante River flows through the grounds, providing pools and small waterfalls for bathing, or just for being in the nurturing and cleansing presence of water.
Natural building techniques, vegetarian cuisine with local ingredients, and composting toilets are some of the features that testify to the care and intention of the founders and stewards of Florestral.
We are thankful to have the opportunity to be hosted by Florestral for the last three nights of this executive learning experience.
Visit Florestral.
Cohort Size: The program is limited to a maximum of 16 participants ensuring an intimate, high-engagement learning environment.
Admissions: To be admitted to the program, please send an email to info@bionomia.eco. You will be asked to fill out an application form. Applications are typically answered within 72 hours. If you are admitted, you will receive an email with registration instructions.
Payment: A 30% deposit confirms your place upon acceptance ($645 USD Early Bird / $735 Regular). Early bird deadline is December 18, 2026 (limited to the first 8 applicants). The remaining balance of 70% ($1,505 USD Early Bird / $1,715 Regular) is due on Friday, January 15, 2027 (45 days before departure). Late Admissions (applying after Jan 15) are subject to waitlist availability and must pay the full tuition ($2,450 USD) upon acceptance.
Payment Methods: Wire transfers preferred, major credit cards accepted.
Cancellation & Refund Policy (Summary): This is an overview; please refer to our full Terms & Conditions for the full legal text.
a) Participant Cancellation: Grace Period: If you cancel within 7 days of paying your deposit and more than 45 days before departure, your deposit is refunded in full. More than 45 Days Before Departure: You forfeit your 30% deposit ($645 USD Early Bird / $735 Regular) and owe nothing further; 44 to 30 Days Before Departure: You forfeit 60% of the total tuition ($1,290
USD Early Bird / $1,470 Regular) and receive a refund for the remaining 40% ($860 USD Early Bird / $980 USD Regular). 29 Days or Less Before Departure: The full tuition fee is non-refundable. Substitutions & Resale: You may transfer your place to a substitute participant at any time at no cost. If you must cancel and we are able to resell your place from the waiting list, we will refund all payments minus your initial deposit and a $150 USD administrative fee.
b) Program Cancellation by Bionomía Institute In the unlikely event that Bionomía Institute or our Technical Organizers (Monteverde Institute and/or Florestral Ecovillage ) cancel the program (e.g., due to extreme safety concerns, weather conditions, force majeure, or insufficient enrollment), you will receive a full refund of the tuition paid to Bionomía Institute ––but Bionomía Institute is not responsible for any costs related to your international flights or other independent travel arrangements you might have made.
Insurance Requirements: Comprehensive international travel insurance is mandatory for all participants. Your policy must explicitly cover trip interruption/cancellations as well as medical and emergency treatment, rescue and evacuation. The policy should cover Costa Rica. Participants must provide proof of the required insurance coverage by 45 days before departure. Failure to do so is treated as a cancellation by the participant, who will not be permitted to join the program. The cancellation terms above then apply, based on the date the deadline passes. Bionomía Institute will send a reminder and may grant a grace period of up to 7 days.
Bionomía Institute pioneers research, education, and innovation in
Circular and Regenerative Economics and Business.
Our mission is to accelerate planetary regeneration.
Get in touch
info@bionomia.eco
San Lorenzo de El Escorial, España
Berkeley, California