Our partners, the World River Centre, International Whitewater Hall Of Fame (IWHOF), International Rafting Federation and Rivers and Forests Alliance (RAFA), have announced a campaign to further the work and passion of Rafael Gallo, conservationist and adventure tourism innovator, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer earlier this year. Their effort to pursue missions he created and for which he advocated will culminate at the ceremony to welcome 2021 inductees to the International Whitewater Hall Of Fame (IWHOF) on 30 September at The Paddle Sports Show in Lyon, France.
For nearly four decades, Rafael, his family, staff, and partners of his renowned rafting and adventure travel company Rios Tropicales have passionately worked to preserve and regenerate Costa Rica’s rivers and forests from the ravages of irresponsible development. From stopping dams, to planting nearly 31,000 trees, to rallying travel clients and community members to save the rainforest, Rafael and his followers have fought ardently to protect the Pacuare River watershed and other rivers in Costa Rica.
Rafael (“Rafa”) passed away in March 2021, after a 14 month-long battle with cancer. In his final months, he worked hard to outline and communicate his conservation dreams of environmental stewardship and protection of his beloved Pacuare watershed region. His vision became RAFA – the Rivers and Forests Alliance. He planted the seed, and now his family and friends have united to honor his lifelong work and carry forward the Rivers and Forests Alliance (RAFA) mission.
To learn more about Project RAFA or to donate, please click here.