Shaman Alvino

This photograph of Shaman Alvino Fonseca as part of a series of portraits depicting subjects in a documentary about the preservation of tropical rainforest biodiversity. Alvino is a descendant of Costa Rica's indigenous BriBri tribe, and he has a vast knowledge of the medicinal uses of native plant species. He is seen here holding several of his most commonly used medicinal plants. Behind him is a garden of hundreds of medicines which he cultivates for himself and others in order to treat a wide range of illnesses. Scientific research is beginning to independently confirm the knowledge of plant-based treatments he and his ancestors have enjoyed for generations.

Shamanalvinoplantsmedicinecosta ricabribrigardenjunglerainforestcentral americaresourcesbiodiversityindigenousnative

From Costa Rica