The biotope can be reached from the "Fronteras" community in Río Dulce by navigating three hours to Golfete. It can also be reached from the Livingston municipality, by river, in approximately one hour. From the North, it can be reached through the farms in the boundaries, while the central area can be accessed through the Chocón River. The many and uncomplicated entry points to the area demand active surveillance of human activities.

Four communities exist inside the biotope: Lagunita Salvador, Puntarenas, Creek Cáliz and Coco. These communities exert severe pressure upon the protected area. Apparently, Puntarenas and Creek Cáliz existed before the area was declared as protected (Ruiz, 2003 pers. comm.), although after declaration both communities have continued to grow into the protected area. CECON states that the communities established after the declaration are illegal, but next to nothing has been done to solve the problem. Invasion and land speculation are completely out of control and have greatly depleted the biotope.

Invaded area, in this case by people with high economic possibilities from the looks of the house they built (photo © PW-Guatemala)