FAICO celebrates 30 years of inspiring marine conservation

  • Strategic partnerships, key cooperation, and new commitments consolidated 30 years of experience.
  • FAICO, as part of the framework agreement with SINAC and ACMC, submitted the General Management Plan for Cocos Island National Park, specific plans, as well as five studies.
  • A cooperative agreement between FAICO and Conservation International promises to expand efforts to protect and sustainably manage resources in the two ACMC protected areas.

San José, February 26, 2025 – Friends of Cocos Island Foundation (FAICO) celebrated its 2018 International Conference on the Thirty-First Ordinary General Assembly of Sponsors, an event that brought together authorities, scientists, strategic partners, and sponsors for the celebration of three decades of impact on the conservation of Cocos Island and its marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

During the Assembly, the main achievements of 2024 were presented, highlighting the strengthening of conservation initiatives, collaboration with national and international institutions, and the challenges in managing the Cocos Marine Conservation Area (ACMC).

One of the most significant moments of the day was the symbolic donation ceremony in which the General Management Plan for Cocos Island National Park (CINP), along with five specific plans and five studies, were handed over to the ACMC. These documents represent valuable tools for achieving effective management of ACMC’s protected wildlife areas.

“Working together with FAICO and the ACMC is key to the conservation of Cocos Island and its surrounding ecosystems. The delivery of these plans and studies will strengthen the protection and conservation of these unique sites», commented Johanna Carrión, Re:Wild Regional Coordinator.

On the other hand, Gina Cuza Jones, ACMC Regional Director, highlighted the importance of cooperation among institutions:

“The collaborative work among the ACMC, FAICO, and strategic partners such as Re:Wild and Conservation International, among others, and with state institutions, has been crucial to strengthening the management of Cocos Island National Park and its associated ecosystems. The efforts presented today reflect the tangible commitment of all parties to continue protecting this natural sanctuary.”

In addition, as part of the cooperation with strategic partners, a cooperation agreement between FAICO and Conservation International Costa Rica was signed, which will allow for expanded joint efforts in the protection and sustainable management of resources in the two protected areas of the ACMC, Cocos Island National Park (CINP) and the Bicentennial Marine Management Area (BMMA).

“This agreement allows us to consolidate the impact of our marine conservation efforts in the country. Cocos Island National Park and the Bicentennial Marine Management Area safeguard key ecosystems in the Eastern Tropical Pacific and around the world, and with this partnership, we reiterate our commitment to strengthen strategies for the protection, management, and scientific monitoring of these vital areas, said Ana Gloria Guzmán, Executive Director of Conservation International Costa Rica.

In recognition of the work of those who have dedicated their lives to the protection of the Island, FAICO paid tribute to the park rangers of the Cocos Marine Conservation Area, especially to Guillermo Blanco, recently retired ACMC park ranger, whose knowledge and experience has been key in the study and conservation of the terrestrial biodiversity of Cocos Island National Park.

“Cocos Island is my home, and it has been a privilege to dedicate my life to its conservation. Seeing the commitment of so many people gathered today gives me hope that this work will continue stronger than ever, expressed Guillermo Blanco, excited by the recognition received.

Another highlight was the launch of the Cocos Island Geoportal, an innovative digital platform that centralizes and facilitates access to geospatial data from the Cocos Island National Park and the Bicentennial Marine Management Area. This interactive geoportal allows users to view, consult, and download geographic information in various formats, including 3D maps of the island’s biodiversity, historical, cultural, and geological heritage, as well as topographic data, water networks, and trails.

Its development has been made possible through collaboration among FAICO, ACMC, the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI), and other partners, benefiting administrators, researchers, scientists, and the public by supporting informed decision-making, fostering research, and promoting environmental education. The geoportal is available for free at www.cocosisland.org, and there is no need to register to access its tools.

The Assembly concluded with a space for reflection and celebration, where attendees were able to tour the Islets of Cocos Island, an exhibition with information about FAICO’s ongoing projects, and they toasted to the island, with entertainment by the talented Costa Rican saxophonist Lucia Sax.

“This Assembly reminded us of the importance of teamwork.  For 30 years, FAICO has been a bridge between science, management, and civil society. We will continue working with the same passion and commitment to Cocos Island and its marine protected areas, emphasized Alejandra Villalobos, Executive Director of Faico.

FAICO invites the community to learn about its 2024 Work Report, where we share our achievements, efforts, and impact on marine conservation in the region.