• Cleanup of floating debris carried out in the Gulf of Nicoya and Isla San Lucas National Park
  • 484 kilograms of solid waste were collected thanks to the participation of 100 volunteers from various organizations during the initiative.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica. June 6, 2025. In commemoration of World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8), Amigos Isla del Coco (FAICO), in partnership with the Cocos Marine Conservation Area, the Pacific Marine Park, SC Johnson, and several public and private organizations, carried out a cleanup campaign to remove floating solid waste around Isla San Lucas National Park in the Gulf of Nicoya.

This was the first intervention of the year focused on collecting floating marine debris, and the third organized by Amigos Isla del Coco, with the goal of reducing the environmental impact of plastics in ecosystems that are key for biodiversity, artisanal fishing, and tourism.

“Costa Rica is 92% ocean, and protecting our oceans is protecting our future,” emphasized Faico.

Over the past five years, the organization has continuously supported cleanup initiatives in strategic sites such as Cocos Island, Isla San Lucas, and the Gulf of Nicoya.

Broad participation from institutions and the community

The event brought together 100 volunteers from institutions including the Cocos Marine Conservation Area, the National Technical University, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, the University of Costa Rica, the State Distance University, the National Training Institute, the Costa Rican Fisheries and Aquaculture Institute, the Red Cross, Costa Rica’s Fire Department, the Tourist Police, among others.

Companies and community organizations such as COONATRAMAR, the Puntarenas Chamber of Tourism, the Puntarenas Tour Operators Association, and Hotel Fiesta also provided logistical support, refreshments, and supplies.

More than collecting waste: raising awareness and building climate resilience

This initiative not only aims to collect waste but also to raise awareness, strengthen strategic alliances, and contribute to the implementation of a climate change mitigation plan for the area, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 14 on life below water.

The cleanup took place on Thursday, June 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., serving as an educational hands-on experience for volunteers and local stakeholders.

The effort culminated in the removal of 484 kilograms of floating solid waste, thanks to the combined work of volunteers, technical staff, and local communities. This is an important step toward protecting marine ecosystems and preventing coastal pollution. Recyclable waste collected will also have the potential to be reused in the future.