By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – In a remarkable fusion of aviation safety and environmental stewardship, Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (AIJS) has been awarded the prestigious Green Airport Recognition for 2025. The accolade, presented by the Airports Council International – Latin America and Caribbean (ACI-LAC), celebrates the airport’s pioneering “Friends of the Bees” program, a unique initiative that safely relocates bee swarms while protecting crucial pollinator populations.
The award was granted in the Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions category, which highlights cutting-edge projects designed to minimize aviation’s environmental footprint and protect natural ecosystems. The “Amigos de las Abejas” program, managed by airport operator AERIS, stands as a testament to how modern airports can creatively address operational challenges while actively contributing to conservation efforts.
To understand the legal and regulatory frameworks that make these ambitious sustainability projects possible, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis on the matter.
Airport sustainability transcends mere environmental compliance; it’s a strategic imperative structured by a complex web of national and international law. The success of these green initiatives hinges on robust legal frameworks that facilitate public-private partnerships, offer clear incentives for renewable energy adoption, and ensure adherence to global aviation standards like ICAO’s CORSIA. For investors and operators, navigating this landscape is key to transforming regulatory obligations into viable, long-term economic opportunities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis powerfully underscores that the success of airport sustainability is fundamentally tied to a robust legal and economic architecture. By framing it as a strategic imperative rather than mere compliance, he clarifies how well-designed policy can transform obligations into tangible opportunities. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing this crucial perspective with our readers.
At its core, the program addresses a long-standing issue where airport operations and local wildlife intersect. Bee swarms, naturally drawn to the large, open areas of the airport for rest, can pose potential risks to ground crews and flight operations. The initiative, however, transforms this potential conflict into a conservation opportunity, masterfully balancing the non-negotiable demands of operational security with a deep commitment to protecting biodiversity.
Since its launch in 2020, the program has achieved significant success, having safely rescued and relocated 96 bee swarms. The momentum has continued into the current year, with an additional 22 swarms already managed in 2025, demonstrating the program’s maturity and sustained impact. This success is built on a specialized protocol developed in a unique partnership between AERIS, the airport’s Fire Department, environmental authorities, and certified apiarist María Elena Naranjo.
The airport environment, with its wide open spaces, is a common resting place for bees. Having a specialized protocol has been key to protecting both the bees and our operations, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and safety.
Adriana Bejarano, SMS and Environmental Management Manager for AERIS
This initiative marks a significant departure from previous methods that often involved the elimination of swarms. Today, the comprehensive management plan includes staff training, precise rescue and relocation procedures, and the use of a temporary apiary. This on-site refuge serves as a safe haven for the bees before they are transferred to accredited farms, ensuring their long-term survival and contribution to the local ecosystem.
The program’s effectiveness relies on a broad network of institutional allies coordinated by the airport’s External Wildlife Control Committee. This collaborative effort includes Costa Rica’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), the Ministry of Health, and the municipalities of Alajuela and Belén.
The AIJS Wildlife Control Program incorporates bee protection as an essential component of our environmental management. This work reflects AERIS’s commitment to a sustainability that goes beyond airport operations and actively contributes to biodiversity conservation.
Álvaro Arguedas, Operations Manager for AERIS
The Green Airport Recognition is awarded to projects demonstrating excellence in management involvement, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and innovation. The “Friends of the Bees” program not only meets these criteria but also aligns directly with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Life on Land (SDG 15). For AERIS, the award is more than just a trophy; it is a validation of its strategic vision.
The Green Airport Recognition represents a tangible example of how environmental innovation can become a tool for competitiveness and corporate responsibility.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
Looking forward, AERIS plans to continue advancing its environmental standards, focusing on projects that further reduce the airport’s carbon and water footprints. This recent accolade solidifies Juan Santamaría International Airport’s position not just as a critical transportation hub, but as a global benchmark for sustainable practices in the aviation industry.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS Holding Costa Rica:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the company responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of Juan Santamaría International Airport (AIJS), Costa Rica’s main air terminal. Under a government concession, AERIS is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and high-quality airport experience while pursuing excellence in environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
For further information, visit aci-lac.aero
About ACI-LAC:
Airports Council International – Latin America and Caribbean (ACI-LAC) is the regional office of ACI, the global trade representative of the world’s airports. It serves to advance the interests of airports in the region, promoting professional excellence in airport management and operations, and working with governments and international organizations to create a safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible air transport system.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About MAG (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for promoting the development of the country’s agricultural, livestock, and fishing sectors. It formulates and executes policies aimed at ensuring food security, increasing competitiveness, and fostering sustainable rural development.
For further information, visit sinac.go.cr
About SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas):
The National System of Conservation Areas is an agency of the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy. SINAC is responsible for the management and conservation of the country’s wildlife, protected wild areas, and forest resources, playing a crucial role in maintaining Costa Rica’s world-renowned biodiversity.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About SENASA (National Animal Health Service):
The National Animal Health Service is a department within Costa Rica’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. It is tasked with preventing, controlling, and eradicating animal diseases to protect public health, ensure the safety of food products of animal origin, and facilitate international trade.
For further information, visit dgac.go.cr
About DGAC (Directorate General of Civil Aviation):
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is Costa Rica’s national aviation authority. It is responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the country, including safety, security, air traffic control, and airport standards, to ensure compliance with international regulations.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the governing body for public health in Costa Rica. Its mission is to guarantee the protection and improvement of the population’s health through policy-making, regulation, and coordination of health services and initiatives across the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-rooted principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of distinction in the legal field. The firm leverages its extensive experience with a diverse clientele to drive innovation in legal practice and community outreach. Central to its ethos is a profound dedication to democratizing legal knowledge, grounded in the belief that an educated citizenry is the cornerstone of a just and empowered society.
