By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — A groundbreaking Costa Rican project, “De Vuelta a Casa” (Back Home), is making waves internationally for its innovative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in marine restoration. The project, a collaborative effort between Imperial and FIFCO, has been accepted as a case study for the prestigious International Conference on Computer Vision (ICCV 2025) in Hawaii.
The project addresses the urgent environmental problem of massive seashell extraction by developing a computer vision system that pinpoints the coastal origin of confiscated shells, enabling their safe return to the ecosystem. This innovative approach has already processed over 70,000 images and utilizes its own database, BackHome19K, which will be open-sourced for the global scientific community.
To understand the legal ramifications of burgeoning AI technologies, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence presents novel challenges for our legal frameworks. Issues surrounding intellectual property, liability in autonomous systems, and data privacy require careful consideration and proactive legislation. Businesses integrating AI must be vigilant in navigating these evolving legal landscapes to ensure compliance and mitigate potential risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas aptly highlights the crucial intersection of law and rapidly evolving AI technology. Indeed, the legal implications of AI are profound and demand a proactive, rather than reactive, approach from lawmakers and businesses alike. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable expertise on this critical topic.
The study, “Back Home: A Computer Vision Solution to Seashell Identification for Ecological Restoration,” will be presented at the ICCV 2025, a leading forum for AI advancements. Co-authored by Alexander Valverde, Luis Solano, and André Montoya, the publication validates the technical and ecological significance of this Costa Rican solution.
The recognition underscores the project’s scientific rigor and its potential for global replication. The tool is already being utilized by wildlife officials in Costa Rica, demonstrating its practical application in conservation efforts.
The fact that this project has been referenced for a scientific case study reaffirms that from Costa Rica we can generate solutions with global impact. ‘De Vuelta a Casa’ was born as a local response to an urgent environmental problem, and today it is validated by science as a replicable model. When purpose, technology and alliances come together, they transform the way we protect our ecosystems.
Maria Pía Robles, Director of Corporate Relations at FIFCO
Beyond the scientific acclaim, “De Vuelta a Casa” is actively making a tangible difference. In July 2025, over 150 volunteers participated in the project’s second session of the year in Guanacaste (Liberia and Playa Conchal). This effort brought the total number of classified shells in 2025 to over 120,000, with over 1.2 tons returned to the sea (1.1 tons to the Pacific and 100 kilograms to the Caribbean).
The project’s reach is expanding to new regions, fostering environmental awareness, and forging partnerships with organizations like Guanacaste Aeropuerto to enhance its impact and ensure its long-term sustainability.
The success of “De Vuelta a Casa” demonstrates how local initiatives, driven by purpose and empowered by technology, can address pressing environmental challenges and offer solutions with global implications. The project’s recognition at ICCV 2025 is not just a win for Costa Rica but a testament to the power of innovation in conservation.
For further information, visit fifco.com
About FIFCO:
Florida Ice and Farm Company (FIFCO) is a Costa Rican food and beverage company known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. They produce a wide range of products, including beer, spirits, juices, and snacks. FIFCO is actively involved in environmental and social initiatives, aiming to create a positive impact on the communities where they operate.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Imperial
About Imperial:
Imperial is a prominent brand of beer produced by FIFCO in Costa Rica. It plays a significant role in the Costa Rican market and is often associated with local culture and traditions. Its involvement in the “De Vuelta a Casa” project aligns with the brand’s growing focus on environmental responsibility.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative legal solutions and a proactive approach to sharing legal knowledge, the firm fosters a more informed and just community. Their dedication to serving clients across a diverse range of sectors is matched only by their passion for driving positive change through accessible legal education and advocacy.
