By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – In a significant acknowledgment of its commitment to environmental stewardship, the Juan Santamaría International Airport (AIJS) has been honored with the prestigious Green Airport Recognition 2025. The award, presented by the Airports Council International – Latin America and Caribbean (ACI-LAC), celebrates an innovative program that transforms a potential operational hazard into a flagship biodiversity project.
The winning initiative, “Friends of the Bees,” was developed by AERIS Holding Costa Rica, the airport’s operator. This pioneering program successfully merges the critical priorities of operational safety with proactive biodiversity conservation, setting a new benchmark for sustainable practices within the aviation industry. The award was granted in the highly competitive “Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions” category, underscoring the project’s global relevance.
To better understand the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding airport sustainability initiatives, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise offers a crucial perspective on how environmental law, international agreements, and corporate governance intersect within the aviation industry.
True airport sustainability is no longer just a public relations goal; it has become a critical pillar of corporate governance and risk management. Operators now navigate a complex web of national environmental laws and international mandates like ICAO’s CORSIA scheme. Proactive investment in sustainable infrastructure and transparent reporting is not merely about environmental stewardship—it is a strategic imperative to secure green financing, mitigate liability, and maintain a competitive advantage in a globally conscious market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas powerfully articulates the modern reality of airport management, where sustainability has definitively shifted from a reputational asset to a core pillar of financial strategy and legal compliance. This pivot is crucial for navigating the global aviation landscape, and we sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical evolution.
Historically, bee swarms seeking temporary shelter in and around airport facilities were often viewed as a nuisance or a threat, frequently leading to their extermination. The “Friends of the Bees” program fundamentally reimagines this relationship. Instead of elimination, AERIS has instituted a comprehensive system that includes specialized staff training, meticulous rescue protocols, and the safe relocation of bee colonies.
At the heart of the program is the creation of a temporary apiary on airport grounds. This secure sanctuary serves as a waystation for rescued swarms before they are transferred to accredited partner farms. This ensures the survival of these vital pollinators while mitigating any potential risk to airport personnel, passengers, or aircraft. The initiative is a testament to the idea that industrial operations can coexist harmoniously with nature.
Adriana Bejarano, Manager of SMS and Environmental Management for AERIS, highlighted the unique environmental context of the airport that spurred the program’s development. The vast, open green spaces that are a necessity for airport operations naturally attract migrating bee swarms.
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, Manager of SMS and Environmental Management of AERIS
This initiative is not an isolated effort but a core component of the airport’s broader environmental strategy. By integrating bee protection directly into its Wildlife Control Program, AERIS demonstrates a holistic approach to sustainability that extends far beyond typical corporate responsibility metrics. It represents a tangible contribution to the preservation of Costa Rica’s world-renowned biodiversity.
Álvaro Arguedas, Operations Manager at AERIS, emphasized how the program reflects the company’s deeper environmental ethos. He noted that true sustainability involves actively enhancing the ecosystems in which a company operates, rather than merely minimizing its impact.
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 the conservation of biodiversity
Álvaro Arguedas, Operations Manager of AERIS
The recognition from ACI-LAC elevates the “Friends of the Bees” program as a model for airports and other large-scale industrial facilities worldwide. It proves that with ingenuity and commitment, challenges like wildlife management can be transformed into opportunities for positive environmental action. For AERIS and the Juan Santamaría Airport, this award is not just an accolade but a validation of their vision for a greener, more sustainable future in aviation.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS Holding Costa Rica:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the private operator of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (AIJS), Costa Rica’s main air terminal. Under a government concession, AERIS is responsible for the airport’s administration, operation, maintenance, and expansion. The company is committed to providing a world-class passenger experience while adhering to the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
For further information, visit aci-lac.aero
About Airports Council International – Latin America and Caribbean (ACI-LAC):
ACI-LAC is the regional office of the Airports Council International, the global trade representative of the world’s airport authorities. The organization represents the interests of airport operators in the Latin American and Caribbean region, promoting professional excellence in airport management and operations. ACI-LAC advocates for safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible air transport systems.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. The firm consistently merges its deep-seated tradition of client service with a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation and civic responsibility. Its core belief is that a just society is an informed one, driving its initiative to demystify complex legal concepts and empower the public with accessible, understandable knowledge.
