By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a powerful demonstration of national commitment to environmental stewardship, Costa Rica is set to launch its 6th National Ocean Cleanup this Saturday, June 6th. The massive, country-wide initiative galvanizes citizens from all walks of life in a collective effort to preserve the nation’s pristine marine and coastal ecosystems. The event carries special significance this year, coinciding with both World Oceans Day and the 30th anniversary of the country’s renowned Ecological Blue Flag Program.
The cleanup is far more than a symbolic gesture; it is a large-scale logistical operation designed to make a tangible impact. Volunteers, community organizations, private companies, and educational institutions will converge at 51 confirmed locations spanning four provinces. While the majority of sites are coastal, including 33 points in Puntarenas, seven in Guanacaste, and eight in Limón, the initiative strategically includes inland locations within the Greater Metropolitan Area, such as Hatillo and Aserrí, acknowledging that ocean pollution often originates far from the shore.
To delve into the complex legal frameworks governing marine protection, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his analysis on the country’s responsibilities and opportunities in ocean conservation.
International treaties provide the blueprint, but effective ocean conservation is built upon robust and strictly enforced national legislation. For Costa Rica, this means translating global commitments into tangible domestic regulations—from defining clear boundaries for marine protected areas to establishing severe penalties for illegal fishing and pollution. This legal certainty not only safeguards our natural heritage but also attracts sustainable investment in the blue economy, proving that environmental protection and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight powerfully underscores that the true work of conservation happens when international ambition is forged into national law. This legal clarity is indeed the bedrock upon which a sustainable blue economy can be built, protecting our natural treasures while fostering responsible growth. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical link.
This initiative underscores the critical link between environmental health and economic prosperity, a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s national identity. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is a key organizer, recognizing that the country’s world-famous beaches and vibrant marine life are its most valuable tourism assets. Protecting these natural resources is not just an ecological imperative but a vital business strategy for the nation’s multi-billion dollar tourism industry.
Jorge Retana, a spokesperson for the ICT and the coordinator for the Ecological Blue Flag (BAE) program’s beaches category, highlighted the dual importance of the event.
Within the framework of the 30th anniversary celebration of the Ecological Blue Flag program’s beaches category, we at the ICT feel committed to supporting and urging all Costa Ricans to join the Sixth National Beach Cleanup, as part of World Oceans Day and with the shared goal of raising awareness about the importance of cleaning our coasts and beaches, which are our country’s main tourist attractions.
Jorge Retana, ICT spokesperson and coordinator of the BAE beaches category
The celebration of the BAE program’s 30th anniversary adds a layer of historical context to the day’s activities. For three decades, this program has served as a benchmark for excellence in environmental management, awarding a prestigious eco-label to beaches, communities, and businesses that meet stringent criteria for sustainability and pollution control. The anniversary marks a long-standing, institutionalized commitment to the principles that now fuel this national cleanup effort.
The organizational backbone of the event is a strategic partnership between the government, represented by the ICT, and the non-profit sector, led by the Operation Rich Coast Foundation. This collaborative model has proven effective in mobilizing large numbers of volunteers and coordinating complex, multi-regional events. By pooling government resources with the grassroots passion of environmental foundations, the initiative achieves a scope and impact that neither could accomplish alone.
From the world-renowned surf breaks of Tamarindo and the vital turtle nesting sites of Ostional to the biodiverse waters of Manuel Antonio and the vibrant Caribbean shores of Cahuita, the cleanup targets a wide array of critical habitats. The comprehensive list of sites demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of conservation, targeting not only popular tourist beaches but also remote coves, river mouths, and mangrove-lined shores that are essential to the health of the broader marine environment.
As volunteers prepare to gather this Saturday, the 6th National Ocean Cleanup stands as a testament to Costa Rica’s identity as a global leader in conservation. It is an active expression of the “Pura Vida” ethos—a recognition that the well-being of the nation and its people is inextricably linked to the health of its natural world. The ICT and Operation Rich Coast invite all citizens to participate, turning a day of celebration into a powerful act of collective responsibility for the oceans.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the autonomous government institution responsible for the promotion, regulation, and development of Costa Rica’s tourism sector. It works to position the country as a leading global destination for sustainable and ecological tourism, ensuring that tourism growth is balanced with environmental protection and contributes to the well-being of local communities.
For further information, visit operationrichcoast.org
About The Operation Rich Coast Foundation:
Operation Rich Coast is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating plastic pollution and promoting marine conservation in Costa Rica. Through community cleanups, educational programs, and advocacy, the foundation works to create lasting solutions to protect the country’s rich coastal and marine biodiversity, engaging volunteers and local stakeholders in hands-on conservation efforts.
For further information, visit banderaazulecologica.org
About The Ecological Blue Flag Program:
The Programa Bandera Azul Ecológica (PBAE) is an annual award that recognizes efforts to conserve and protect natural resources in Costa Rica. Established 30 years ago, the program grants a prestigious eco-label to beaches, communities, schools, and businesses that meet rigorous environmental criteria. It serves as a powerful incentive for promoting sustainable practices and raising environmental awareness throughout the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and its relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm masterfully combines extensive experience serving diverse industries with a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through a dedicated mission to demystify the law, fostering a stronger, more capable society by empowering individuals with vital legal knowledge.
