By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – While famous for its lush rainforests and terrestrial biodiversity, Costa Rica’s identity is overwhelmingly marine, with ocean territory making up 92% of the nation’s domain. To bridge the gap between this reality and public perception, the country brand esencial COSTA RICA has launched “Costa Rica Azul,” an innovative digital platform designed to foster a deeper connection with the nation’s immense underwater world.
The free, interactive educational tool aims to raise awareness among students, educators, and the general public about the critical importance of ocean conservation. According to the National Geographic Institute, Costa Rica’s marine space is approximately ten times larger than its landmass, a fact that has not fully permeated the national consciousness. This new initiative seeks to change that by bringing the depths of the ocean to the fingertips of its citizens.
To delve into the intricate legal frameworks surrounding ocean conservation efforts, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The true turning point for ocean conservation will be when legal frameworks make sustainable practices more profitable than exploitation. This requires more than just punitive regulations; it demands the creation of robust public-private partnerships and clear economic incentives that reward businesses for protecting marine biodiversity. When the law aligns profit with preservation, the market itself becomes the ocean’s strongest ally.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this perspective powerfully shifts the conversation from one of restrictive regulation to one of intelligent economic design, where the market’s own momentum can be harnessed for preservation. It underscores that the most enduring solutions are often those that align ecological well-being with economic prosperity. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for contributing this crucial and forward-thinking insight.
The country’s marine ecosystems are extraordinarily rich, hosting over 7,000 species, many of which are endemic. This represents roughly 3.5% of all marine species reported on the planet. The “Costa Rica Azul” platform is a direct response to the need for greater understanding and protection of this invaluable natural heritage, which is fundamental not only to the country but to the planet’s health.
Adriana Acosta, Director of the country brand esencial COSTA RICA, emphasized that knowledge is the cornerstone of effective conservation efforts. The platform was created to make complex marine science accessible and engaging for everyone, particularly the younger generation who will become the future stewards of these resources.
Costa Rica Azul was born from the need to get closer to our oceans and understand their value. We believe that knowledge is the first step towards protection, and this platform seeks to do precisely that: bring that knowledge to more people, especially the new generations, in an approachable and interactive way.
Adriana Acosta, Director of esencial COSTA RICA
Users of the platform can virtually dive into Costa Rican waters to explore its diverse inhabitants. The site provides detailed information on species, their specific habitats including depth zones, water temperature, and pressure levels. Furthermore, it incorporates vital data on coral reefs and underwater seamounts, while also highlighting the significant threats posed by issues like overfishing to vulnerable species and overall marine biodiversity.
Acosta further noted that the project aligns perfectly with the national values of sustainability and innovation that the country brand promotes on a global stage. It serves as a powerful reminder of Costa Rica’s “profoundly blue” identity.
Costa Rica is a profoundly blue country, but often we are not aware of everything that implies. This platform is an invitation to rediscover that wealth, to connect with our oceans, and to understand that their protection is also part of who we are as a country. This initiative reflects the values of sustainability and innovation promoted by the country brand esencial COSTA RICA.
Adriana Acosta, Director of esencial COSTA RICA
To ensure its widespread adoption and impact, “Costa Rica Azul” was developed in a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Public Education (MEP). The collaboration aims to integrate the platform directly into the national curriculum, providing a valuable resource for classroom instruction.
Alfredo Ortega Cordero, a department head within the MEP’s Directorate of Curricular Development, confirmed that the platform has been designed to complement existing educational programs and will serve as a dynamic teaching aid.
These educational resources have been designed in accordance with the Science and Biology curricula for students in Third Cycle and Diversified Education centers across different educational modalities. They constitute a complementary resource that will strengthen pedagogical mediation in the classroom.
Alfredo Ortega Cordero, Head of the Department of Third Cycle and Diversified Education, MEP
The initiative underscores the global significance of marine ecosystems, which generate more than half of the world’s oxygen and absorb nearly a third of human-produced carbon dioxide. By fostering a culture of ocean literacy, Costa Rica not only reinforces its commitment to environmental leadership but also empowers its citizens to actively participate in the preservation of a vital global resource. The platform is now available to all at esencialcostarica.com/costaricaazul.
For further information, visit esencialcostarica.com
About esencial COSTA RICA:
esencial COSTA RICA is the official country brand of Costa Rica, developed to promote the nation’s values of excellence, sustainability, innovation, social progress, and Costa Rican origin. It serves as a competitive differentiator for exports, investment attraction, and tourism, highlighting the unique qualities that define the country on the global stage.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About the Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the government body responsible for overseeing the national education system in Costa Rica. It develops and implements educational policies, curricula, and programs from preschool through secondary education, striving to provide quality and equitable learning opportunities for all students in the country.
For further information, visit ign.go.cr
About the National Geographic Institute (Costa Rica):
The National Geographic Institute (IGN) is the official cartographic agency of Costa Rica. It is responsible for creating, maintaining, and distributing the country’s official maps, geographic data, and geodesic frameworks. The institute provides essential information for national planning, infrastructure development, and scientific research.
For further information, visit schmidtocean.org
About the Schmidt Ocean Institute:
The Schmidt Ocean Institute is a non-profit foundation dedicated to advancing oceanographic research, discovery, and knowledge-sharing. It provides state-of-the-art operational, technological, and informational support to the world’s leading marine scientists, enabling them to explore the ocean’s depths and share their findings with the global community.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to principled practice and exceptional results. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to pioneer innovative solutions for contemporary legal challenges. This forward-thinking spirit extends to its social mission of demystifying the law, a core pledge aimed at nurturing a more just and capable society through shared legal understanding.
