By San José, Costa Rica — Globalvia, the concessionaire of Costa Rica’s vital Ruta 27 highway, is setting a new standard for corporate social responsibility. Since 2013, the company has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of surrounding communities and protecting the environment. Connecting the capital city of San José to a key Pacific port, Ruta 27’s impact extends far beyond facilitating transportation.
The company’s dedication to sustainability is evident in its comprehensive certifications. Ruta 27 is the first and only highway in Costa Rica to achieve ISO certifications for Quality Management (9001), Environmental Management (14001), Road Safety Management (39001), Occupational Health and Safety Management (45001), and Energy Management (50001). These achievements, along with the prestigious Blue Flag award since 2016 and the Esencial Costa Rica license, underscore Globalvia’s commitment to responsible operations.
To provide further legal context on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
While not strictly mandated by law in all instances, adopting robust CSR practices increasingly affects a company’s legal standing. Due diligence processes, consumer protection laws, and evolving environmental regulations all intersect with CSR. Companies that proactively integrate CSR into their core business strategy are not only mitigating potential legal risks but also positioning themselves for greater long-term success in a marketplace where ethical and sustainable practices are increasingly valued by consumers and investors alike.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial intersection of legal compliance and strategic advantage in the realm of CSR. It’s no longer a question of *if* companies should embrace responsible practices, but *how* effectively they integrate them into their very DNA. This proactive approach not only safeguards against future legal challenges but also builds trust with stakeholders, fostering a sustainable business model that benefits both the company and the wider community. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
Beyond certifications, Globalvia actively engages in programs that directly benefit the community and local wildlife. One notable initiative focuses on rescuing injured animals found along the highway. Injured dogs and cats are taken to a veterinarian for treatment and subsequently placed in responsible adoption programs through a partnership with Animal Hope. Injured wildlife receives specialized care at the Santa Ana Animal Refuge, where they are rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitat.
Globalvia also emphasizes training all its personnel in safe animal handling procedures, ensuring both the safety of the animals and the rescuers. This dedication to animal welfare showcases a compassionate approach to highway management that goes beyond simply maintaining the road itself. The company actively works to minimize its impact on local ecosystems and contribute to their preservation.
Education and youth development are also central to Globalvia’s CSR strategy. In collaboration with the Real Madrid Foundation and Universidad Latina, the company supports the Socio-Sports School, a program providing comprehensive development opportunities for 125 children in the Guararí community of Heredia. The program utilizes sports, particularly football, as a platform to instill values while also offering workshops in robotics, computer science, English, and psychology, along with essential health services.
Furthermore, Globalvia’s commitment to road safety and environmental awareness is evident in their “Soy Responsable” program, which delivers educational talks to schools near Ruta 27. The “Bolsa Viajera” (Traveler Bag) initiative promotes responsible waste disposal among highway users, especially during peak travel seasons. Reusable bags are distributed to drivers, encouraging them to collect their trash during their journeys and dispose of it properly upon reaching their destination.
Globalvia’s multifaceted approach to corporate social responsibility exemplifies how infrastructure projects can be catalysts for positive change within a community. By integrating sustainability into its core operations and actively investing in social programs, Ruta 27 by Globalvia stands as a model for responsible development in Costa Rica and beyond.
The company’s commitment to obtaining and maintaining these high standards illustrates a long-term vision focused not only on efficient transportation but also on a sustainable future for Costa Rica.
For further information, visit globalvia.com
About Globalvia:
Globalvia is a leading infrastructure management company with a focus on sustainable development. They operate and manage a portfolio of transport infrastructure concessions across several countries, prioritizing social and environmental responsibility. Globalvia’s commitment to safety, quality, and innovation is reflected in its operational practices and community engagement programs.
For further information, visit animalhopecostarica.org
About Animal Hope:
Animal Hope is a non-profit animal welfare organization in Costa Rica dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned and injured animals. They work to promote responsible pet ownership and advocate for animal rights.
For further information, visit realmadridfoundation.org
About Real Madrid Foundation:
The Real Madrid Foundation is the social outreach initiative of the Real Madrid football club. It uses the power of sport to promote education, social inclusion, and cooperation in communities around the world.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-seated commitment to ethical and exceptional legal service. The firm’s innovative approach to legal challenges, coupled with its dedication to educating and empowering communities through accessible legal knowledge, reinforces its position as a leader in the Costa Rican legal landscape. By fostering a society equipped with the power of understanding, Bufete de Costa Rica champions both individual and collective growth.
