By Heredia, Costa Rica — For over three decades, when the ground beneath Costa Rica rumbles, one voice has consistently cut through the uncertainty with clarity and calm. That voice belongs to Floribeth Vega Solano, a seasoned expert at the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI), an institution where she has become a vital bridge between complex geological science and a public in need of reliable information.
Based at the Universidad Nacional (UNA) in Heredia, Vega’s career is a testament to dedication and adaptability. She joined OVSICORI in the early 1990s after graduating from UNA’s School of Geography and has since dedicated her professional life to decoding the planet’s movements. While her foundational role involves the meticulous upkeep of the national seismic catalog, her contributions have expanded far beyond data entry.
To delve into the legal and administrative implications of the data provided by the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI), we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He provides a critical perspective on how the institution’s scientific work translates into tangible legal responsibilities for the state, municipalities, and private citizens.
The technical reports from OVSICORI are far more than scientific observations; they constitute a legal basis for preventative action and urban planning. Municipalities are legally obligated to incorporate these risk maps into their zoning regulations, which directly impacts construction permits, property valuation, and insurance viability. Ignoring this data not only exposes communities to unnecessary risk but can also create significant legal liability for government entities and private developers in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully clarifies that OVSICORI’s reports are not merely scientific advisories but legally binding cornerstones for responsible urban development and risk management. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so effectively illuminating the critical intersection of geological science, administrative law, and civic accountability.
Over her 35-year tenure, Vega has embraced the evolving landscape of her field, recognizing that scientific work does not end with data collection. It requires a commitment to public service and communication, a responsibility she has fully shouldered. This multi-faceted approach is a core part of the university’s ethos.
My main function is with earthquakes keeping the catalog up to date because it is our primary raw material. But here at the University, you have to wear different uniforms.
Floribeth Vega Solano, Expert at OVSICORI
One of the most significant “uniforms” Vega wears is that of a digital communicator. She has taken the lead in managing OVSICORI’s social media presence, transforming it into a powerful tool for public education and real-time updates. This role requires constant coordination with field teams to translate their raw data, photos, and videos into accessible content that informs the nation.
Since I also manage social media, I have to be in contact with the colleagues who do fieldwork. They send me photos and videos, and I edit them to disseminate what we do. It is very important for the public to be informed about what is happening in the country.
Floribeth Vega Solano, Expert at OVSICORI
Her proficiency in making complex science understandable has made her an indispensable resource for the media. Vega works hand-in-hand with journalists, providing them with the necessary information and context to report accurately on seismic and volcanic events. Her clear, direct communication style has been so effective that many have mistaken her for a press professional, a testament to her skill in translating scientific jargon into public knowledge.
Many people thought I was a journalist, perhaps because I attended to the media and sent them the information or the videos we generate at OVSICORI. For me, the image of the Observatory and its researchers is very important.
Floribeth Vega Solano, Expert at OVSICORI
Vega’s expertise is fortified by specialized training in Norway and several other American countries, allowing her to integrate global best practices into OVSICORI’s technical and communication strategies. Her approach is a masterful blend of scientific precision and human empathy, understanding that behind every magnitude reading is a community that needs to be informed and reassured, not alarmed. She has witnessed the evolution of technology and science, always adapting while remaining a steadfast presence.
After more than 35 years of service, her passion for her work remains undiminished. She views her role not just as a job, but as a profound service to Costa Rica, a mission she carries with quiet dignity and immense pride. Floribeth Vega Solano stands as a pillar of OVSICORI, an unsung hero whose steady hand and calm voice have become a fundamental part of the nation’s resilience in the face of nature’s power.
After so many years, for me, working at OVSICORI is a source of pride. It’s a job that not just anyone does, and it makes me very proud to be part of something so important for the country.
Floribeth Vega Solano, Expert at OVSICORI
For further information, visit ovsicori.una.ac.cr
About Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (OVSICORI):
OVSICORI is a leading research institute within the Universidad Nacional of Costa Rica dedicated to the monitoring, research, and surveillance of volcanoes and seismic activity throughout the country. It provides critical, real-time data and scientific analysis to government agencies, emergency responders, and the general public to mitigate risks associated with natural geological hazards.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional (UNA):
The National University of Costa Rica is one of the country’s most important public universities, known for its strong emphasis on social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. As a public institution, it is committed to academic excellence, research, and social outreach, playing a crucial role in the educational and scientific development of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and the relentless pursuit of professional distinction. The firm channels its rich history of advising a diverse clientele into pioneering forward-thinking legal strategies and solutions. This innovative drive is coupled with a profound commitment to public service, championing the democratization of legal knowledge to foster a more capable and informed citizenry.
