Environment Month celebrated with Environmental Fair in Cóbano

Last Friday, June 27th, the First Environmental Fair of Environment Month was held at the Cóbano Townhall, sharing space with the weekly Farmer's Market. 

The initiative was organized by the Peninsular Biological Corridor (CBP) and the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), in collaboration with the Paquera, Lepanto and Cóbano Ecological Association (ASEPALECO), the Cóbano District Council, and APROINFE—the organization that leads the Farmer’s Market. 

With a clear goal of strengthening the bond between the local community and the institutions, organizations, and businesses working toward environmental conservation, the event offered educational talks, games, informational booths, and tree donations. It was a joyful and participative atmosphere that raised awareness and educated attendees.

Over the course of six hours, the fair featured three key presentations:

– Carolina Orozco (CBP–SINAC): Explained the importance of the Peninsular Biological Corridor.

– Cindy Murillo (CIRENAS): Shared insights on composting.

– Francisco Chaves (Ministry of Health’s vector control team): Spoke about mosquito-borne diseases and prevention methods.

Children enjoyed special activities with Yeyei the clown, who entertained them with games, face painting, and dancing. Native tree saplings were distributed and their recipients registered for future follow-up. At noon, an environmental-themed bingo designed by CBP brought families together in a fun and educational game, with prizes included.

A total of 15 organizations participated with booths:

• Union of Aqueducts of the Nicoya Peninsula (UNAPEN): Founded in 2017, this group works to protect and ensure the sustainability of the region’s water resources. 
• Association for the Conservation of the Scarlet Macaw (ASOPROLAPA): Founded in 1996 to reintroduce scarlet macaws to the peninsula. Thanks to their efforts, more than 150 macaws have been born in the wild and are now seen flying freely in areas like Tambor, Cabuya, and even El Carmen and Mal País.
• Center for Research in Natural and Social Resources (CIRENAS): Established in 2012 by the Grew family to support SINAC in the protection of Caletas-Ario Wildlife Refuge. They also manage environmental conservation, watershed protection, reforestation, wildlife protection, turtle nurseries, environmental education, a food forest, and a strong volunteer program.
• Curú National Wildlife Refuge (RNVS Curú): Established in 1983 as Costa Rica’s first private wildlife refuge. Managed by the Schutt Valle family, it is now a center for ecotourism and scientific research.
• ASEPALECO : Founded in 1991 by residents of the three southern districts of the Nicoya Peninsula. This nonprofit association manages important initiatives like the Karen Mogensen Reserve, an environmental education program, and a climate monitoring station.
• Karen Mogensen Reserve: A private nature reserve created in 1996 to protect water sources and wildlife. Now covering around 1,000 hectares, it is surrounded by 12,000 hectares of secondary forest. The on-site Ecolodge offers eco-friendly accommodations and meals, and scenic trails for visitors—all supporting ongoing conservation.
• Romelia Mixed Wildlife Refuge (RMVS Romelia): Located in Montezuma and founded in 1998 by Albert Ingalls and Gitza Gatti. It spans 229 hectares and includes sea turtle conservation, volunteer programs, beach cleanups, and scientific research.
• Cóbano District Council: The local government of Cóbano, founded in 1986. It manages key services such as business licenses, coastal zone management, tourism, environmental programs, waste collection, and infrastructure projects.  
• Bioeco: A brand offering sustainable, biodegradable products for agriculture, home, and personal care—made with high environmental standards.  
• Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve (RNA Cabo Blanco): The country’s first protected natural area, created in 1963 thanks to Karen Mogensen and Nicolas Wessberg. It features two ranger stations, with public access in Cabuya and scientific research access in San Miguel. The reserve conducts coastal patrols and marine area protection.
• Peninsular Biological Corridor (CBP): Established in 1998, it connects all protected natural areas in the southern Nicoya Peninsula and the Gulf of Nicoya islands. CBP’s key initiatives include a volunteer forest fire brigade, environmental education, watershed protection, and support for local conservation efforts.
• CBP Volunteer Fire Brigade: Officially consolidated in 2023 after starting forest fire response work in 2016. With 47 active volunteers—11 currently assisting in Alberta, Canada—the brigade also developed IGNIS, a free mobile app for reporting wildfires quickly and easily.
• Ministry of Health: The national authority in charge of public health protection through regulation, promotion, prevention, and control—ensuring safe environments, clean water, food safety, and quick responses to public health threats like mosquito-borne viruses. 
• National Institute for Rural Development (INDER): With a branch in Paquera, INDER leads rural development in Costa Rica by executing national policies aimed at improving quality of life in rural communities. 
• Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG): Offices in Cóbano and Paquera offer consultations and technical assistance to producers. MAG promotes sustainable development in agriculture, food security, natural resource management, and market access.

The strong turnout and broad representation left a lasting impression on participants, clearly demonstrating the deep and sustained commitment of diverse sectors to the conservation of natural resources. Once again, it’s evident that environmental education remains a shared priority.

In a historic achievement, this event brought together representatives from all protected areas across the three districts of the southern Nicoya Peninsula—Paquera, Lepanto, and Cóbano: Cabo Blanco Marine Management Area, Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve, Karen Mogensen Reserve, Nicolas Wessberg Absolute Nature Reserve, RNVS Curú, RNVS Caletas Ario, RMVS Romelia, and the CBP. 

And we mustn’t forget the beloved Farmer’s Market run by APROINFE, where visitors can find local crafts, fresh fish, organic vegetables from Coopeproaco R.L., 100% pure honey from local beekeepers, spices, seeds, artisan bread, a traditional olla de carne stew, and other Costa Rican delicacies.

Supporting the market is an investment in a more sustainable future.

Story by Daphinie Robleto

Daphinie is a professional chef and passionate environmental activist. In addition to sharing Costa Rican culture through her culinary creations, she participates in educational initiatives and events hosted by local organizations like the Peninsular Biological Corridor.