Costa Rica has beautiful beaches visited by national and international tourists. Sadly there was not planification on the development of coastal communities and hotels for the protection of the enviroment.
For that reason Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (Costa Rica's waters institution), through their Central Lab, tests periodically the quality of the water at the beaches, the goal is to diagnose the water and to protect the visitors in coastal areas. The evaluation system is yearly and those beaches that quialify are awarded with the "Bandera Azúl Ecológica" (Ecologic Blue Flag) to the communities that work for having good sea water, beaches quality, potable water access, water treatment, eviromental education, security and management.
"Bandera Azul Ecológica" project is an incentive for hotels, tourism chambers, coastal communities for protecting Costa Rica beaches. This campaign is based on the one the European Union does from 1985.
What is Blue Flag Program?
Costa Rica has beautiful beaches visited by national and international tourists. Sadly there was not planification on the development of coastal communities and hotels for the protection of the enviroment.
For that reason Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (Costa Rica's waters institution), through their Central Lab, tests periodically the quality of the water at the beaches, the goal is to diagnose the water and to protect the visitors in coastal areas. The evaluation system is yearly and those beaches that quialify are awarded with the "Bandera Azúl Ecológica" (Ecologic Blue Flag) to the communities that work for having good sea water, beaches quality, potable water access, water treatment, eviromental education, security and management.
"Bandera Azul Ecológica" project is an incentive for hotels, tourism chambers, coastal communities for protecting Costa Rica beaches. This campaign is based on the one the European Union does from 1985.
Tamarindo Recycles Program
Tamarindo's community took the inicitive to collect recyclable trash and send it to a recycling plant in San José. The program counts with the support of local and foreing residents, schools, businesses, restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals companies. The result has been positive since the people aknowledge how benefitial and important recycling is. The goals of Tamarindo Recycles, is to build a colletion center and to make recycling a habit for the people. If you would like to contact them tamarindorecycles@gmail.com
Save the Monkeys Campaign
Monkey bridges are literally bridges for monkeys, consisting of a rope which connects trees, simulating the way trees were once connected by natural vines, in rain forests in Costa Rica.
In our area, the Congo or Howler monkey, whose numbers have declined due to their being hit by cars while crossing roads and being electrocuted by electric wires, use these single-rope bridges as safe transportation.
Simona Daniele, owner of Hotel Luna Llena and founder of this campaign along with Patricia Sterman collect donations from individuals and businesses to buy the monkey bridges. The local electrical provider (CoopeGuanacaste) puts up the bridges at no cost, you simply have to coordinate with them as to the location of the installation.
CEPIA (Culture, Education and Psychology for Infants and Adolescents)
CEPIA a Costarican non-profit organisation that seeks to promote culture, health, sports and education for children and teenagers from low-income families in the coastal communities of Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
The organization CEPIA offers children and teenagers without access to cultural and recreational activities better opportunities through free cultural and educational activities, nutritional and psychological support as well as through collaborations with local schools and many organizations and public institutions. CEPIA implements educational initiatives such as computer classes, English classes and professional trainings. CEPIA spearheaded the area’s first public library. The organization educates youth about rights, substance abuse and violence, while at the same time providing psychological guidance for children who live in unhealthy or abusive environments.
Tamarindo Beach Marathon
Your are invited to participate in a special kind of race, to be held on September, 17, 2011, in the town of Tamarindo.
This unique town distinguishes itself for its suitable climate and natural beauty, a distinct race course, the warmth and respect from locals, an ideal start time at dawn, fresh air, and plenty of entertainment! We like to promote our country as a blend of ecological wildlife and sports…a location that is “Pura Vida,” as the Costa Rican saying goes, meaning “Pure life!” This is the perfect race for those passionate runners who are looking to enjoy an athletic challenge yet at the same time take advantage of a beautiful destination to tour around.
The Tamarindo Beach Marathon is an event that is also committed with the social well-being of the community. Therefore, we wish to promote sports tourism, but we also want to demonstrate and set an example that the engagement in sports is the best alternative for a healthy lifestyle.
We would like to encourage all athletes throughout the world to engage in this challenge and I look forward to having you compete in any of the four distances of the race: 5km 10 km, Half Marathon, 30 km, and the Marathon category. Come visit us to enjoy and share an amazing experience among friends and family in one of the natural gems of our country!
Tamarindo Cultural Festival
We can't tell you anything official yet but in 2011 there will be a surprise... Stay tune! Tamarindo Cultural Festival 2011
Links
- Blue Flag Program
- Tamarindo Recycles Program
- Save the Monkeys Campaign
- Tamarindo Beach Marathon
- CEPIA
Tamarindo in the web
- Tamarindo vacation advice from real travelers
