A tribute to innovation, sustainability and commitment to the development of fishing tourism in Costa Rica

“The Blue Carpet, A Night of Premieres”
Courtesy/La Republica Costa Rica

Editorial La República| Monday April 22, 2024

Thursday, April 11, the fishing tourism and sport fishing community gathered for a historic event, the first edition of “The Blue Carpet, A Night of Premieres.” Held in the Sala Garbo in San José, the event was a tribute to innovation, sustainability and commitment to the development of fishing tourism in Costa Rica.

With an agenda full of inspiring projects, the event featured the participation of a wide range of actors committed to the future of fishing tourism in the country, including government institutions, politicians and businessmen, coastal fishing clubs, scientists, and non-governmental organizations.

Highlighting the positive impact of recreational fishing tourism on coastal communities, inspiring projects and experiences were shared throughout the evening. From the recognition of the work of fishermen in the Costa Rican Caribbean, represented by Garvin Wattson of the Parismina Fishing Team, to innovative initiatives such as the marine citizen science platform led by Lucia Vargas of the CCMAR, each presentation demonstrated the transformative potential of fishing tourism.

“The fishing community deserves that and much more. Definitely an event that should be repeated annually to make visible the achievements of the tourist fishing sector.” Garvin Wattson.

The event also paid tribute to influential figures in the sector, such as the tribute dedicated to Todd Staley of FECOP, highlighting his contribution to sport fishing and marine conservation in Costa Rica.

One of the featured initiatives of the night was presented by Junior Achievement, who highlighted its more than 34-year commitment to educating young people in entrepreneurship, employability and financial education, impacting more than 100 coastal communities throughout the country. Likewise, projects that invite you to dream, such as FECOP’s “PezCA” application for the distribution of satellite data, with the support of NASA, were also presented.

“The first edition of The Blue Carpet was a very special night for the tourism and sport fishing sector in the country, where visibility was given to a wide variety of initiatives that contribute to the development of coastal communities through the inclusion of women. in the sector, the development of fishing tourism in the Costa Rican Caribbean, citizen science and employment opportunities for young people. All of us at FECOP are very grateful for the call and support received, and for the opportunity to contribute to the development of coastal tourism and sustainability in our country. We hope to turn this event into an annual meeting space to continue sharing and developing opportunities of great importance for everyone in Costa Rica.” Dr. Marina Marrari.

The night also included a reflection on the role of women in fishing, with a presentation by Estibaliz Hidalgo of Marina Pez Vela, who shared her experience and vision to promote female participation in the sector.

“It was enriching to discover various initiatives in the sport and tourism fishing sector that, together with science and conservation, positively impact our coasts. The variety of projects presented, from large marinas to community initiatives, was inspiring and offered replicable ideas.

It was very motivating that emphasis was placed on making visible the increase in the active participation of women in sport fishing through innovative projects. Furthermore, the inclusive and more relaxed atmosphere of the event facilitated exchange, exemplifying an accessible dynamic in participatory topics and processes that sometimes feel very technical. Without a doubt, the event left us with new ideas and collaborations in mind.” Lucia Vargas.

“The Blue Carpet, A Night of Premieres” was a catalyst for positive change in the fishing tourism sector and sustainability in Costa Rica; an opportunity to strengthen alliances and create new collaborations, demonstrating the support and unity that exists in the sector and the willingness to move forward together towards the sustainable development of our coasts.

For more information about FECOP and their current initiatives and campaigns visit fecop.org