~ by Dagmar Reinhard

“Bahía Ballena free of plastic" went to Nairobi

The Envision Festival congratulates the community of Bahía Ballena for its excellent initiative rejecting single-use plastic. Our event has been held in Uvita for several years, and we have managed to create a sustainable and plastic-free environment.

"It is an honor to participate and support our community, which is why we organize beach cleanups, encouraging the locals to collaborate in exchange for a discount on the admission ticket. We are open to working together to learn from each other. Our staff is prepared on the subject of sustainability and are collaborating in creating the first plastic- free destination in Costa Rica", said Reuben Walker (organizer).

The community initiative that began a year ago in Bahía Uvita found full support by the Chambers of Tourism, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and the Mayor's Office of the Canton of Osa. During the United Nations Assembly in Nairobi in December 2017, Dr. Edgar E. Gutiérrez Espeleta, in his capacity as President of the United Nations Environmental Assembly, presented the "plastic-free Osa" project within the scope of the "Clean Seas" initiative, a global movement to reduce pollution of the oceans.

Previously he had attended the Assembly of the Chamber of Tourism of Osa in Uvita that presented the project to him and the community of the canton. Dr. Gutiérrez said "Costa Rica recognizes the risks and damages caused by the effects of disposable plastic and non-recoverable micro plastics in the marine environment. We strongly support the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector and all citizens to support global efforts. Only through a real commitment and with the help of dynamic alliances we can effectively combat marine litter.”

Don´t forget your cooler when you go to Envision!