Biological Marine Corridor of Osa Becomes a Hope Spot

AUTHOR: Flavio Güell

According to the world-renowned organization Mission Blue another recent recognition for Costa Rica's southern zone: the Biological Marine Corridor of Osa, adjacent to the Peninsula, has been deemed worthy of preservation. Dr. Sylvia Earle, legendary oceanographer and Founder of Mission Blue, says, "Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula is widely recognized as one of the most biologically intense areas in the world. The biological marine corridor adjacent to the Osa Peninsula seems like a logical place to safeguard the amazing diversity of life that prospers there."

The Hope Spot announcement followed the premiere screening of Innoceana's documentary "Entangled in Costa Rica" —produced in collaboration with The Vegan Pirates. The short film recounts the team's rescue of a whale and its calf entangled in more than 3 miles of fishing lines, 10 kilometers off the coast of the Sirena station in Corcovado.

Hope Spots are unique places scientifically identified as critical to the ocean's health. Mission Blue Hope Spots are championed by local conservationists whom the organization supports with communication, expeditions, and scientific advisory. For the Biological Marine Corridor of Osa, Innoceana's leaders —Carlos Mallo Molina, Laura Vanopdenbosch, and Yulian Cordero— have been appointed to coordinate actions in the area. Innoceana's purpose is to rewild the ocean through innovation and education. To support this endeavor, the non-profit organization has recently opened its Marine Conservation and Education Center (MCEC), a kilometer north of Ojochal's main entrance . The Center is strategically located to make a positive impact in the world's oceans and protect the recently designated Hope Spot.

The MCEC is an ocean protection research and education hub. Its goal is to raise awareness in the community on topics related to wildlife and sustainability and offer experiences with a purpose. Expeditioners can dive or snorkel in the pristine waters of Costa Rica.

They can also get trained in marine conservation and carry out hands-on research and preservation projects such as coral restoration, marine invertebrate inventory, whale monitoring, water quality studies, turtle identification, and more. Their expeditions are focused on giving back to the ocean instead of taking from it. In a world where most tourists do not usually think about the effects of their actions on the ecosystems they visit, the MCEC provides a conscious alternative.

The announcement of the Hope Spot and the opening of the MCEC is excellent news for Costa Rica. With the support of Mission Blue, Innoceana's MCEC will serve as a bridge and catalyst to unite organizations, communities, universities, tourists, and other groups for marine conservation actions.