Costa Rica is world-famous for being green. Its land territory hosts more than 5% of the world’s plant and animal diversity, nearly all electricity comes from renewable sources, the country famously reversed deforestation and increased forest cover since 1996 and eco-tourism is a major source of revenue.

We think that even the oceans should be more green! The country has 801 miles of coastline on both the Pacific and Atlantic and nine times more maritime territory than land. High levels of sun exposure and powerful currents off of the Pacific coast create good conditions for establishing a seaweed industry.

Costa Rica invests in its people. The country abolished its army 75 years ago and has since invested more resources into health and education. The results are striking: Costa Rica has a literacy rate of over 97% and a life expectancy of over 80 years.

However, many people in coastal regions live in impoverished circumstances. Local livelihoods often rely on the sea, but fish catch and fishing permits continue to decrease. In addition, these areas are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Ocean’s Oasis seeks to boost the resiliency of Costa Rica’s coastal communities.

The Costa Rican government has implemented systems to protect and regenerate the country’s ecological capital. The most notable example being the Payments for Environmental Services
Program introduced in 1996 to pay farmers to reforest their lands. This scheme has paid landowners over $500 million and rehabilitated 1.3 million hectares of forest. A seaweed industry should be expected to also benefit from strong regulatory support.

Alvaro is an agricultural engineer with ten years of experience in businesses that promote ecological sustainability, including projects in aquaculture and reforestation. He is currently Sustainability Manager at Industrias Martec.

Steph works for NGOs and international organizations in research, programmatic and strategic planning roles. She has supported the development of small and medium green enterprises, researched the employment effects of the circular economy, and advocated to keep corporations and banks accountable for the environmental and social impacts of their infrastructure projects. Steph moved to
Costa Rica in 2018 after working in China for eight years.

Project Manager with over ten years of Risk Prevention Management expertise for US markets. She’s resourceful,
with a predilection for challenges. Passionate about environmental restoration and the task at hand. Looking
forward to helping initiate in the country a brand-new industry that prioritizes ocean protection while improving
the quality of life for local communities.

Marine Biologist specializing in aquatic organisms cultivation (marine and freshwater), particularly microalgae, crustaceans, fish, and mollusks. Over 15 years of experience in Environmental Management planning, Environmental Impact (development of applied tools) and Biodiversity Inventories, Marine Assessment (beach, rocky reef and mangrove) and Aquaculture Consulting. Training in practical applications and Economic Valuation of Natural Capital, Socioeconomic and Environmental Tourism Impact, Wildlife Management, protected areas, Biodiversity, Environmental Legislation and Risk Management. Experience in methodology for calculating the Carbon Footprint of Products and Carbon Neutrality, preparation of Polluting Gases Inventories, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Bioprocesses and Natural Resources Management.