San José, Costa Rica –08 December 2008– Thanks to the collaboration of thousands of Costa Ricans, today the Friends of Cocos Island Foundation (FAICO) delivered a modern boat, valued at over ¢30 million, to protect and conserve Cocos Island National Park.

The vessel “FAICO II” was delivered to the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET) thanks to FAICO’s initiative to partner with Wal-Mart on the “Stick to the Island” campaign carried out in Hipermás, Más X Menos, Palí and Maxi Bodega stores, as well as the Foundation’s own resources.

The US-built “FAICO II”, will support surveillance work carried out in the Cocos Island Marine Conservation Area and will enable rapid action to control illegal fishing. Given its characteristics, it will facilitate the park rangers’ job in open seas, even in adverse weather conditions, said FAICO Board of Directors Member Carlos Manuel Uribe.

Uribe thanked Wal-Mart Centroamérica customers for their contributions and trust in FAICO in its efforts to assist MINAET in protecting and conserving the natural wealth of the Island.

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FAICO II Specifications

• Builder: Parker Marine Enterprise, Inc.
• VIN Number: PXMLH354D101
• Year of Construction: 2001
• Model: Parker 25
• Length: 25 ft
• Width: 9.6 ft
• Gross Tonnage: 2 tons
• Equipment: 32 mile Foruno radar, satellite navigation system, depth gauge, short wave radio and lifeguard equipment.
• In addition, two 250 hp Yamaha outboard motors, enabling high speed movement.

Javier Sibaja, Wal-Mart Centroamérica country manager for Costa Rica said the company is pleased to again respond Costa Ricans and is grateful for the support received by the “Stick to the Island” campaign, as well as for customers’ support to the resource conservation and sustainability initiatives sponsored by the company.

“Wal-Mart Centroamérica in Costa Rica is proud to collaborate and work with FAICO in protecting the natural wonder that is Cocos Island”, said Sibaja.

Fernando Quirós, Cocos Island Marine Conservation Area Director added the vessel will also support research, eco-tourism, food and equipment supply activities in the island.

“FAICO II” was donated to the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET) exclusively for work in this conservation area. It is the second vessel donated by the Foundation to Cocos Island National Park, hence the name: “FAICO II”. In 2005, FAICO donated a smaller boat that is currently used to transport visitors and volunteers and to collect fees, in addition to transporting food.

Recently, FAICO invested over ¢12 million remodeling the “Cocos Patrol”; the electrical system was completely changed and other mechanical repairs were also carried out.

On another front, FAICO hosted workshops, theater presentations and conferences to more than 2,300 children, in order to educate and raise awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving this natural treasure.

For several years, FAICO has contributed to improve the living conditions for park rangers, donating uniforms and equipment to facilitate their daily tasks.

Specialized research has also been carried out to protect the waters adjacent to the island and has strengthened the Trust Fund for the financial sustainability of the Park.