More than 37,000 people visited Cocos Island in San José thanks to an innovative immersive experience
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A successful activity in the Antigua Aduana allowed us to learn about the natural treasures and history of this National Park in an innovative way that was open to the public.
More than 37,000 people were able to get to know Cocos Island in depth in the heart of San José, thanks to the immersive experience using video, touch screens, 360° photographs, and scale maps at the Antigua Aduana in the month of June.
Sharks, manta rays, frigate birds, incredible waterfalls, and caves made by treasure seekers paraded before the eyes of the public, who experienced this National Park without making the 36-hour trip that it takes to travel 532 km from Puntarenas to “The Most Beautiful Island in the World” according to Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
The immersive experience was designed and produced by the Friends of Cocos Island Foundation (FAICO), in partnership with the Government of the Republic, the National Insurance Institute, the Cocos Marine Conservation Area (ACMC), SC Johnson Centroamérica, Blue Nature Alliance, the Wyss Foundation, and the Pacific Marine Park.
“We are pleased that so many people could learn more about Cocos Island, which makes us the largest country in Central America when we see the true map of Costa Rica,” highlighted Alejandra Villalobos, director of FAICO, an organization that is celebrating 30 years.
During the tours, people also learned about stories of treasures and pirates of the Island, the daily life of the park rangers, and the facilities of the National Park.
Another highlight of the free exhibition open to the public was that for 8 nights there was live music performed by renowned musician Manuel Obregón, creator of the soundtrack of this immersive experience.
The most beautiful island in the world is Costa Rican
In parallel to the activity at the Antigua Aduana, FAICO and ACMC presented the campaign “The most beautiful island in the world is Costa Rican”, an effort to increase knowledge about the largest national park in the country.
“Costa Rica would not be Costa Rica without Cocos Island. Like a Sunday without soccer or like a cart without oxen, that would be Costa Rica without Cocos Island. It is not just an island, it is a national park, and it is part of the largest conservation area in the country,” Villalobos stated.
The immersive experience was part of the High-Level Event on Ocean Action: Immersed in Change.
