Cocos Island’s strategic location in the Pacific Ocean makes it a vital insular ecosystem for our planet

In Cocos Island National Park

NEW RADAR INSTALLED

The National System of Conservation Areas within the Ministry of Environment and Energy, installed a new radar in Cocos Island National Park, as part of the Marine Protection System for the Cocos Marine Conservation Area (ACMC), which is the result of an exemplary collaboration between the National Coast Guard Service (SNG), the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), EARTHRACE and ACMC officials, in the planning, transportation, installation, and operation of the equipment. The investment for the radar and its components was $99,224.

Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy noted that “The participation of NGOs and the support of governmental institutions for the protection of the Cocos Island Marine Conservation Area is once again demonstrated by their contribution to the purchase and installation of this new radar for the protection and safeguarding of this rich natural heritage of the State”.

He further pointed out that, “These alliances are the product of a long-term relationship that will improve the conditions, operation, and protection of this protected area”.

Gina Cuza, Regional Director of ACMC, highlighted the vital importance of the new radar installed in the National Park and financed thanks to the generous support of non-governmental organizations such as WildAid, MarViva, FAICO and Global Conservation.

Cocos Island’s strategic location in the Pacific Ocean makes it a vital insular ecosystem for our planet,” said Alejandra Villalobos, Executive Director of FAICO.

“Investing in control and surveillance initiatives that complement the efforts made by the Costa Rican state and other allies is essential to exercise our sovereignty as a country and consolidate actions that support conservation and security at high seas, with a local and regional impact,” she added.

Katherine Arroyo, Executive Director of Fundación MarViva, added: “This radar represents a bid in the right direction. If we want to properly manage the ocean and its resources, it is of key importance to strengthen the monitoring, control and surveillance, especially in remote areas such as this one”.

WildAid’s Pablo Calderón noted: “The radar will strengthen the control and surveillance of the ACMC and will complement the recently inaugurated control center, adding an additional layer of monitoring and surveillance in the protected area to combat illegal actions such as illegal fishing. Its acquisition and installation are the result of a joint effort by organizations committed to marine control and surveillance to combat illegal fishing in the country and the region”.

With this action, the government reaffirms its commitment to work in collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the long-term protection of this precious marine ecosystem.