Costa Rica to Hold Sixth National Ocean Cleanup This Saturday

Costa Rica will hold its sixth National Ocean Cleanup this Saturday, June 6, bringing volunteers together at dozens of beaches, rivers and community sites across the country. The cleanup is being organized by Fundación Operation Rich Coast in collaboration with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute as part of activities linked to the June 8 oceans observance and the 30th anniversary of Costa Rica’s Bandera Azul Ecológica program.

This year’s campaign has 51 confirmed participation points in the Greater Metropolitan Area, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limón. Organizers are calling on communities, schools, businesses, local groups and residents to take part in a coordinated effort to remove waste from coastal areas, waterways and public spaces before it reaches the sea.

Puntarenas will have the largest number of cleanup points, with 33 locations confirmed. Sites include Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Playa Uvita, Playa Pavones, Playa Zancudo, Playa Montezuma, Playa Matapalo in Quepos and several beaches around Cóbano, Paquera and Cabuya.

Guanacaste will host seven cleanup points, including Playa Brasilito, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Ostional, Playa Hermosa in Carrillo, Playa Coquitos in Santa Cruz and Matapalo in the Marino Las Baulas National Park area.

Limón will have eight sites, including Playa Negra in Cahuita, Playa Negra in Puerto Viejo, Playa Westfalia, Manzanillo, Playa Grande Manzanillo and Playa Gandoca. Three additional points are planned in the Greater Metropolitan Area, including Hatillo 8, Poás de Aserrí and Monserrat in La Unión.

The campaign also carries a tourism message. Costa Rica’s beaches, rivers and coastal ecosystems are among our country’s main draws, but they remain vulnerable to plastic waste, discarded fishing material and garbage carried downstream during the rainy season.

The cleanup is designed to have an immediate environmental impact through waste collection while also promoting local participation and environmental education. The effort brings together Bandera Azul Ecológica committees, nonprofit groups, businesses and citizen volunteers.

The Bandera Azul Ecológica program began in 1996 and has become one of Costa Rica’s best-known environmental recognition programs. It promotes voluntary local action in areas such as beaches, communities, schools, municipalities, biodiversity and sustainable mobility.

Those who want to participate can choose a cleanup point through Operation Rich Coast, contact the local site leader and confirm attendance. Volunteers are encouraged to bring water, sun protection and reusable items where possible.

Saturday’s cleanup gives residents and visitors a direct way to support Costa Rica’s coastal communities and help protect the marine ecosystems that remain central to the country’s environmental identity and tourism economy.

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