Surfers and environmentalists unite around efforts to preserve the surf break.

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On Sunday, June 12, Costa Rica's Playa Hermosa was designated as the newest World Surfing Reserve, making the renowned Garabito break one of only twelve surf reserves worldwide and the first in Central America. Beyond addressing significant local environmental issues, this designation marks a pivotal moment for Costa Rica's surfing communities and the beginning of national surf conservation efforts.

 

The momentous occasion was celebrated by local and international attendees, environmentalists, stakeholders and surfers alike: including the World Surf League (WSL), Save The Waves Coalition, Conservation International-Costa Rica, representatives of the National System of Conservation Areas and the Costa Rican Surf Federation.

“As surfers, we have a responsibility to protect our favorite waves and coastlines,” said Brisa Hennessy, a WSL Championship Tour surfer. “Playa Hermosa is one of the best waves in Costa Rica and is located in a biodiverse region that is threatened by pollution and development. This project will support conservation efforts with local partners to help preserve this beautiful area.”

 

World Surfing Reserves (WSR), a program run by Save The Waves Coalition (STW), proactively preserves exceptional waves around the world by recognizing and protecting the key environmental, cultural, economic, and community attributes of surf areas.

 

Playa Hermosa deserves its new title. Its coastline boasts a wide variety of consistent surf breaks – with more than 15 spots, from perfect peaks to point breaks and inlet waves – in addition to a highly biodiverse ecosystem that is home to more than 61 threatened species and the well-known Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge.

 

"Playa Hermosa is a perfect example of our World Surfing Reserves program," said Nik Strong-Cvetich, CEO of Save The Waves. "The local leadership and on-site efforts of our Coalition partners to preserve their surf ecosystem are inspiring to other communities seeking to protect their surf resources nationally and globally."

In collaboration with Save The Waves, a committed Local Stewardship Council (LSC ) has developed a detailed action plan, called the "Management Plan," to further protect and support the Playa Hermosa surf ecosystem. Its aim is to address various initiatives related to climate change adaptation, surf-oriented sustainable urban development , wastewater treatment, and biodiversity protection.

 

“Becoming a World Surfing Reserve is not only a great honor and a celebration for us, but also a call to action,” said Laura Zumbado, President of the LSC. “We know how valuable our surf ecosystem is, and its protection is in our hands. Local development will continue to grow, so we must advocate for the protection of our waves and the environment that surrounds them now.”

WSL Pure and the Surf Conservation Partnership (SCP) support local efforts. Thanks to their support, one of WSR's first projects will address micro-watershed restoration.

 

“At WSL, we are committed to protecting the global ocean, and in February, we announced a partnership with the Surf Conservation Partnership to help us do just that,” said Emily Hofer, Executive Director of WSL PURE. “It’s incredible to see Costa Rica’s Playa Hermosa dedicated as the newest World Surfing Reserve, which will ensure that this world-class wave and irreplaceable ocean and coastal ecosystem are preserved.”

The ongoing management and preservation of Playa Hermosa also ushers in a new era of surf conservation efforts in the Costa Rica region.

 

The World Surfing Reserve is an important starting point for the Network of Surf Protected Areas program across Costa Rica under the Surf Conservation Alliance, a partnership between Conservation International and Save the Waves. Using Playa Hermosa as a model, the two organizations will work with the Costa Rican government and local communities to protect critical surf ecosystems throughout the country in the coming years.

 

“With the Surf Conservation Alliance, we seek to build a new way to unite local communities, tourism, and ocean conservation. Strengthening this alliance between surfers, local stakeholders, and the government will help the blue economy thrive, while ensuring that our marine ecosystems remain healthy for future generations to enjoy,” said Ana Gloria Guzmán, Executive Director of Conservation International-Costa Rica.

 

Playa Hermosa will join the growing network of World Surfing Reserves around the globe, including Malibu, California; Ericeira, Portugal; Manly Beach, Australia; Santa Cruz, California; Huanchaco, Peru; Todos Santos Bay, Baja California, Mexico; Punta de Lobos , Chile; Gold Coast, Australia; Guarda do Embaú, Brazil; and Noosa Heads, Australia. North Devon in the UK was recently nominated and will be the next to join the program.

 

Learn more about the Playa Hermosa World Surfing Reserve here:

About Save The Waves : The Save The Waves Coalition is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to protect surf ecosystems worldwide in partnership with local communities. Their conservation efforts have led to the protection and preservation of surf breaks and coastlines from California to Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and beyond. Learn more at www.savethewaves.org

 

About WSL PURE : PURE stands for Protect, Understand , and Respect the Environment and is the non-profit organization of the WSL. Founded in 2016, WSL PURE's mission is to inspire, educate, and empower ocean protection, starting with the global surfing community. WSL PURE focuses specifically on addressing the climate crisis, marine plastic pollution, and ocean health. Learn more at www.wslpure.org

About Conservation International : Conservation International protects nature for humanity . Through fieldwork, science, policy, and finance, we highlight and secure nature’s most important places for climate, biodiversity, and people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, businesses, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Follow our work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .

Credits: Laura Zumbado, President of the LSC