Today the World Surf League (WSL) announces a partnership with Surf Conservation Partnership to protect world-class waves and irreplaceable ocean and coastal ecosystems, starting with critical conservation actions at the Playa Hermosa World Surfing Reserve in Costa Rica.
The Surf Conservation Partnership is a cutting edge collaboration between Conservation International and Save The Waves Coalition, pioneering a new way to protect the world's waves and oceans by creating surf protected areas.
"We are thrilled to support the truly innovative work of the Surf Conservation Partnership in Costa Rica and beyond, and plan to support this important work through philanthropic contributions and robust storytelling on WSL platforms," said Erik Logan, WSL CEO.
Playa Hermosa, south of Jaco, is one of Costa Rica's best waves and is located in a highly biodiverse region that is under growing threat from development and increased land-based pollution. This project will support critical conservation actions including finalizing and implementing a stewardship plan with local partners to address threats of habitat degradation and pollution. Additionally, this project will support the official dedication of the Playa Hermosa World Surfing Reserve through public celebrations June 11 and 12, 2022.
"Worldwide, there are thousands of hotspots where great waves, rich biodiversity, and vast stores of blue carbon all coexist. As we work to protect these areas, surfers are natural allies - and this partnership demonstrates the power of engaging people's passions in the fight for a healthier ocean," said Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO of Conservation International. "We're thrilled to partner with the World Surf League to conserve Playa Hermosa so that local communities and people everywhere can continue to enjoy nature's many bounties."
"Playa Hermosa was a perfect candidate for the World Surfing Reserve designation. With its incredible biodiversity and environmental attributes as well as a clear conservation vision for the future, this surf ecosystem is very deserving of the title," said Save The Waves Coalition's Executive Director, Nik Strong-Cvetich.
Ana Gloria Guzman, Executive Director of Conservation International - Costa Rica said, "This is the beginning of an important partnership that will strengthen the alliance between surfers, local communities and the government to drive conservation of our ocean. Starting with Playa Hermosa, the Surf Conservation Partnership aims to expand this innovative conservation approach across Costa Rica and the world - we are grateful to the WSL for partnering with us on this important work."