Coral Reefs in Costa Rica: a Samara project.

A community-driven initiative in Playa Sámara, Guanacaste, is setting a milestone in marine conservation. The Proyecto Corales Association, in collaboration with public and private organizations, has managed to plant two thousand corals on the seabed near Isla Chora, thus revitalizing the region’s underwater ecosystem.

A Project with Community Roots

Started in 2017, the project aims to restore the area’s coral reefs, which were in poor condition due to various environmental factors. On January 25th, the association planted 600 corals, reaching a total of 2,000, with the goal of reaching 3,000 by the end of 2025.

The program came about because the National System of Conservation Areas carried out a study to evaluate the state of the seabed, where they found little life. We sought the support of the National Learning Institute and decided to create the first Community Science Association in Costa Rica to recover the coral reefs.

Julio Alberto Briceño, president of the Coral Project Association
Coral Reefs in Costa Rica: The Sámara Project

Initially, the project focused on three species of coral, but the Pocillopora variety proved to be the most successful. Thanks to improved cultivation and transplantation techniques, they are now expanding their efforts to include other species.

Coral Reefs and their Vital Importance

Corals are essential for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. They provide shelter and food for countless marine species, contributing to biodiversity and the balance of the ocean. The main function of coral reefs is to serve as nurseries for fish. On a beach like Sámara, all marine species, when they are small, seek refuge in the corals. For this reason, when the coral reef begins to recover, we start to see more life.

Coral Reefs in Costa Rica: The Sámara Project
Coral Reefs in Costa Rica: The Sámara Project

The Pocillopora corals planted at Sámara Beach are especially important for the creation of underwater habitats that support a wide variety of fish, invertebrates and other marine organisms. This coral restoration project exemplifies Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental conservation and its innovative approach to community-led initiatives.

As the project continues to grow, it promises to bring significant benefits to both the marine ecosystem and the local community of Playa Sámara.

Sensorial Sunsets