About Us

What we stand for

Mission:

We aim to develop sustainable rural communities committed to embracing sustainable tourism and protecting their natural resources. The organization does this by promoting a world-class long-distance hiking trail, El Camino de Costa Rica, attracting  hikers from urban areas of Costa Rica and from abroad to experience first-hand the natural beauty and the local culture in the heart of the country. 

Vision: 

As the number of hikers and tourists grows, El Camino de Costa Rica becomes a model development engine for the country’s  vulnerable communities bringing new resources, social infrastructure, and badly needed income that will also ensure conservation and protection for the existing biodiversity.

The work of Mar a Mar aims at real and long lasting impact.

How we work

The Asociación’s three pillars

To achieve its objectives, Mar a Mar works with three principal pillars and the informal grass-root groups which we have developed and worked with. The overarching objective is the long-term positive impact on the social economic conditions and the environment. 

The Route: 

Promoting and maintaining the route through local and international marketing efforts and providing Information for hikers, ongoing signage and maintenance programs primarily through volunteers and local collaboration is the first pillar. Soon an international program for volunteer hikers will  be developed in a more structured manner.

• Hiker and Operator Facebook group of 1.9k members interested in acquiring or providing route information as well as  sharing recommendations for improvements and highlighting valuable initiatives.

Communities: 

Capacity building for small enterprises and local organizations and showcasing local traditions is managed through a Community Fund constitutes the second pillar. Small-grant programs and direct donations to schools, clinics and other local entities to meet community needs.  Two social networks are used to promote communication of opportunities and projects  along the route. 

• Network of lodging and restaurant owners along the route called Red de Albergues del Camino de Costa Rica.
• Network of development associations along the route called Red de ADIs del Camino de Costa Rica.

Conservation and Biodiversity: 

The third pillar, Conservation and Biodiversity  focuses on education, reforestation and honoring the rich and biodiverse ecosystems along the route, which is one of El Camino de Costa Rica’s greatest attractions. The focus is on the youth of the communities to achieve both a short and long-term impact.  Where they exist, local development associations are empowered to define and implement such projects with Mar a Mar playing a guiding and supporting role.

• Environmental Club Program to educate and empower  students who in turn, can significantly impact their communities. This involves hands-on biodiversity exploration and protection activities on site, teaching sustainable practices for communities. Expanding to include developing venues for youth through outdoor classrooms and other venues.
• A long-term project to develop a Center for Biodiversity and Environmental Education is being planned involving a consortium of universities, organizations and grass-root community institutions Where they exist, local development associations are empowered to define and implement such projects with Mar a Mar playing a guiding and supporting role.

What we believe

Values and Principles

• Social and Environmental Sustainability:: he dual goal of economic development and biodiversity conservation go hand in hand and are entirely compatible in our work.  By promoting appreciation of the flora and fauna along the route and protecting biodiversity  which is what attracts tourists and hikers,  we can ensure the success of the project. 
• Participation and commitment: All stakeholders are committed to and participate actively  to ensure the success of all initiatives.
• Solidarity: We believe the only way development can be sustainable is through the balanced growth of all elements of the community ensuring mutual benefits and collaboration.
• Perseverance: We recognize the challenges and obstacles participants will face and strive to empower and support them  keeping the vision and the long term objectives ever present. Mar a Mar is a member of Fundación Costa Rica Estados Unidos de América para la Cooperación (CRUSA) and relies on Amigos of Costa Rica as its umbrella la 501 C(3).