AGROMIRA 2025 Launches Reforestation to Protect Water Sources and Offset Environmental Footprint

• Native species such as lorito, yellow cortez, cannonball tree, and chestnut were planted during the initiative

Following the success of AGROMIRA 2025, an event that brought together more than 300 people from over 20 countries at the CATIE campus (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center), the commitment to sustainability continues. As part of the efforts to offset the carbon footprint and align with the principles of the Ecological Blue Flag award, a tree planting day was held on May 20 at the spring shared by the ASADAS of El Mora and Sictaya, in Santa Rosa de Turrialba, Costa Rica.

The activity was led by members of the AGROMIRA 2025 organizing team alongside plumbers and administrative staff from both ASADAS, in a joint effort to protect water recharge zones and promote ecological restoration in the canton.

“As part of the commitments assumed at AGROMIRA and under the BAE program, the Union of ASADAS of Turrialba and Jiménez (UNATUJI) began the distribution of 200 trees donated by the company Upala Agrícola to affiliated ASADAS, with the goal of reforesting springs and water catchment areas,” explained Anthony Gamboa of the AGROMIRA 2025 Technical Committee.

During the day, native species such as lorito, yellow cortez, cannonball tree, and chestnut were planted in an area with high water recharge potential. The spring involved, known as “Paco Cordero,” supplies both ASADAS and produces approximately 35 liters per second.

“As the person in charge of the Ecological Blue Flag program at AGROMIRA, this was a very rewarding experience that reinforces the importance of protecting our water sources and giving back, even a little, of all that nature provides us. We continue to move forward with firm steps toward more sustainable and environmentally committed communities,” highlighted María Fernanda Madriz of the AGROMIRA 2025 Logistics Committee.

According to Ricardo González, administrator of ASADA El Mora, the spring has been improved in recent years to ensure its sanitary safety. “This area, which used to be pastureland, is now being restored with trees that will help recharge and protect the aqueduct. It’s a key step for the future of water in our communities,” he stated.

This is one of the many actions of AGROMIRA 2025, an event that received the Ecological Blue Flag award for its environmental commitment, thanks to initiatives such as waste reduction, use of reusable materials, shared mobility, and environmental awareness activities during its three-day professional development program (May 6–8) at CATIE, Turrialba, Costa Rica.

This action was made possible thanks to the support of UNATUJI and the generous donation of 200 trees (135 forest and 65 fruit trees) made by Upala Agrícola. The donation was symbolically presented during the AGROMIRA 2025 closing ceremony, where the contributions of partners and participants were recognized for supporting this effort.