Coope Tárcoles

The artisanal fishers of the community of Tárcoles, located in the Gulf of Nicoya on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, faced declining fish stocks due to a combination of overharvesting by commercial shrimp boats and unsustainable local fishing practices. At the same time, development of the tourism sector along the coast threatened to restrict access to the shore and to marginalize their work. The local fishing cooperative Coope Tárcoles R.L. was Founded in 1985 to confront these twin threats.

At the forefront of these efforts has been the development of fishing bylaws that stress sustainable practices, enshrined in the community's 'Code of Responsible Fishing'. In partnership with CoopeSolidar R.L., the initiative launched a sustainable and community-based ecotourism venture in 2007 to provide an alternative source of income for local residents. In 2009, meanwhile, the group was successful in gaining approval of a community-managed marine area.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2006

Founded: 1985

Location: Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica

Beneficiaries: 250 community members

Biodiversity: Carara National Park

 

Case Study

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Related Multimedia Resources

“Un Día en Tárcoles” - CoopeTárcoles (Costa Rica), Equator Prize 2006 Winner

Visit our Multimedia Center to explore our video gallery.

 Equator Prize 2006

Latin America And The Caribbean

 Biodiversity Conservation

 Marine and Coastal Resource Management


 

Contact Information

Gilberto Naranjo Venegas
Tárcoles, Garabito, Pacifico Central
Costa Rica
Tel: 506-637-0210
Email: gilnv20@yahoo.com

 

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