• A 4.5 km long by 4 meter wide firebreak reinforces the protection of Barra Honda National Park.
• More than 100 fire brigadiers and volunteers joined this initiative.

Guanacaste demonstrated, once again, its commitment to the conservation of its protected areas. On March 1, dozens of volunteers came together to strengthen the defense of Barra Honda National Park against forest fires, participating in the 2nd Mass Volunteer Event for Forest Fire Prevention.

The event, promoted by Reserva Conchal, FIFCO’s hospitality division, in collaboration with the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), the Environmental Commission of Santa Cruz and local brigades, allowed for the construction of a 4.5-kilometer firebreak in the area of greatest fire risk within the Tempisque Conservation Area.

The firebreak built in Barra Honda National Park is a strip four meters wide and three meters high that acts as a barrier to stop an eventual fire from spreading.

The event was attended by 75 certified forest fire-fighters from various Guanacaste communities, including members of the Tempisque Conservation Area Brigade (ACT), the Tamarindo Coastal Brigade (BRICA), the Las Delicias Brigade (BRIDENA), the Arado Brigade (BRIARA), the Barra Honda Brigade, the Santa Cruz Municipality Brigade, the Diría National Park Brigade with its crews from La Esperanza and Juan Diaz, the Barra Honda National Park Brigade, the ASVO Brigade, independent brigade members from Nicoya, the OCC Brigade and the Brigade from the Westin and W Hotels. In addition, 19 employees from Reserva Conchal joined the initiative, including 14 members of its Emergency Brigade, who are certified in SINAC’s Fire Management program.

At the same time, a group of volunteers from the State Distance University (UNED) and the University of Costa Rica (UCR) carried out maintenance work in the visitor sector, helping with the cleaning, painting and varnishing of the facilities, aimed at improving the experience of those who enjoy this National Park.

Guanacaste and climate resilience

This effort is in line with FIFCO’s long-term vision and its Climate Action Strategy, which seeks to strengthen Guanacaste’s capacity to adapt to climate challenges. Through the volunteer program Elegí Ayudar (I chose to help), FIFCO and Reserva Conchal have developed multiple forest fire prevention actions in the province since 2022, including interventions in the Santa Rosa, Palo Verde and Pocosol sector national parks.

The work in Barra Honda National Park adds to this record of initiatives that combine prevention, environmental education and community action, reaffirming the commitment of fire brigadiers, volunteers and organizations to safeguard Guanacaste’s natural heritage.

This action reinforces the importance of protecting the province’s natural resources and guaranteeing the sustainability of its ecosystems. With each volunteer, the response and prevention network is expanded, allowing more people and communities to join in the defense of their protected areas.