ALFOMBRA AZUL 2025
- The Billfish Conservation Project participated in the Alfombra Azul 2025 with the objective of:
- Strengthening regional alliances with key conservation and sportfishing organizations in Costa Rica and the region.
- Supporting FECOP’s leadership in sustainable fishing advocacy and marine protection efforts in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP).
- Representing the interests of the BCP and the Central America Sportfishing Alliance (CASA) in ongoing regional collaboration and upcoming joint initiatives.
- Identifying future opportunities for cooperative research, education, and fundraising initiatives aligned with the BCP’s conservation goals.
- Event Overview
The Alfombra Azul is FECOP’s annual blue-carpet gala that brings together leaders from conservation organizations, sportfishing lodges, scientists, private sector partners, and governmental representatives. The 2025 edition highlighted Costa Rica’s continued commitment to sustainable sportfishing, marine biodiversity, and community engagement through responsible fisheries management.
- Key program elements included:
- Opening remarks by FECOP leadership emphasizing the national impact of sportfishing.
- Recognition of partner organizations contributing to marine conservation.
- Networking sessions with representatives from tourism boards, conservation NGOs, and private industry.
- Presentation of ongoing initiatives across the ETP region.
- Key Outcomes and Partnerships
- Regional Collaboration: Established closer coordination between BCP and FECOP for shared objectives under the CASA platform, focusing on data sharing, tagging programs, and youth education campaigns.
- Visibility: Strengthened the BCP’s regional presence by representing Guatemala’s leadership in sportfishing conservation.
- Networking: Productive discussions with Costa Rican tourism officials, marina owners, and scientists on unified marketing and advocacy strategies.
- Commitment for 2026: Preliminary agreement to explore a regional “Blue Carpet” event for next year, jointly hosted under CASA to spotlight the collective conservation impact across Central America.
- Observations and Recommendations
- High-Quality Organization: FECOP delivered an impactful and well-coordinated event with broad stakeholder representation.
- Opportunities for Integration: There is significant potential to align Alfombra Azul with CASA’s and BCp’s calendar, expanding its regional reach.
- Next Steps:
- Schedule follow-up virtual meeting with FECOP to discuss a CASA joint initiative in Q1 2026.
- Prepare a regional partnership proposal outlining shared conservation objectives, data integration, and event exchange.
- Promote reciprocal representation between FECOP and BCP at upcoming Guatemala and Costa Rica tournaments.
- Conclusion
- Participation in Alfombra Azul 2025 reinforced the importance of regional unity in advancing billfish conservation and sustainable sportfishing. The event provided a valuable platform for strengthening ties with FECOP and partners, setting the stage for greater collaboration through CASA and the BCP network.
