We're cultivating a new vision for education

in harmony with nature

Festival

World Environment Day

This is how we celebrated World Environment Day in our education lab in harmony with nature, with activities 100% led by the student eco-committee, supported by Guardians of Nature.

Under the theme of stopping plastic pollution, the following activities took place:

🐢 An artistic intervention in the shape of a turtle using a plastic bag to raise awareness about marine pollution.

🌼 Planting of pollinator-friendly plants.

♻️ A swap fair to promote conscious consumption.

🎨 Nature-inspired art activities.

🌱 Actions that connect education with regeneration.

Strenthening Blue Flag Program

for Schools

In 2025, we’re supporting Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Education to strengthen the Ecological Blue Flag Program (PBAE) through a pilot in Guanacaste. By integrating our Mi Reto Guardián program, we’re introducing innovations like digital tracking, gamified eco-challenges, private sector incentives, and stronger cross-sector collaboration.

This year, 457 schools are participating. In 2026, we’ll expand the pilot to two additional provinces, with the goal of scaling nationally by 2027, and continuing to refine the model for potential replication beyond our borders.

Exploring innovative ideas

Could we Boost Conservation Efforts through an Innovative Financial Mechanism for Schools?

In Costa Rica, the Payment for Environmental Services (PES) program, run by the National Forest Fund (FONAFIFO), provides financial recognition to landowners who conserve or restore forests and ecosystems, compensating for key services such as carbon capture, water protection, biodiversity, and scenic beauty.

From Guardians of Nature has emerged an inspiring question: could a similar model be applied to schools? This possibility is being explored by an interdisciplinary and inter-institutional team made up of representatives from Guardians of Nature, FONAFIFO, the Ministry of Education’s Ecological Blue Flag Program, and the Public Services Company of Heredia.

We are currently in a phase of technical and conceptual analysis to study its viability. Although still a proposal under development, it could become a pioneering global experience that brings education closer to the active protection of nature.

Fundraiser

Support our innovation lab: Nosara Schools

Workshops

Responsible and Sustainable Waste Management

On May 16, we led a waste management workshop for 10th-grade students at Liceo Experimental Bilingüe de Santa Cruz, supporting their role as changemakers through community service, the Blue Flag Program, and the Empower Yourself Project.

They explored waste separation, collection points, and degradation times as part of a school-wide initiative, later shared with over 600 educators nationwide through a follow-up webinar that linked local action to collective learning

Eco Webinars

More than 600 Educators Participating

During May and June, 659 educators from across the country participated in our eco webinars in partnership with the Costa Rican Ministry of Education on composting and responsible waste management in schools.

Throughout these sessions, and follow-ups, we shared practical resources and tools to strengthen learning and support their application in the classroom.

Training for

Educational Circuit Supervisors

Key training for all supervisors in the province of Guanacaste! Thanks to the Regional Educational Directorates of Santa Cruz, Nicoya, Cañas, and Liberia for their participation.

To advance environmental sustainability in schools and foster a culture that enriches student learning, everyone plays an essential role: regional directors, supervisors, principals, teachers, and students. This is truly a team effort!

Strategic Alliances

Driving Impact in Nature and Education

ecoins® is the first regional digital platform that promotes proper management of recyclable waste and a circular, solidarity-based economy, generating data and integrating all sectors.

Registered schools can win a rainwater tank (2,500 liters) in a raffle sponsored by Aliaxis by Durman, running from June 2 to August 31, 2025. Winners will be announced on September 9 on the official website. Only school-registered accounts are eligible. If your school tracks and delivers waste to authorized entities, contact ecoins at info@ecoins.eco for details.

Our Impact

In the Media

We appreciate La Voz de Guanacaste for featuring our work in their article, “Challenges and Eco-points: How Guanacaste Schools Are Working to Earn the Ecological Blue Flag (view article HERE).

We also extend our thanks to Delfino.cr for publishing the story, “Augmented Reality Book Aims to Transform Children’s Reading into a Multisensory Experience,” highlighting Jairo Guadamuz’s graduate research at the University of Costa Rica, based on our book The Guardian of Nature and Her Friends Save the River (view article HERE).

ALIVE Podcast

Nature as a Teacher For Systemic Change

On May 7, Ashoka Fellows Jessica Sheffield Zamora, our Executive Director, and Mary Anne Muller from Colombia participated in the ALIVE* podcast by Ashoka: Nature as a teacher for Systemic Change. Their conversation explored how connecting with nature is key to defending life, dignity, and territories.

Ashoka is a global nonprofit organization that identifies, supports, and connects social entrepreneurs —individuals who lead innovative and systemic solutions to the world’s most pressing social problems.

Thank you to our allies

for the support provided in so many ways

Discover our educational platform designed to empower educators dedicated to nurturing new generations in harmony with nature.

We offer free, high-quality, ready-to-use resources that help exceptional teachers create a positive impact on their students and the environment.

FOLLOW US