The University of Costa Rica’s Osa-Golfo Dulce Institutional Program was created on August 23, 2004, to promote the integration, development, research, and social action geared towards the use and conservation of natural resources in the Osa Peninsula and the Golfo Dulce.

PIOSA seeks to integrate three key issues for sustainable development: land use, marine and coastal environments, and local development. To achieve its objectives, the program promotes and facilitates a strong research and development group, employing a number of researchers from various disciplines.

Some of PIOSA’s research has contributed to the assessment of the impact of human activity on water quality and forests. In addition to developing tools to be used by research centers and institutes, it attempts to ensure that these tools are useful for planning or rationally modifying their future work.

The program has also enabled the University of Costa Rica to provide ongoing assistance to local communities and institutions. Among PIOSA’s short-term goals are achieving the Ecological Blue Flag for local beaches, community integration in local conservation efforts, reforestation, and the reutilization of local materials.

For more information on PIOSA, please contact:

MSc. Gerardo Cortes  

gerardo.cortes.ucr@gmail.com

Phone: 2511-4404