Projects
Since its foundation ATEC has developed many projects to positively impact the canton of Talamanca. Some of these projects have been temporary and some others have been developed through out the years. These projects are intended to promote awareness and strengthen 3 main development areas of Talamanca, these are: cultural, environmental and social.
Examples of temporary projects
Training of local guides
In 1991, ATEC received international funding from the IAF to train the first local tour guides in Talamanca. This was a significant milestone because, from that point on, it became possible to offer visitors safe and professional eco-tourism experiences led by local people, thereby contributing to the economy of Talamanca.
Examples of temporary projects
School supply campaign
Since 2006 until 2019, ATEC developed a School Supply Campaign in which, every year, with the help of donors, we raised money or collected school supplies to provide different schools in Talamanca, mainly in Indigenous Territories, with essential materials needed for the school year.
Examples of temporary projects
Iguana conservation project
In 2020, ATEC obtained funding from the “Asociación Costa Rica por Siempre” to remodel an iguana conservation center located in the KekoLdi Indigenous Territory.
Examples of temporary projects
Bless my waters festival
On December 1, 2023, ATEC organized a festival to commemorate peace and the value of living in a country without an army. This festival took place in various locations across Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, featuring a wide variety of cultural and artistic activities.
Examples of temporary projects
Recycling campaigns
During the first half of 2024, ATEC organized a monthly recycling collection campaign for the coastal communities of the South Caribbean. This initiative was launched because the local municipality was not providing that service.
Examples of temporary projects
“Walk About Act About”
An audiovisual project conducted by ATEC in collaboration with Yesaji Arte y Movimiento and Alter Ethos. The purpose of this project was to share important cultural information about Talamanca.
Examples of temporary projects
CuidArte fair
In August 2024, ATEC collaborated with the University of Costa Rica (UCR) to organize a fair in Puerto Viejo that combined art and health. Named “CuidArte,” the fair lasted two days and featured various artistic performances in the “Bus of Arts” (UCR). Additionally, local residents had the opportunity to receive general medical check-ups in the mobile clinic operated by UCR.
Current projects examples
Current projects examples
Ecotourism operation
The ecotourism operation is the oldest project ATEC has conducted and remains active. In the early 1990s, ATEC created a platform that allows tourists to connect with local guides and eco-projects throughout the canton. This project operates based on a Solidarity Economic Model, where 70% of the income is distributed among local guides and eco-projects. In recent years,
ATEC has distributed an average of $90,000 USD each year to the communities of Talamanca. The remaining 30% is retained by the organization to sustain the operation and invest in conservation efforts or environmental activism initiatives.
Examples of temporary projects
Cleaner Puerto Viejo
(Puerto Viejo más limpio)
A project with over nine years of existence, ATEC has been running it for the last three years. This project is funded by local residents and businesses that pay a monthly fee to keep the beaches of Puerto Viejo clean. ATEC receives the donations and coordinates weekly beach clean-ups with local volunteers. Participants who clean the beaches receive financial compensation, as well as gloves, plastic bags, hats, and breakfast and lunch.
Examples of temporary projects
Resistance festival
ATEC, alongside another local NGO called El Puente, has organized two editions (2023 and 2024) of the Resistance Festival. This festival is celebrated on July 4th (or a nearby date) in honor of the Indigenous leader and national hero PabLu Presbere. The festival is a cultural celebration aimed at empowering the autochthonous cultures of Talamanca. Thanks to the historic resistance of the brave Bribri and Cabécar peoples, Talamanca was never conquered and continues to stand strong.
Examples of temporary projects
Territorial alliance
In 2024, ATEC received international funding from Global Green Grants to develop an important project in Talamanca. This project aims to create the foundation and structure of a territorial alliance intended to empower communities to address development efforts in a more effective and organized manner—one that respects and honors nature, local cultures, and their histories. The foundations of the alliance were collectively developed through various workshops organized by ATEC.