Planting New Trees, Growing the Community
Costa Rica is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity. However, like many regions, it faces environmental challenges that require proactive solutions. At Biomerics, we feel that protecting our environment is a responsibility that falls to each of us. The employees at our Cartago, Costa Rica, facility have demonstrated their personal commitment to this endeavor by dedicating their time and effort to an annual reforestation project.
A Commitment to Environmental Conservation
The idea of an annual reforestation project began two years ago with a clear goal: to improve the environment around Biomerics Cartago. With this goal in mind, we set out to become a certified Blue Flag facility. The Blue Flag Ecology Program is a national initiative in Costa Rica that promotes environmental conservation across various categories. This program became the foundation for our environmental responsibility efforts, eventually leading to the establishment of our annual reforestation project.
Mariana Sanchez, EHS Supervisor at Biomerics Cartago, helps facilitate the project every year. She shared her motivation for participating in the reforestation effort: “We saw it as a way of building connections with the community, local government and other non-for-profit organizations,” she said. “But most importantly, it was the drive to make an impact on the environment in and around the areas where we work and play.”
A Collaborative Approach to Reforestation
Embarking on a reforestation project of this scale required careful planning and collaboration. Our partner in this endeavor is Planta Mi Árbol (Plant My Tree), an international organization that provides expertise and resources for reforestation projects. Environmental engineers from Planta Mi Árbol provided basic education for our volunteers, educating them about the different tree species and how to plant them.
Every year, Biomerics employees dedicate their free time to plant approximately 300 trees bought by Biomerics. As a coordinator for the project, Mariana has seen firsthand how everyone comes together to make the project happen. “It creates a spirit of teamwork, and that’s something really special,” she said. “It’s a good time that we share together.” After all the trees are planted, volunteers are provided lunch, transportation back to the Biomerics facility and a small gift for their participation.
A Legacy of Responsibility & Community Engagement
At Biomerics, one of our core values is We Care — including about our people, our communities and our planet. Our annual reforestation project is a powerful example of how we put that value into action. Through collaboration with local government agencies and national parks, this effort not only supports ecological restoration but also strengthens relationships with community stakeholders. It serves as an outward expression of our internal commitment to our communities.
Employees involved in the reforestation effort have shared that, for them, the project means much more than simply fulfilling an obligation. “We want to promote the best environmental practices at our facility, but our vision goes far beyond that,” said Mariana. “We care deeply about the environment, and this project reflects our desire to make a meaningful impact beyond our own walls.”
The reforestation project is just one of the environmental volunteer activities that Biomerics Cartago plans each year, and they continue to explore new ways to address local environmental challenges and make a positive impact in the community.
