Bring nature into Nosara’s public schools—building a blueprint for Costa Rica’s education system and beyond

📚 Did You Know?

Our area is home to 4 private schools and 7 public schools, serving more than 1,500 students and their families. Yet, Costa Rica’s public education budget has declined from 8% to just 5.8% of the national GDP, leaving public schools underfunded and struggling to meet basic needs—let alone invest in innovative programs that could truly benefit Costa Rican children and our environment.

🚨 Why Is This Urgent—and How Can Your Support Make a Difference?

The degradation of our natural world—through pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change—is no longer a distant issue; it’s a direct threat to our collective survival. If education systems don’t evolve now, future generations will inherit a planet where thriving is no longer an option.

While many organizations offer environmental programs to a few schools, Guardianes de la Naturaleza works at the systems level, partnering with the Ministry of Education since 2019 to bring nature into the very foundation of quality education.

Nosara’s community and talent make it uniquely positioned to lead the way in reimagining education—where children learn with nature, not apart from it—so the community as a whole can flourish.

While many families leave for their summer break, public schools in Costa Rica remain in session from February to December—meaning local children continue their studies even as others are on vacation.
You are a caring resident of Nosara who wants to make a meaningful impact—while enhancing your own sense of purpose and well-being.

🌱 Who Is This Campaign For?

• You’re passionate about education and nature, and believe every child deserves the highest-quality access to both.
• You believe that cross-sector collaboration is essential for real, lasting impact.
• You want to be an active co-creator of a movement that brings nature into the heart of education—creating long-term, systemic change, not just treating symptoms.

🎯 Key Outcomes

🔗 Build Collective Power

Drive community-wide impact by coordinating eco-actions and strengthening local alliances between schools, families, residents, and partners to generate shared momentum.

🌿 Green Schools Through Hands-On Learning

Support the creation and expansion of edible and pollinator-friendly gardens, along with other green initiatives. These will be paired with interactive environmental education activities that bring nature into daily learning experiences for both students and teachers.

🚀 Expand Reach Through the Blue Flag Program

In 2025, Guardianes de la Naturaleza is leading a prototype pilot of the Blue Flag Program in Guanacaste, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Public Education—already engaging over 400 public schools. By integrating gamification, technology, and strategic incentives, we’re helping elevate this national sustainability initiative.
Our goal:

• Increase engagement
• Track real impact
• Build a replicable model that can scale across Costa Rica in 3 years, and reach other countries within 5.

Many families travel during school breaks, making it harder to fundraise when people are in 'travel mode.' But giving back before you leave is a powerful way to support the country that has welcomed you, ensuring that local schools and children continue to thrive.

🌍 The Best Way to Protect Nature Long-Term?

Redesign education systems around it.