Tonnino maintains a strict environmental awareness program and in 2007 we signed an agreement with the Friends of Cocos Island Foundation (FAICO). This partnership is committed to the long-term management and protection of the Cocos Island National Marine Park, World Natural Heritage Site (UNESCO 1997), Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR 1998), and recently nominated for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
This year Tonnino is sponsoring several different projects to protect and preserve this natural paradise of Costa Rica - which includes training and education programs, cleaning and conservation initiatives, and creating gift bags for Tonnino products from recycled plastic bags.
Project Update
1. Cocos Island Cleaning Program
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Purpose: Remove from the park as much fishing lines and garbage as possible in order to convert it into other useful products through recycling.
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Project Update: As of September 2008, 4.8 tons of garbage (including nylon rope, metals, plastic, hooks) have been collected from the island and recycled. The nylon and metals collected were sold, and the funds were used to buy a deep fryer for the island's kitchen. The hooks are being used to make necklaces, which are offered to tourists in exchange of any donation they are willing to provide. Additionally, Tonnino has helped the foundation with the purchase of special bags and boxes to make the trash transportation easier. Thanks to Tonnino's support, the cleaning program will continue for the rest of this year. |
2. Uniforms for Security Officers with Coco's Island Logo
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Purpose: Offer uniforms (pants and shirts) with logo to the security officers in Coco's Island.
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Project Update: Tonnino has helped with the donation of funds to provide uniforms to the island's security officers. The island's staff is also working to offer special shirts and working pants to the patrol and jackets for official activities done in the city. |
3. Educational material for children
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Purpose: Support the new edition of a coloring book that the foundation uses during their educational visits to schools in Costa Rica.
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Project Update: Adventures in Coco's Island (Aventuras en la Isla del Coco) is the new edition of this coloring book that FAICO will be presenting in a few days to schools. It's dynamic material with which children will be able to entertain and at the same time learn about Coco's Island National Park. The first 3,000 copies will be used in various educational workshops and during the Week for the Sea, an event dedicated to the Sea held in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. |
