July 21, 2009
During the Billabong ISA World Surfing Games in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, Save The Waves will present the World Surfing Reserves program to ISA’s network of member countries to further the program’s goal to proactively protect special coastal areas around the world.
“We are very happy with the participation of ISA member National Governing Bodies (NGBs) in this process to protect and enshrine the world’s most cherished and loved surf spots and coastal areas,” stated ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “From Australia to Brazil, the Americas and Portugal, special wave areas have been identified and nominated. I am excited about ISA’s critical role in helping create a brighter and more sustainable surfing future.”
“ISA has played a fundamental role in helping us connect with local surfing federations who are legitimate representatives of surfing communities around the globe,” said WSR Program Manager João De Macedo. “There will always be more partners involved at a regional and local level, but the NGBs are a critical corner stone to connect with the people who love these sacred spots. To ensure the maintenance, vigilance and management of these special surfing areas, the local community is clearly at the forefront.”
During the event in Costa Rica, a tuna farm pollution threat to the world-class Pavones surf spot in Costa Rica's southern zone will be discussed by scientists from Pretoma, a Costa Rican environmental organization, with the support of the Costa Rican Surfing Federation.
This event in Costa Rica represents the culmination of the first phase in selecting certain waves to be chosen for enshrinement in 2009 and 2010. This process will occur annually.
The World Surfing Reserves program was launched on Dec. 5, 2008, along with a strategic partnership with the International Surfing Association (ISA). That partnership was established to connect WSR with local surf representatives and communities from around the world.
Save The Waves’ WSR press conference will take place on Thursday, July 30th, immediately following the event press conference at Hotel Terraza del Pacífico in Playa Hermosa.
Click here for more information on the World Surfing Reserves program.
Click here for more information about the International Surfing Association.
Click here to learn more about tuna farm pollution threating Pavones.
