Aleste receives the Ecological Blue Flag in the Biodiversity Category for the second year

Aleste is proud to announce that it has been awarded for the second time the prestigious Ecological Blue Flag in the Biodiversity category, obtaining 5 stars this year. This recognition highlights the firm commitment to carry out actions in favor of the environment and society.

Since its inception, Aleste has embraced the responsibility of preserving biodiversity in the territory in which the project is developed, experiencing a significant change in land use, transforming from a coffee plantation to an urban development; Aware of the challenge, the project collaborated closely with the Business Alliance for Development (AED) and the Agency for German Development Cooperation (GIZ) in Costa Rica, to implement the Guide for Biodiversity Management in Business (2019 ).

This commitment translates into a comprehensive work plan, with goals and indicators for the period 2021-2023, which includes various key actions, including:

- Solarization of 1,300 m2 with the objective of eliminating an invasive species, elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), as part of the riparian area rehabilitation plan.
- 529 trees and 188 native shrubs were planted in public spaces, protection areas and other areas of the Aleste project.
- 137 people from the community participated in citizen science activities, a program that involves the broader community in scientific research and data collection.
- Creation and operation of a nursery with more than 6,000 trees of 67 native species.
- Creation of biodiversity baseline (birds, amphibians, reptiles and macroinvebrates).
- Preparation of the Forest Rehabilitation Plan.
- Beginning of actions for the conservation of the endemic species Costa Rican Finch (Melozone cabanisi) in alliance with the Cabanisi Project Foundation.
- The alliance was established with the María Aguilar Interurban Biological Corridor (CBIMA).

In addition to these actions, Aleste, in alliance with the Parque La Libertad Foundation and the Central Conservation Area – SINAC, coordinated training on urban wildlife management, citizen science workshops and beetle and bird counting, among other topics. As well as, held meetings to transversally integrate sustainability into all project communications.

Aleste, a project developed and operated by Portafolio Inmobiliario, recognizes the challenges that urban development can pose to biodiversity, and is committed to minimizing these negative impacts at all stages of the project, from its planning, design to its construction and operation.

«In Real Estate Portfolio, sustainability has become the backbone; For this reason, at Aleste we are proud of the recent award of the Ecological Blue Flag in the Biodiversity category for the second time. This is just the beginning of a long and exciting path, where we will advance with firm steps in contributing to the restoration of habitats and connectivity, but more importantly, to raise awareness among the population about the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship between people and nature,” stressed Federico Baltodano, director of the Aleste project.

The project began construction in February 2021 and has since implemented responsible practices in urban development. With this award, it reaffirms its commitment to continue taking measures focused on local biodiversity, education, species conservation and other actions that benefit not only the environment, but also the community where it operates.