Thousands of Confiscated Seashells Will Be Returned to the Ocean Through Environmental Initiative

A new environmental initiative led by Avianca and AERIS aims to return thousands of seashells to the ocean as part of an effort to restore coastal ecosystems affected by the illegal extraction of natural marine elements.

The project, called “Back Home”, brings together private companies, environmental institutions, and volunteers with the goal of returning seashells confiscated from tourists at Costa Rican airports back to the sea.

A Silent Environmental Issue

Every year, airport authorities confiscate between five and six tons of seashells at airports across the country, according to data shared by AERIS and Avianca.

Although many travelers see them as simple souvenirs, environmental experts warn that seashells play a crucial role in marine and coastal ecosystems. These natural structures help reduce beach erosion, provide shelter for small organisms, and contribute to the balance of marine habitats.

The massive extraction of seashells has generated negative impacts in several coastal areas, especially in regions with high tourism activity.

The “Back Home” Project

As part of the initiative, employees from Avianca, LifeMiles, and AERIS participated in volunteer activities to sort thousands of confiscated seashells before their return to the ocean.

The process includes separating contaminated or unsuitable materials before reintroducing them into marine ecosystems. Environmental specialists and partner organizations will then supervise the safe return of the shells to different coastal areas.

Juan Santamaría International Airport has become one of the key locations for managing confiscated shells due to the large number of international travelers passing through the airport each year.

Institutions and Experts Join Restoration Efforts

The project involves institutions such as the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), the University of Costa Rica, and FIFCO.

According to participating organizations, the initiative aims not only to restore marine ecosystems but also to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of removing natural elements from beaches and protected areas.

In addition to environmental and logistical efforts, the project incorporates technological tools and artificial intelligence to help identify and classify seashells before they are returned to the ocean.

Sustainable Tourism and Biodiversity Protection

Avianca stated that initiatives like this are part of its sustainability and corporate responsibility strategy in the region.

The airline emphasized the importance of promoting more responsible tourism, encouraging travelers to understand the need to preserve the biodiversity of the destinations they visit.

AERIS also highlighted that airports represent one of the first points of contact with international visitors, making them strategic locations for environmental awareness campaigns.

Participating organizations hope the initiative will contribute not only to ecological restoration but also to changing habits among tourists and residents regarding coastal ecosystem protection.

An Initiative Designed to Raise Awareness

Environmental authorities remind the public that removing seashells, sand, coral, or other natural elements from beaches can significantly disrupt marine ecosystems.

Through projects like “Back Home”, participating organizations hope to transform confiscated materials into an educational and environmental opportunity that strengthens the protection of Costa Rica’s coastlines for future generations.