Austin, TX/Global —June 2026 —On June 22, World Rainforest Day will mark its tenth anniversary by reigniting a global movement for rainforests, bringing together individuals, organizations, educators, scientists, artists, Indigenous leaders, youth, and conservation advocates around a shared message: we are a part of nature, not separate from it, and every person, everywhere, carries a connection to rainforests within themselves. 

This year’s theme, The Forest Within You, invites people everywhere to reflect on and share the many ways rainforests shape our lives. Through videos and shared stories, participants will contribute their voices to a growing global movement celebrating one of Earth’s most important ecosystems. 

“This is more than a campaign —it’s a global reminder of our shared connection to the natural world,” said Tatiana Kaletsch, CO-CEO of Rainforest Partnership. “The Forest Within You invites people everywhere to recognize that rainforests are not distant ecosystems existing elsewhere on the planet. They live within our daily lives, our culture, our health, our climate, and our future. When we understand that connection, protecting rainforests becomes more than conserving ecosystems —it becomes an act of protecting something that sustains us all.”

How Everyone Can Participate

On June 22, people around the world are invited to create and share a short video, story, or message inspired by The Forest Within You, reflecting on their personal connection to rainforests and nature. They can share their contributions on social media using #WorldRainforestDay, #WorldRainforestDay2026 and #TheForestWithinYou

Read about: Beyond Planting: The Secret to Saving Costa Rica’s Rainforest

A Global Movement of Connection

World Rainforest Day is a worldwide call to recognize that people and rainforests are deeply interconnected. Rainforests influence climate and rainfall patterns, support extraordinary biodiversity, and provide resources that billions of people depend on every day. 

The Forest Within You highlights the many ways rainforests live within and around us. We are connected through the air we breathe, the water cycles that sustain communities, the medicines that support human health, the products we use, the cultures and traditions that shape our identities, and our shared dependence on a stable climate.

Although tropical rainforests cover only about six percent of the Earth’s land surface, they are home to more than half of the world’s terrestrial plant and animal species. Their influence extends far beyond the regions where they grow, touching lives in every corner of the globe.

Through shared storytelling and participation, The Forest Within You aims to create a global mosaic of voices reflecting the diversity and depth of humanity’s relationship with rainforests. The campaign celebrates a simple truth: no matter where we live, rainforests are a part of our story.

Why It Matters

Rainforests are among the most important ecosystems on Earth. They store vast amounts of carbon, influence climate systems, generate rainfall, and support the majority of terrestrial biodiversity. More than one billion people depend directly on forests for food, medicine, livelihoods, and clean water.

Yet these ecosystems continue to face increasing pressure from deforestation, degradation, and climate change. World Rainforest Day provides an opportunity to elevate awareness, amplify voices from around the world, and inspire collective action to protect rainforests for future generations.

Global Reach and Community

Since its founding in 2017 by Rainforest Partnership, World Rainforest Day has grown into a global observance supported by hundreds of organizations, educators, researchers, indigenous groups, businesses, artists, and conservation leaders across 6 continents. 

More than 100 global partners help amplify rainforest voices, share knowledge, and strengthen efforts to protect and restore one of Earth’s most vital ecosystems. Together, this growing movement reaches nearly 100 million people through social media, storytelling, and collective action.  

As World Rainforest Day enters its tenth year, the campaign seeks to transform a milestone into a springboard—reigniting global awareness and inspiring a new era of collective action for rainforest protection. By bringing together diverse voices from around the world, The Forest Within You reminds us that rainforest conservation is not solely about safeguarding distant places —its about recognizing and protecting the connections that unite all life on Earth. 

About World Rainforest Day

Created and convened by Rainforest Partnership in 2017, World Rainforest Day is celebrated every June 22 as a global movement —and a year-round call —to protect the world’s rainforests.

As biodiversity-rich and climate critical forests face growing threats, World Rainforest Day works to raise awareness, strengthen community capacity and mobilize collective action for rainforest protection. 

World Rainforest Day welcomes everyone. It brings together organizations, communities, educators, activists, and everyday people to celebrate rainforests and advance conservation together. 

Read about: New Nonstop Route Will Connect New York with Guanacaste Airport Starting This December

About Rainforest Partnership

Founded in 2007, Rainforest Partnership is an international nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to protecting standing tropical rainforests. 

Working from the ground up, Rainforest Partnership partners with Indigenous and local communities to support rainforest conservation in the Amazon, while engaging global audiences through education, awareness, collaboration, and collective action initiatives such as Films for the Forest and World Rainforest Day. 

For more information, visit:

• Website: worldrainforestday.org
• Instagram: @worldrainforestday
• Facebook: World Rainforest Day

The post World Rainforest Day 2026 Marks 10 Years by Reigniting a Global Movement for Rainforests Around “The Forest Within You”  appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Every four years, the world comes to a standstill. The reason? The World Cup. Starting this Thursday, the biggest celebration in soccer will kick off, with CONCACAF taking center stage.

Mexico, the United States, and Canada are hosting the tournament, which is expected to be the first of its kind with 48 participating teams, 12 groups, and a total of 104 matches, to be played through July 19, when the grand final takes place in New York.

Today, Azteca Stadium will be decked out in its finest to host the World Cup opening match for the third time in history, as it did in 1970 and 1986.

Mexico will face South Africa in a match that kicks off at 1 p.m.

Earlier, at around 11:30 a.m., the opening ceremony will begin, featuring various artistic, cultural, and, above all, musical performances.

FIFA confirmed that Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Los Ángeles Azules, J Balvin alongside Ryan Castro, Lila Downs, Danny Ocean, and South African singer Tyla will take the stage.

Shakira will also be present, performing the official World Cup song “Dai Dai” alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy.

The World Cup

The tournament features 12 groups of four teams. The format is round-robin, with the top two teams from each group advancing, as well as the eight best third-place finishers, who will play in the round of 32.

Starting on the 24th of this month, when the third matchday of the group stage kicks off, six matches will be played each day through June 27.

Thirty-two teams will remain in the tournament, while 16 will be eliminated.

The Favorites

The World Cup always has its favorites to win the title, and they’re the usual suspects: powerhouse teams boasting world-class players.

For this tournament, France stands out as a title contender, as does Spain, with other teams like Germany, Argentina, Brazil, and Portugal trailing behind them.

This will be the final World Cup for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo; an era is coming to an end in which those considered the world’s best players alongside Pelé and Maradona aim to bid farewell with even greater glory.

Both the Argentine and the Portuguese will etch their names in history as the players with the most World Cup appearances, with six, a record that will be joined by Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, although he did not play in 2006 and is unlikely to see action in the tournament kicking off this Thursday.

The post The World Cup Is Here! The Biggest Soccer Tournament On The Planet Kicks Off With 48 Teams And Several Records On The Line appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) has officially announced the launch of its “Path to Employability” (Camino a la Empleabilidad) initiative. This project will bring job fairs and training sessions to five key regions outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) during the second half of 2026.

The main objective is to connect local talent from rural and coastal areas with companies operating in those territories, boosting local economies and providing real growth opportunities.

Tailored Employment for Each Region

Unlike traditional mass job fairs, this initiative will tailor its training workshops and job openings to the specific production and talent needs of each geographic zone.

During these events, attendees will not only be able to apply for bilingual and non-bilingual positions, but they will also have access to:

  Free English proficiency testing.

  Employability workshops (interview tips, resume building, etc.).

  Direct networking with recruiters from both local and multinational companies.

Official Schedule: 2026 Dates and Locations

All events will take place from 9:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. Make sure to save the date for your community:

| Region |                  |  Location / City | Date (2026) |

| Brunca Region | Pérez Zeledón | Thursday, July 30 |

| Central Pacific | El Roble, Puntarenas | Thursday, August 27 |

| Chorotega Region | Santa Cruz | Thursday, September 24 |

| Northern Huetar | Ciudad Quesada | Tuesday, October 6 |

| Caribbean Region | Limón | Friday, October 23 |

Driving Regional Development

According to Laura López, Managing Director of PROCOMER, this strategy aligns with the country’s commitment to bringing the benefits of foreign investment and international trade to every corner of Costa Rica.

 “We want people in outlying regions to have the same tools and access to quality jobs without needing to migrate to the GAM. These job fairs serve as a direct bridge between community talent and growing companies,” López highlighted.

Quick Tips for Attendees:

 1. Update your resume: Bring several printed copies and keep a digital PDF version ready on your phone or email.

 2. Polishing your LinkedIn profile: Many tech and service companies use this platform for onboarding and follow-ups.

 3. Prepare an elevator pitch: Practice a brief 2-minute presentation highlighting your top skills and work experience.

The post Looking for a job in Costa Rica? PROCOMER is bringing job fairs and employability workshops to 5 regions outside the GAM in 2026. appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Fernández indicated that one of the initiatives relates to the concept of “zero leisure time in prisons,” while another seeks to strengthen security in correctional facilities.

“These bills also aim to provide us with tools to impose harsher penalties on members of criminal gangs, as well as to penalize owners of properties where clandestine airstrips are located, among other measures,” she said during a press conference.

The official presentation will take place at 11 a.m., when the president and several of her ministers will go to the Secretariat of the Legislative Board to submit the bills and begin the legislative process.

In late May, Fernández announced that he would push forward with a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening public safety.

At that time, She mentioned a proposal to record audio and video of visits to inmates held in maximum-security units.

However, on Wednesday, She did not include that initiative among the measures She announced.

Judicial reforms?

The president also did not specifically address the reforms to the judiciary that her administration has proposed.

However, just a few days after being elected, Fernández assembled a team of lawyers to draft legislation on the matter.

The group consists of María Lourdes Echandi, former Deputy Attorney General of the Republic; Fabián Volio, a specialist in constitutional and administrative law; Juan Diego Castro, a criminal defense attorney; and Fabián Silva, a constitutional law expert.

The current government has maintained the criticisms of the judiciary previously voiced by the previous administration, particularly regarding rulings issued by judges and judicial delays.

In that context, Fernández referred on Wednesday to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Orlando Aguirre, and the presiding judge of the Third Chamber, Patricia Solano.

In the president’s view, both are “failing Costa Rica,” and she therefore believes they should step down from their posts to make way for new leaders.

Solano is the same judge who interrupted a press conference to contradict the president regarding the Judiciary’s budget.

The post President Laura Fernández Will Present A Package of Security-Related Bills To The Legislative Assembly On Monday, June 15 appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

A marine worm with colors similar to a jaguar’s fur and never before recorded by science was discovered at Playa Naranjo, within Santa Rosa National Park in Guanacaste.

The new species was given the scientific name Sthenelais onca and is part of a discovery made by researchers from the BioMar-ACG project, led by the Center for Research in Marine Sciences and Limnology (Cimar), the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG), and Minae.

“The analyses confirmed that this was a species completely new to science,” the scientific team explained.

In addition, the study was published on April 24 in the international journal ZooKeys.

The discovery began nearly a decade ago The first encounter with this species occurred in February 2016 during a scientific expedition to Playa Naranjo.

On that occasion, researchers collected four specimens buried in the wet sand of the intertidal zone.

However, it wasn’t until May 2024 that a new expedition allowed them to obtain more specimens and complete the scientific analysis.

University students and local parataxonomists associated with the BioMar-ACG project also participated in the work.

A worm inspired by the jaguar

The new species caught the researchers’ attention due to several unusual characteristics.

As the team explained, the worm features orange, gray, and cream tones reminiscent of the jaguar’s (Panthera onca) fur.

“Precisely because of that resemblance and because it is a predator within the marine ecosystem, it was named Sthenelais onca,” noted the ACG.

In addition, the specimen can grow up to 11 centimeters in length, making it one of the largest recorded in this type of sandy environment.

Scientists also identified unique structures known as smooth setae and a distinctive notch in the scales covering the front of the body.

The research included genetic analysis

To confirm that this was a previously undescribed species, the team conducted detailed morphological analyses, created scientific illustrations, and performed genetic studies.

In addition, the researchers used phylogenetic analysis to compare this marine worm with species recorded in different parts of the world.

The results showed that the specimen found at Playa Naranjo did not match any previously documented species.

Subsequently, the specimens were added to the Annelida scientific collection at the Zoology Museum of the University of Costa Rica.

At the same time, the genetic sequences obtained were incorporated into international scientific reference platforms.

Costa Rica Continues to Uncover Unknown Species

The discovery reaffirms the Guanacaste Conservation Area as one of the most important sites for marine biodiversity research in Costa Rica.

It also highlights how much remains to be learned about the species inhabiting the marine ecosystems of the Costa Rican Pacific.

Since 2015, the BioMar-ACG project has been conducting research to document the marine biodiversity present in the ACG’s protected areas.

“This project aims to document, study, and disseminate information on the marine biodiversity present in the ACG’s protected areas,” the experts noted.

Meanwhile, researchers continue to generate genetic and scientific data on marine species found in Costa Rica.

The post New Species of Marine Worm Discovered In Costa Rica: It Had Never Been Recorded By Science appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Costa Rica’s tourism sector is celebrating a major milestone in international connectivity. Guanacaste Airport (LIR), a member of the VINCI Airports network, alongside the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), officially announced a new nonstop route operated by Delta Airlines. This service will regularly connect John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York with the province of Guanacaste.

This strategic connection promises to significantly boost local economic development and increase tourist arrivals to the Chorotega region and surrounding areas, launching just in time for the peak travel season.

A Direct Bridge to the U.S. Northeast

The United States remains the primary source market for tourists visiting Costa Rica. The U.S. Northeast, in particular, represents a high-demand hub of travelers seeking the biodiversity, pristine beaches, and sustainable tourism model that the country is famous for.

With this new flight option, New York travelers will avoid layovers, enabling faster and more comfortable travel to the province’s top attractions and nearby destinations such as Liberia, La Fortuna, and Monteverde.

 Key Flight Details:

  Operating Airline: Delta Airlines.

  Launch Date: December 2026.

  Route: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York ⇆ Guanacaste Airport (LIR).

  Network Expansion: This marks the fifth route operated by the U.S. carrier at the Guanacaste terminal.

Insights from Leadership

César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport, expressed strong optimism following the announcement. He emphasized that this route further establishes the Liberia terminal as a strategic gateway for international tourism and a driving economic force for the entire region.

Tourism authorities also noted the excellent visitor growth momentum the country has experienced throughout the year, which continues to encourage international airlines to expand their frequencies and introduce new routes to Costa Rican soil.

The post New Nonstop Route Will Connect New York with Guanacaste Airport Starting This December appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Originally from San Vito de Coto Brus, but an adopted daughter of the misty landscapes of Santa María de Dota, María Antonieta Jiménez—better known as AntoJimenz—embodies that rural Costa Rica that learns to dream while keeping both feet firmly on the ground.

In this interview, she tells us how she went from working four jobs at once to sharing the set with the stars of Euphoria, always keeping the aroma of her homeland’s coffee close to her heart. We also delve into her childhood memories, her determination to break through the language barrier, and that transition from the girl who wanted to be an actress to the strategic woman who today achieves her own goals.

For Anto, her childhood memories are always full of movement. “I grew up in a family of ten siblings; as you can imagine, silence wasn’t part of our daily lives (she laughs). But what I treasure most are the weather contrasts in the Zona de los Santos: those windy summer sunsets that ruffle your soul and the rainy winter afternoons, which always smelled of freshly brewed coffee and homemade bread.”

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She told us that her parents struggled a lot to provide stability for them. That’s why, when they finally had a home of their own, it became their sacred place. She considers them to have been like a high-performance team; despite the chaos of there being so many of them, everyone had a role. Everyone worked together so that the machine could run smoothly.

As children, we often have dreams that adulthood makes us forget. What did little Anto dream of before facing reality?

For the Costa Rican actress, it’s curious, because for a long time she thought she’d never had a specific dream. But recently, her younger sister gave her a nostalgic “reality check”: she reminded her that she’d always said she wanted to sing and be an actress.

“However, I grew up in an environment where those goals felt like distant fantasies. I was very aware of our limitations from an early age. That’s why, rather than being a romantic dreamer, I learned to be a strategic dreamer. I set short-term, tangible goals. The first was simply to graduate from high school,” she said.

Along that strategic path, language emerged as a key tool, but it wasn’t an easy journey or a traditional academic one.

She knew that English was the key to many doors, but her parents couldn’t afford private lessons, and the school’s curriculum was very basic. So she had to teach herself. She learned on her own, immersing herself in music, movies, and TV shows; “I wanted to truly understand, not just repeat verbs.”

Anto added that her learning has always been more practical than theoretical. That intuition and her desire for fluency were what finally drove her to make the decision that would change everything: traveling to the United States as an exchange student and working as an au pair. It was there that the chaos of her childhood and her strategy came together to open up the world to her.

Los Angeles went from being an academic destination to becoming her home over the past eight years…

During the interview, the artist also spoke to us about the simplicity of a temporary plan and the creative complexity of the entertainment capital.

She initially went to Los Angeles with a very simple idea: to spend a year learning English, practicing it daily, and living immersed in the culture. There was no air of grandiosity in her voice as she packed her bags; the plan wasn’t to conquer Hollywood, but to master a language. In fact, she never imagined staying longer than that year.

However, Los Angeles holds a special appeal for those who live and breathe art. Once she was there, doors began to open. What started as a language course turned into a specialization in Entertainment Promotion and Marketing Production. Today, California is not only her home but also her creative hub.

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It’s been eight years away from home… For the Costa Rican, it has been a period of tremendous personal and professional growth. Eight years in which adaptation has been the key to building a career in an environment as competitive as the U.S.

The Return to Costa Rica

Despite the years and the distance, Anto’s heart remains firmly rooted in Costa Rica. In her view, success is not measured solely by academic or professional achievements, but by the ability to return to one’s roots.

“I always return to the Zona de los Santos because that’s where my family still is. For me, coming back means returning to the mountains, to the coffee, to the cold of Dota, and to that sense of community,” said Jiménez.

Although her life today revolves around film sets and marketing strategies in the big city, her feet always yearn for the damp earth of the Costa Rican mountains and the incredible blue of the beaches.

The Essence of a Costa Rican Actress

Jiménez does not define herself through characters or scripts, but rather through an insatiable curiosity and an almost magnetic ability to look others in the eye, without filters or labels.

In her view, life is a constant learning experience. “I like to learn from whatever situation I find myself in.” That ability to connect, to understand the environment, and to empathize with others regardless of their social status or educational background is, perhaps, her most distinctive trait. With her, there are no barriers; there are bridges.

Behind her observant gaze lies a restless mind. Anto isn’t just there to listen or offer support; she’s a natural problem-solver. “I’m very creative, and that has helped open many doors in my life.” It is that blend of humanity and technical acumen that allows her to recognize her own abilities not as an inflated ego, but as a tool to serve others. She knows where she comes from, but she is very clear about where she can lead others with what she knows.

In the privacy of our conversation, Anto admits that her greatest strength has been her ability to adapt. “I’ve had to pick myself up and start over many times, and make it on my own.”

However, that same strength coexists with a necessary vulnerability. Like any artist striving for excellence, she struggles with the weight of perfectionism—that inner voice that sometimes tries to hold her back for fear of not being completely ready.

“No” as a Learning Experience

In an industry defined by external approval, the Costa Rican actress has had to fight one of the toughest battles: dealing with rejection. For her, coming to terms with the fact that rejection is part of the job has been a process of maturation.

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“A ‘no’ does not define my worth or my talent. Today, Anto Jiménez presents herself not only as a resilient and adaptable actress, but as a woman who has learned that the greatest work of art is, precisely, the process of keeping on trying.”

Details About Her Stage Name

The way “AntoJimenz” came to be holds a great deal of personal significance for the Costa Rican actress, who today continues to fly the flag for Costa Rica on stages across the United States. The “Jimenz” comes from a combination of her parents’ last names: “Ji” from Jiménez, her father’s last name, and “Me” from Méndez, her mother’s last name. And the “nz” at the end represents the dyslexia and attention deficit she has, “a part of me that, instead of hiding, I decided to transform into something authentic and my own. This combination, which is now my stage name, may seem like a small or even irrelevant detail to some people, but I like to mention it because my parents are one of the main reasons I am who I am today and for everything I have achieved. All the effort, sacrifices, and values they instilled in my siblings and me are a huge part of my story,” She added.

Costa Rica in my passport and in my heart

When asked what inspires him about her homeland, she doesn’t hesitate for a second to say it’s the warmth of the people. “I haven’t seen anything like it in any other country I’ve visited, and I’m not just talking about superficial kindness, but that uniquely Costa Rican ability—so characteristic of the country, so difficult to replicate elsewhere—to build community and to genuinely care for one another.”

But the actress goes beyond mere sentimentality. She proudly acknowledges the country’s commitment to the environment, its investment in clean energy, and an education system that has sought to set the standard in the region, though she admits, with a touch of nostalgia, that some things have changed a bit in recent years.

And then, almost as if it were inevitable, nature comes up. “We are so lucky to have forests, beaches, and such natural wealth,” she emphasized, with the conviction of someone who says it because she has experienced it firsthand and misses it when she’s away.

Food also has its place in this intimate portrait of the country: coffee, homemade bread, home-cooked meals. Not trendy restaurants, but traditional cuisine.

When the conversation turns to what she misses most, Anto’s answer paints a precise emotional map. Three things, she says, though each one weighs as much as ten.

First, the people. The warmth, yes, but above all the closeness to her family and loved ones—that distance that no video call can quite bridge.

Second, the taste of home: homemade food and Costa Rican coffee. Because there are aromas that don’t travel in a suitcase.

And third, the Costa Rican mentioned the weather. She misses the cold of the Dota mountains just as much as the heat of Costa Rican beaches. “Here the ocean water is very cold, because there are things you don’t know you’ll miss until you no longer have them.”

About her professional training

Anto recently completed a degree in Entertainment Promotion and Marketing Production at Santa Monica College in California. But the path to that degree was far from conventional. While studying, she held up to four jobs at the same time: kitchen assistant, dog sitter, babysitter, and personal assistant. She also had the experience of being an au pair—that type of cultural exchange where you care for children in exchange for room and board while learning the language and customs of the host country, in her case, the United States.

Those were years spent working closely with families and children, a phase that eventually led to something more meaningful: the development of her own projects focused on family communication and mentoring for parents. Add to that her work in digital content creation, production, documentary directing, and on-camera appearances.

What or who led her to the world of acting?

Asking Anto when it all began with acting is like inviting her to go back to Costa Rica, long before California was even on her radar.

“If I’m completely honest, I think my interest in theater began much earlier than people imagine. The name that comes up in that story is Steve Aronson, a boss who had an overflowing passion for theater and who spoke about that world with an enthusiasm capable of infecting anyone.” Thanks to him, Anto attended several plays and even a ceremony where Aronson was recognized for his contributions to the performing arts.

She said that was when she realized how much theater and the art of storytelling on stage moved her. At that moment, however, the idea that acting could be part of her future didn’t even cross her mind. It was a latent curiosity, kept hidden.

hree years, an agency, and a show everyone knows

The turning point came about three years ago, when people close to her started asking if she worked in the entertainment industry. They suggested she get professional photos taken. They told her she should give it a try.

She listened, but took her time acting on it. It was last year when she decided to take it seriously. She had her photos taken, started exploring casting platforms, and almost immediately something came along that few people expect to find so soon: an opportunity on Euphoria, the acclaimed HBO series.

It was her first time in front of a real camera. Although she was just an extra, that experience confirmed something she had already sensed. “I realized how much I enjoy acting and how interesting and enriching it is to be on such large production sets,” she said.

For someone who studied entertainment, seeing that whole network of cameras, lights, and recording equipment operating at a professional level in real life was more than exciting—it was a revelation.

Three weeks after starting her search, she secured an agency to represent her—something that, in an industry like entertainment, takes many people years to achieve.

As for her acting training, Anto took a semester of theater acting at Santa Monica College and has received private coaching in script reading, character interpretation, and emotional understanding of roles. But there’s one form of learning she values just as much—if not more: the one that comes from observing people.

“I’ve learned so much by working with other people and observing how they react to different emotions and situations. I learn every day from the experiences and people I encounter,” she added.

An acting teacher had told him some time ago that he had talent and should make the most of it. Anto is finally proving her right.

More than just an opportunity

Anto Jiménez’s career in front of the cameras didn’t start with a big role or a Hollywood agent. It began, like many real-life stories, with an unexpected opportunity.

The Costa Rican actress recalled, “Thanks to Elías Alvarado, I had the opportunity to do a couple of segments and contribute to his work for Teletica’s Telenoticias.” That seemingly simple experience allowed her to gain an insider’s understanding of how the media industry works and to refine her on-camera presence.

Since then, her career has continued to grow. She recently finished filming a movie in Spanish that is still in post-production and is expected to be ready around September. She also appeared as an actress in a courtroom-style TV show, where the demands reached a whole new level: improvising in English. She admitted it was a huge challenge, but also a very enriching experience. In addition, she has been involved in opioid awareness campaigns, commercials, and UGC content for various brands.

When Anto talks about *Euphoria*, the HBO series starring Zendaya, her tone changes. It’s not nostalgia; it’s something closer to awe.

She got the role through an open call for background actors—what the industry calls extras—but what she experienced on set was far greater than the credit she received. “For me, it was incredibly emotional because it was the first time I’d seen a production of that caliber from the inside.”

What came next surprised her even more. When the episode aired, she discovered that her appearance lasted nearly a minute alongside one of the lead actresses—something that for many people can take years to happen.

But Anto wasn’t there just to act. She was there to observe: the cameras, the direction, the lighting, the logistics of a large-scale production set. And amidst all that, she also took away a reflection that goes beyond the set: “There is still very little Latinx representation in many productions, even in places where the Latinx community is huge.”

Since then, she has continued to participate in independent productions, audiovisual projects, and content for brands. All of them, in her view, have been very enriching experiences that reaffirm every day just how much she enjoys what she does.

Los Angeles: The City of Dreams—and of Rejection

Living and working in Los Angeles as an immigrant just starting out on an artistic career comes at a price. Anto knows this all too well.

“The connections, the time available, the fierce competition with people who have spent their whole lives chasing the same dream: it all weighs on you. Sometimes it’s frustrating because many of the opportunities I’ve received came about very organically, but they still aren’t enough to make a full living from this,” he noted.

However, there’s one thing he hasn’t lost sight of: in a short time, he’s come a long way.

What weighs on her most today is another, more personal decision. She has already made up her mind to return to Costa Rica, and with that certainty comes a concern: she feels that in the Central American country, opportunities to grow within the entertainment industry are more limited.

“I feel very grateful to have been able to be part of this world and see everything I studied put into practice on real sets. It’s an industry where there’s a lot of rejection, and where you have to learn not to define your self-worth based on a casting call,” she emphasized.qm

Moving Forward Step by Step Despite Difficult Times

Financial hardship was not an isolated episode in Anto Jiménez’s life. It was a constant. It spanned her childhood, her adolescence, and extended into much of her adulthood. Studying abroad meant, for her, a demanding balancing act: supporting herself, supporting her family in Costa Rica, and paying for her education all at the same time.

As I mentioned earlier, she ended up holding three, sometimes four jobs simultaneously while pursuing full-time studies. It wasn’t easy. But it wasn’t in vain either.

For her, it was a very demanding phase, but it also taught her discipline, resilience, and the importance of keeping moving forward even when circumstances aren’t easy.

What surprises her most, looking back, is what she didn’t see coming: as a child, she dreamed of acting and singing, but that dream was tucked away in some corner of her memory. Without realizing it, every decision she made—learning English, studying entertainment and marketing, opening herself up to new opportunities—led her exactly there.

How does she see herself in the future?

We asked Anto Jiménez about her vision for the future, what she feels she still needs to do or achieve, and her response was: “I see myself creating meaningful projects within the audiovisual and entertainment industry.”

She also has a unique message that defines her: “Leave a positive digital footprint,” a conviction born from the understanding that everything created today on the internet, social media, or in audiovisual media can remain forever. And if it’s going to remain, she says, let it be something good.

But there was a specific moment that changed her perspective. A high school teacher contacted her to ask her to share her story with students during a visit to Costa Rica. A simple gesture that had an unexpected effect.

“For a long time, I thought my story was just like any other.” That encounter showed her that, although her journey might seem modest to some, for others it could be exactly the spark they needed to take the plunge.

That’s when another goal was born: to become a motivational speaker, especially for young people who feel that their circumstances are holding them back. “I want to show that dreams really can come true when you start setting small, clear, and intentional goals.”

There is an image that the Costa Rican actress cherishes deeply: herself behind the wheel of her white Prius, driving across the highways of Los Angeles, between one job and another, between one casting call and the next. The city moving around her, fast and indifferent. And she, in silence, mentally rehearsing a speech that perhaps no one else would ever hear.

“I imagined what I would say if I ever won an Oscar. I thought about it so much because I understood that, if that moment came, it wouldn’t just be a personal award. It would be an opportunity to send a message to so many young people who might come from small towns, with limited resources, or with dreams that others consider impossible,” she said.

A message that would cross borders. That was what she imagined from the driver’s seat.

What those who knew her in San Vito de Coto Brus—that southern corner of the country where big dreams are often whispered quietly—could never have imagined was that that little girl with dyslexia would one day step onto the sets of major American productions. For many, that diagnosis is a barrier. For Anto, it was her first source of inspiration.

she arrived in the United States with a suitcase full of determination and the English she had picked up—almost without realizing it—by listening to music. No shortcuts. No network. Just what she had.

Nearly a decade later, his track record speaks for itself: commercials, Spanish-language films, and productions for the English-speaking market. Eight years of sustained growth in one of the world’s most competitive industries.

But what most defines AntoJimenz—yes, all together, just as he signs his name—is not the list of credits. It is the clarity with which he understands his purpose.

“Dream big, aim high, work smart, and maintain your integrity. No dream is too big when we’re willing to take action, keep learning, help others, and also ask for help when necessary,” she said as the closing message of our pleasant conversation.

she is one of those people who believes that all good things always come back to you multiplied.

Today, as she prepares for a new chapter, Anto turns her gaze toward Costa Rica, and especially toward the young people growing up far from the capitals and the spotlight. With the motto “leave a positive digital footprint,” her ambition is no longer just to shine on screen, but to become the voice that reminds them that no dream is too big if it is built with small goals and steady steps.

“Because when you have a purpose, opportunities eventually start to fall into place.” And she knows it. She put it into practice on her own, on a Los Angeles freeway, long before anyone asked her about it.

Follow actress Anto Jiménez on social media to keep up with her every move: Instagram @antojimenz.

The post A Costa Rican Actress Making Her Mark in Hollywood appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

36 Inch Skid Steer Trencher: Benefits, Applications & Installation Guide

Canadian construction seasons are short and intense. Municipalities and contractors must complete underground utility installations efficiently between spring thaw and winter freeze. A skid steer trencher attachment transforms a standard loader into a specialized digging machine. This equipment enables rapid trenching for irrigation lines, electrical conduits, and telecommunications cables. A municipal crew in Alberta installed 800 meters of fiber optic cable in three days using a trencher attachment, avoiding weeks of hand digging.

Technical Overview: Rotary Cutting Chain Mechanism

The trencher operates on a simple mechanical principle. A rotating chain fitted with cutting teeth travels along a boom arm. As the chain moves, teeth penetrate soil and lift material to the surface. An auger discharge system then moves excavated spoil sideways, depositing it beside the trench. The 36 inch trencher refers to maximum digging depth. Width remains consistent along the entire cut, producing a uniform channel for pipe or wire installation.

Efficiency and Productivity Benefits

Manual trenching in rocky or compacted soil consumes excessive labor hours. A skid steer trencher attachment cuts at rates up to 30 meters per hour depending on ground conditions. The boom and crumber assembly directs spoil away from the trench line, reducing cleanup time. The auger discharge keeps material from falling back into the cut, minimizing rework. A landscaping company in British Columbia completed an irrigation project for a golf course two weeks ahead of schedule using a trencher instead of a backhoe and hand crew.

Technical Fundamentals: Hydraulic Power and Cutting Teeth Design

Two technical factors determine trencher performance. Hydraulic flow rate measured in gallons per minute powers the chain drive motor. Operating pressure measured in pounds per square inch provides cutting force. The combination of earth tungsten teeth offers wear resistance in abrasive soils. Tungsten carbide tips maintain sharpness longer than steel teeth when cutting through gravel or fractured rock. The universal mounting plate with quick attach fittings allows rapid connection to any compatible skid steer.

Performance Factors

• Host machine hydraulic flow and pressure capacity
• Soil composition: clay, sand, gravel, or fractured rock
• Tooth condition and replacement schedule
• Chain tension and boom alignment
• Operating speed and ground conditions

Safety Practices for Operators

Underground utility locating is mandatory before any trenching operation. Operators must contact local utility notification services to mark gas lines, power cables, and water mains. Personal protective equipment includes hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toed boots. Never step over a moving trencher chain. Keep all bystanders at least twice the boom length away from the machine. Shut off hydraulic flow before inspecting teeth or clearing debris from the chain.

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Equipment Types and Configurations

Trencher attachments fall into three categories. Fixed boom trenchers offer a single digging depth suitable for most utility work. Side-shift trenchers allow lateral boom movement for trenching alongside foundations or existing structures. Micro-trenchers produce narrow, shallow cuts for fiber optic cable installation in paved surfaces. The universal mounting plate design enables one attachment to fit multiple skid steer brands, reducing fleet complexity.

Advantages

• Converts skid steer into dedicated trenching machine
• Cuts clean, uniform trenches without over-digging
• Auger discharge piles spoil neatly for back filling
• Universal mount fits most compact loaders
• Tungsten teeth last longer in abrasive conditions

Limitations

• Requires skid steer with sufficient hydraulic flow
• Not suitable for trenching under existing pavements without saw cutting
• Tooth replacement adds operating cost
• Boom length limits maximum depth to specified rating
• Chain maintenance required between jobs

Case Example: Ontario Residential Development

A site contractor in the Greater Toronto Area used a 36 inch trencher attachment to install storm drainage pipes for a 50-lot subdivision. The rocky glacial till soil had previously required a tracked excavator and hand labor to clean trenches. The trencher produced a uniform 6 inch wide channel at 30 inch depth, allowing direct pipe placement without extra back fill. The contractor completed underground work in two weeks instead of the estimated five weeks.

Conclusion and Future Industry Trends

The skid steer trencher market is moving toward automated depth control using laser or global positioning system guidance. Real-time tooth wear sensors may alert operators before complete failure occurs. Future designs will likely include integrated rock saws for trenching through limestone and other hard formations. Equipment managers should verify host machine hydraulic specifications before purchasing any trencher attachment. The combination of speed, precision, and reduced labor makes trencher attachments standard equipment for underground utility contractors across Canada.

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The post 36 Inch Skid Steer Trencher: Engineering Principles for Subsurface Installation Canadian Context: Seasonal Construction and Underground Infrastructure appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

It should be unnecessary to emphasize the far-reaching importance that the United Nations holds for Costa Rica. This relies neither on specific political circumstances nor on particular historical junctures, although it does, for obvious reasons, depend on the decisions made by successive governments based on the country’s general foreign policy vision.

Equally important is the professional profile of those who have held the position of Permanent Representative (with the rank of Ambassador) to the Organization and its various specialized entities—such as the FAO for agriculture and food, or UNESCO in matters of education and culture.

In a general sense, multilateral organizations like the United Nations are, alongside a few key bilateral embassies, our country’s first line of defense for national security. Lacking armed forces, vast stockpiles of strategic materials, a privileged geographical location (such as the Strait of Hormuz), or control over a strategic resource like the Panama Canal, Costa Rica has always depended on International Law and its moral ascendancy to defend its interests and sovereignty.

“Costa Rica’s greatness before the world has been anchored in ideas, political consistency, and the refined diplomatic leadership of prominent figures from all parties and ideologies.”

This greatness has been demonstrated abundantly and with brilliance in multilateral forums, particularly at the United Nations in New York and Geneva, where the leadership and decisive management of our diplomats have been equally outstanding.

To put it briefly: this refined diplomatic leadership has been upheld by outstanding figures of all political parties and ideologies. These individuals also served, either before or after their tenure at the UN, as Presidents of the Republic, lawmakers, presidents of the Legislative Assembly, foreign ministers, magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice, and brilliant legal scholars and journalists.

A Constellation of Diplomatic Leaders

Our history is defined by remarkable names: Fernando Soto Harrison, Alberto Cañas Escalante, Benjamín Núñez, Mario Echandi Jiménez (concurrent), Fernando Volio, Fernando Salazar Navarrete, Rodolfo Piza Escalante, Carlos José Gutiérrez, Cristian Tattenbach, José Luis Molina Quesada, and Fernando Lara Bustamante.

In recent decades, this legacy was carried forward by Bernd Niehaus, Fernando Zumbado, Fernando Berrocal, Jorge Urbina, Bruno Stagno, Eduardo Ulibarri, Juan Carlos Mendoza, and Rodrigo Alberto Carazo. Notably, during the Rodrigo Chaves administration, career diplomat Maritza Chan became the first woman to hold the position as titular head.

Equally recognized are the alternate representatives and international relations professionals who built this framework, including Emilia Castro, Raúl Trejos, Luis Varela, María Elena Chassoul, Nazareth Avendaño, and Melvin Sáenz Biolley. This extraordinary constellation of figures is further highlighted today as Costa Rica presents Rebeca Grynspan as a candidate for UN Secretary-General, following her prominent leadership in several high-ranking positions within the entity.

Historic Contributions to Global Governance

These names are indelibly associated with landmark international initiatives:

• Human Rights & Peace: The creation of the University for Peace, the establishment of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the promotion of the Convention against Torture.
• Sustainability & Climate: The co-proposals and negotiations alongside Colombia for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs approved in 2015), and the successful management of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (COP 21, 2015) under the leadership of Christiana Figueres.
• Disarmament: The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, driven closely by Elayne White in Geneva.

Furthermore, Costa Rica has shaped global frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Law of the Sea. These contributions match our highly successful legal defenses of territorial sovereignty and maritime rights before the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

A Shift in the Horizon

Recently, the President of the Republic informed the country and the world that Costa Rica will no longer support efforts to adopt Agenda 2030—a framework she herself had previously defended during her time as a minister. Furthermore, guidelines have been issued for our New York diplomatic headquarters to shift focus toward tourism promotion and energy negotiations, leveraging the specific expertise of the newly appointed permanent representative.

One can sincerely hope that in the coming years, these new directives will yield objectives elevated enough to be added to our historic roster of global achievements. For the sustainable future and well-being of Costa Rica, we could augur nothing less.

The post The Pillars of Costa Rican Diplomacy: A Historic Legacy at the United Nations appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States confirmed on Monday that the tropical depression located in the Central American Pacific has officially strengthened into Tropical Storm Cristina.

While the core of the storm tracks along the neighboring coastlines, its indirect effects are already generating significant rainfall across Costa Rica and the region.

According to the latest meteorological data, the system is currently located approximately 160 kilometers west of Managua, Nicaragua, and is packing maximum sustained winds of about 75 kilometers per hour (km/h).

Projected Path and Heavy Rainfall Forecast

Weather forecasts indicate that Tropical Storm Cristina will continue to move near the coasts of Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador through Tuesday.

As a result of this atmospheric system, meteorologists estimate massive rainfall accumulations. Coastal sectors of Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala could see up to 304 millimeters of total rainfall accumulation between Monday and Thursday.

Impact and Emergency Alerts in Costa Rica

Although Cristina is steadily advancing northward, its tail effects will continue to pull moisture into the southern parts of the Central American isthmus. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) of Costa Rica foresees that the rainy conditions will persist across the country at least until Tuesday.

In response to the ongoing risk of flooding and saturated soils, the National Emergencies Commission (CNE) has updated its public safety alerts:

• Yellow Alert: Maintained for the entire Pacific region and the Central Valley due to higher risk of persistent downpours.
• Green Alert: Maintained for the Northern Zone and the Caribbean region as a preventive measure.

Local authorities urge residents living near riverbanks or landslide-prone areas to remain highly vigilant and monitor official updates as the storm progresses.

The post Tropical Depression Strengthens into Tropical Storm Cristina in the Pacific appeared first on The Costa Rica News.