In a strategic move to transform its rural economy and bolster food security, the Government of El Salvador has launched a new national initiative focused on regenerative agriculture in El Salvador. Spearheaded by the Agency for National Development and Design (ADDN) in partnership with international organizations like MurphsLife, the program aims to shift the country from traditional, chemical-heavy farming to a model that restores soil health while ensuring high market competitiveness.

A “Market-First” Strategy for Regenerative Agriculture in El Salvador

Unlike traditional environmental programs, this initiative is built around a market-driven approach. The goal is not just to produce sustainably, but to ensure that Salvadoran farmers can access premium international markets.

Product Differentiation: By adopting regenerative standards (such as carbon sequestration and chemical-free production), El Salvador aims to position its coffee, cocoa, and vegetables in “boutique” markets that reward sustainability.

Economic Resilience: The initiative seeks to reduce the cost of production by decreasing reliance on expensive synthetic fertilizers, which have seen price volatility due to international logistics.

Shutterstock

Explorar

Key Pillars of the Initiative

The 2026 plan is built on four fundamental concepts designed to benefit over 150,000 producers:

Soil Health as Infrastructure: Treating the soil as a living asset that requires permanent cover and crop diversity to prevent erosion and retain moisture.

Institutional Integration: Strengthening the link between the Ministry of Agriculture (MAG) and the ADDN to provide technical assistance and real-time monitoring through satellite data (supported by Google technology).

Import Substitution: With El Salvador currently importing the vast majority of its produce from neighboring countries, this initiative prioritizes local “vegetable clusters” to meet domestic demand.

Omotenashi in Service: Inspired by the success of high-end service models, the program includes a “concierge” style support system for farmers to ensure they have the tools and training needed for the transition.

The Economic Impact

The government has allocated a historic $165 million budget for agriculture in 2026, a significant increase from previous years. Experts suggest that for every dollar invested in these regenerative systems, the return can be between $4 and $5 through increased yields and reduced input costs over a three-to-five-year period.

“Once the market validates regenerative agriculture, the country will follow. Our vision is to position El Salvador as a regional leader in a system that combines productivity with environmental life.” — Extract from the ADDN Strategic Principles.

The post El Salvador Launches National Regenerative Agriculture Initiative with Market Focus. appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

In a world where digital tasks are just a click away, the pace of work has accelerated significantly. While technology brings efficiency, it also brings a silent crisis: the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that mental health issues cost the global economy $1 billion in lost productivity annually.

In Costa Rica alone, emergency consultations for mental health disorders rose from roughly 97,000 in 2020 to nearly 142,000 in 2025. To address this, Kimberly-Clark and experts from Grupo Wellness Latina have identified five essential pillars for a healthy, prosperous workplace.

1. View Well-being as an Investment, Not an Expense

Many companies hesitate to allocate funds to mental health because they view it as a sunk cost. However, the data tells a different story. According to expert María Migali, the return on investment (ROI) is substantial: for every $1 invested in mental health, businesses see a return of $4 to $5.

2. Turn Decision-Makers into Ambassadors for Employee Well-being

A healthy work environment starts at the top. Leaders don’t need to be therapists, but they must be “resource providers.”

The Goal: Leaders should be trained to identify needs and direct employees toward company resources without becoming overwhelmed themselves.

The Impact: Leadership commitment is the primary driver of team engagement in wellness programs.

3. Adopt a Holistic “8-Area” Approach

Emotional health does not exist in a vacuum. Kimberly-Clark advocates for an integral approach that covers up to eight areas, including:

Financial Health: Debt management and personal finance advice.

Legal Support: Assisting with legal stressors that distract from work.

Psychological Support: Traditional mental health resources.

Addressing these “outside” factors directly prevents productivity drops within the company.

4. Measure Impact and Results of Employee Well-being

What isn’t measured cannot be improved. Effective management requires evaluating both preventive and reactive strategies. Using data and hard numbers makes it easier to demonstrate the success of wellness campaigns to stakeholders and refine future actions.

5. Foster Human Connection and Recognition

A positive corporate climate relies on human bonds. Modern leadership should focus on:

Active Listening: Creating spaces where employees feel heard.

Recognition: Celebrating successes and supporting personal goals (physical, social, and emotional).

Why It Matters: The Bottom Line

According to data from Grupo Wellness Latina, addressing emotional health leads to transformative business results:

3x Increase in productivity.

60% Reduction in absenteeism.

80% Increase in organizational satisfaction.

70% Improvement in team management.

“It is crucial to believe, train, empower, and ask the right questions to understand the corporate environment and prioritize the well-being of collaborators.” — Rodrigo Hernández, Kimberly-Clark Latin America North.

The post 5 Keys to Boosting Productivity through Employee Well-being: Insights from Kimberly-Clark appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Marking a massive scale and international reach, DATE 2026 Punta Cana officially opens its doors today. Organized by the association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores), This year’s edition is seeing record-breaking participation.

8,000+ scheduled business appointments.

200+ companies from over 20 source markets.

300+ international buyers.

120 exhibition booths showcasing the diversity of the Dominican destination.

A Powerhouse for the Local Economy at DATE 2026 Punta Cana

During the inaugural ceremony, Javier Tejada, First Vice President of Asonahores, emphasized that tourism is much more than just hotels. It is a total economic driver:

Employment: The sector was responsible for over 800,000 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced) in 2025.

Local Trade: Tourism accounts for more than $3 billion in annual purchases from the local market, impacting agro-industry, construction, and SMEs.

Growth Projections: After welcoming 11.7 million visitors in 2025, the country aims to reach up to 12.5 million in 2026.

“This sector is an integral development engine for the entire country.” — Javier Tejada, Asonahores.

Future Horizons: Diversification and Sustainability

Aguie Lendor, Executive Vice President of Asonahores, highlighted that the future of Dominican tourism lies in expanding beyond traditional “sun and sand” offerings.

Key Growth Segments:

Specialized Tourism: Health, sports, cultural, and nature tourism.

Gastronomy: Using local flavors as a primary differentiator for the visitor experience.

Social Equity: Women represent 60% of the tourism workforce, and their professional development is considered vital for industry strength.

Current Challenges

The industry is currently addressing critical hurdles to maintain its leadership in the Caribbean, specifically focusing on environmental sustainability and the specialized training of human talent to increase average visitor spending and loyalty.

The post DATE 2026: Caribbean’s Premier Tourism Fair Opens in Punta Cana appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Under the global Beyond Zero strategy, Lexus—backed by Grupo Purdy—arrives at Expomóvil 2026 with a clear mission: offering every client an exclusive path to sustainable mobility without sacrificing performance or sophistication. The brand is redefining luxury through a “multi-pathway” approach to carbon neutrality.

Innovation and Design: The Stars of the Show at Lexus Expomovil 2026

Lexus is highlighting two major models this year that represent the pinnacle of their respective segments:

Lexus LBX: This SUV is positioned to democratize luxury, offering exceptional performance and a seamless electrification experience. Its interior is inspired by the Japanese Tazuna concept, which focuses on a fluid driving experience by minimizing eye movement and enhancing intuitive control.

Lexus LX700h: The brand’s new flagship. This hybrid SUV features a powerful V6 engine and 7-passenger capacity. For added security, it includes a cutting-edge fingerprint-start button.

Multi-Pathway Strategy: Solutions for Every Lifestyle at Lexus Expomovil 2026

Lexus and Toyota Motor Corporation share a vision of achieving carbon neutrality through a diverse portfolio of electrified technologies. This ensures that every driver can find a vehicle that fits their specific needs:

1. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)

The perfect balance of efficiency and design. This technology allows the vehicle to operate in electric mode at low speeds while automatically combining gas and electric power as demand increases.

Models: LBX, UX300h, NX350h, RX350h, and the new LX700h.

2. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)

For those seeking zero-emission mobility combined with a silent, advanced driving experience.

Featured Model: Lexus RZ450e.

3. Plug-in Hybrid Systems (PHEV)

Offering “the best of both worlds,” these vehicles use battery power for short city commutes and a combustion engine for longer trips or when the battery is low.

Featured Model: Lexus RX450h+.

“Our Multi-Pathway approach allows us to offer different technologies to guarantee the luxury, comfort, and performance that characterize the brand, letting our customers choose how to make the transition to clean mobility,” said Alexander Hidalgo, Product Specialist at Grupo Purdy.

The Omotenashi Experience: Beyond the Vehicle

True to the Japanese philosophy of Omotenashi (hospitality), Lexus focuses on creating unforgettable memories through personalized service and tranquility:

Lexus Concierge: An exclusive 24/7 roadside assistance service providing comprehensive support, including mobile workshops and specialized accompaniment.

Purdy Support: All models are backed by Grupo Purdy’s extensive network, featuring certified technicians, mobile maintenance plans, and the largest spare parts inventory in Central America.

Exclusive Expomóvil 2026 Offers

In partnership with CAFSA, Lexus is offering special financing conditions during the fair:

5-year fixed interest rate.

4 years of free maintenance (or 40,000 km).

1 additional accessory (up to $300).

The post Lexus Redefines Sustainable Luxury at Expomóvil 2026: Innovation and the “Beyond Zero” Strategy appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

In celebration of Earth Day, Reserva Conchal highlights its comprehensive sustainability strategy as the cornerstone of its management model and reaffirms its commitment to protecting the natural environment and promoting sustainable development.

More than just a commemorative date, this occasion represents an opportunity for the destination to highlight an approach that is part of its daily operations, where every decision is guided by criteria for the conservation of natural resources, the protection of biodiversity, and the well-being of local communities.

Reserva Conchal is currently promoting a series of programs that reflect this comprehensive vision. In terms of biodiversity, highlights include the management of the Conchal Mixed National Wildlife Refuge, aimed at protecting terrestrial ecosystems, and initiatives such as the operation of two apiaries and the development of a bee genetics laboratory focused on improving the species, with the goal of strengthening its resilience to climate change and contributing to ecosystem stability.

In addition, in partnership with the Salvemonos Foundation, an investment of $60,000 has been made to protect wildlife, which has enabled the installation of 82 wildlife crossings and has directly benefited 7 communities.

Regarding water resource management, the destination ensures the complete treatment of wastewater from both the hotel and residential sectors, allowing for its reuse in the irrigation of green spaces and the golf course.

The operations of the hotels, beach club, and golf course are certified as carbon neutral, reinforcing their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In waste management, as of March 2026, a recovery rate of 95.77% was achieved in hotel operations through the proper separation and treatment of waste streams such as organic waste, recyclables, co-processing, and construction aggregates, thereby minimizing final disposal in landfills.

The strategy also includes environmental education programs such as Simbiosis, which focuses on children from neighboring communities. Since 2017, this initiative has trained more than 3,700 children, thereby strengthening environmental awareness and promoting a responsible relationship with the environment from an early age.

This approach is complemented by initiatives such as the Najui agroecological garden—meaning “woman” in the Chorotega language—led by women from the community, where sustainable agricultural production is promoted.

This garden currently supplies the destination’s hotels and fosters innovation alongside industry professionals.

“Our approach to sustainability is rooted in understanding the destination as an interconnected system, where every decision has an impact on the environment and on people. That is why we work with a comprehensive vision that prioritizes consistency over time, informed decision-making, and coordination with various stakeholders. Rather than isolated initiatives, we seek to consolidate a way of operating that evolves, adapts to the context, and responds responsibly to the environmental and social challenges of the region,” said Gabriela Meza, Sustainability Manager at Reserva Conchal.

In recent years, these programs have shown steady progress, reflected in greater efficiency in resource use, the consolidation of conservation areas, and growing participation by employees and local communities as strategic partners.

Looking ahead to 2026, the destination maintains goals aimed at continuing to optimize water use, further strengthening ecosystem conservation, advancing the reduction of the environmental impact of its operations, and deepening the integration of communities into sustainability programs.

Through these actions, Reserva Conchal reaffirms its commitment to responsible operations, focused on conserving the natural environment, creating value for its guests, and the sustainable development of local communities.

The post Reserva Conchal Reaffirms Its Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy in Celebration of Earth Day appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

In observance of Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, Nestlé Central America reaffirms its commitment to reforestation and soil conservation in the region.

In 2025, Nestlé’s Global Reforestation Program enabled the planting of 8.7 million trees worldwide. In Central America, these efforts have supported the planting of approximately 2 million trees in the company’s coffee and milk supply chains in Nicaragua and Honduras, in line with initiatives aimed at strengthening agroforestry systems and restoring productive landscapes.

Nestlé has a clear roadmap for achieving its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. In Central America, the company is taking decisive steps to contribute to this global objective, in collaboration with farmers, suppliers, communities, and strategic partners, with the aim of reducing its emissions and strengthening the resilience of the farmers and communities with whom it works. This is driven through programs such as Bosques del Mañana, as well as through efforts in regenerative agriculture, packaging sustainability, and the use of renewable energy, among other initiatives.

All these actions are part of Nestlé’s Creating Shared Value model, which seeks to integrate business growth with the responsible management of natural resources and the well-being of communities.

A concrete example of how the company’s brands are contributing to these commitments is Plan Nescafé, a program that actively drives the transformation of coffee farming in the region. This program, led by Nescafé—the global leader in the coffee industry—is aimed at promoting the transition to regenerative agriculture practices, increasing productivity, and, as a result, boosting producers’ incomes.

In Honduras, the Nescafé Plan has benefited more than 100,000 coffee-growing families. More than 5,600 coffee farmers have been trained in regenerative techniques, and more than 1,620 producers receive technical assistance as they adopt regenerative agriculture practices. These actions help improve soil quality, increase biodiversity, conserve water, and transform coffee plantations into ecosystems resilient to climate change.

“Plan Nescafé is a clear example of how sustainability is integrated into business. Planting trees on farms helps regulate temperature, reducing heat stress on the plants and increasing their resilience, better conserving soil moisture, improving fertility, and reducing erosion; which in turn impacts bean quality and, of course, their income; this is how our Nescafé brand drives the development of coffee farming in the region,” added Kim Waigel, Nestlé’s Marketing Director for Central America.

All of these advances are part of Nestlé’s global commitment to ensure that, by 2030, 50% of its sourcing comes from regenerative practices.

Other notable achievements in Central America that contribute to the global goal of net-zero emissions by 2050:

Packaging sustainability. By the end of 2025, more than 89% of Nestlé’s plastic packaging in Central America will be designed to be recycled.

Additionally, through Reciclando Ando, Nestlé Central America recovered and recycled more than 1,700 tons of plastic waste in the region; this effort is part of Nestlé’s global plastic packaging recycling and recovery program.

Renewable energy and water consumption management. The company continues to increase the use of renewable energy in its operations across the region. Currently, 98% of the electricity used in its factories and distribution centers comes from renewable sources.

The post Nestlé Helps Plant More Than 2 Million Trees in Central America appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

This April 22, 2026, Costa Rica once again dons its greenest hues to commemorate Earth Day. In a global context demanding immediate action, the country reaffirms its environmental leadership—not just through speeches, but with a robust agenda of citizen participation and ambitious decarbonization goals.

A National Effort: Education and Action

From the coasts of Guanacaste to the mountains of Talamanca, this year’s activities have achieved historic turnout. The National Schools Mobilization for the Climate has engaged thousands of students in native species planting projects, ensuring that the conservation message resonates with younger generations.

Key Highlights of the 2026 Celebration:

  Ecosystem Cleanups: Local organizations are leading microplastic extraction sessions in reefs and critical sea turtle nesting beaches.

  Culture and Environment: The International Festival of the Arts (FIA) has dedicated exclusive spaces in San José for sustainable art, featuring stage designs made entirely from recycled materials.

  Technology for Nature: New citizen science platforms have been launched, allowing anyone to report biodiversity sightings directly from their mobile devices.

“Protecting our biodiversity is not an option; it is our identity. Every tree planted today is a lung for tomorrow.”

How to Participate from Home

You don’t need to be in a protected area to make a difference. The Ministry of Health and various NGOs suggest three immediate actions:

 1. Eliminate single-use plastics: A vital commitment to reaching this year’s national goals.

 2. Create pollinator gardens: Small urban spaces that help maintain bee and butterfly populations.

 3. Responsible water consumption: A constant reminder of the importance of this resource in the face of climate change.

The post Costa Rica Leads Earth Day 2026: Actions and Commitments for the Planet appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Costa Rica, March 2026 – Behold Retreats, the leading premium plant medicine retreat company operating across Costa Rica, Portugal, and Mexico, today announced a formal trusted partnership with Sovereignty Alliance Foundation, an eco-conscious retreat organization offering Ayahuasca experiences in the lush jungles of the West Coast in Costa Rica.

The partnership marks a significant expansion in Behold’s ability to meet guests where they are offering a curated referral pathway for those drawn to a more nature-immersed, community-oriented retreat experience, without compromising on the safety, expert facilitation, and depth of transformation that Behold is known for.

A Complementary Experience, Rooted in the Same Values

While Behold Retreats is recognized for its intimate, premium retreats — accommodating up to just 11 guests at private jungle sanctuaries — Sovereignty Alliance offers a distinct but equally intentional experience. Set high above Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast in the biodiverse jungles, Sovereignty Alliance retreats welcome groups of up to 14 thoroughly-vetted guests into an eco-conscious sanctuary designed for deep rest, reconnection, and renewal.

Both organizations share the same commitment to rigorous safety screening, expert facilitation, and meaningful integration support. Ceremonies are guided by experienced, vetted facilitators with decades of combined expertise in Amazonian plant medicine traditions.

Making Transformation More Accessible

Sovereignty Alliance’s 5-night, all-inclusive ayahuasca retreat will include up to two plant medicine ceremonies, vegetarian meals, yoga, meditation, sharing circles, temazcal sweat lodge, and post-retreat integration guidance – is available from $2,900 USD per person for shared accommodation, with private room options available from $4,500 USD.

For guests who have explored Behold Retreats and are seeking a more grounded, nature-forward experience, or for those coming to plant medicine for the first time and looking for a gentle entry point, Sovereignty Alliance represents a natural and trusted next step.

A New Standard in Conscious Referral

“We’ve always believed that plant medicine has the potential to meet people at every stage of their journey,” said [Danny Yepez / Behold Retreats spokesperson]. “Our partnership with Sovereignty Alliance allows us to honor that belief in practice — ensuring that every person who comes to us finds the right container for their healing, whether that’s with us or with a partner we trust completely.”

Behold Retreats guests interested in Sovereignty Alliance experiences can inquire through Behold’s discovery call process, where the Behold team will help determine the best fit for each individual’s needs, readiness, and intentions.

About Behold Retreats

Behold Retreats is a premium plant medicine retreat company offering expert-guided ayahuasca, psilocybin, and 5-MeO-DMT (Bufo) retreats in Costa Rica, Portugal, and Mexico. Known for its rigorous safety standards, world-class facilitation, and deeply personalized guest experience, Behold serves high-performing individuals — including professional athletes, executives, and entrepreneurs — seeking healing, clarity, and transformation. Learn more at www.behold-retreats.com.

About Sovereignty Alliance Foundation

Sovereignty Alliance Foundation is an eco-conscious plant medicine retreat organization based in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Guided by a commitment to accessibility, safety, and deep connection with nature, Sovereignty Alliance offers immersive ayahuasca retreat experiences within one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Learn more at sovereigntyalliancefoundation.com.

Media Contact:

Andra Izgarian, Behold Retreats, andra@behold-retreats.com, www.behold-retreats.com

The post Behold Retreats Announces Trusted Partnership with Sovereignty Alliance, Expanding Access to Expert-Guided Plant Medicine Experiences in Costa Rica appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

The persistent appreciation of the Costa Rican colón throughout 2026 has sent ripples through the national economy. While a “strong” currency might sound positive, for the nation’s vital export and tourism sectors, it presents a significant threat to profitability. As the dollar continues its downward trend, businesses are forced to move beyond traditional management and adopt sophisticated financial and operational strategies to survive.

Here is how companies in Costa Rica are protecting their bottom line in this challenging environment.

1. Financial Shielding: Currency Hedging

Uncertainty is the greatest enemy of financial planning. To combat this, many firms are turning to currency derivatives provided by local banks.

  Forward Contracts: These allow companies to “lock in” a specific exchange rate for a future date. By doing so, an exporter can guarantee that the dollars they receive in six months will be exchanged at a price that covers their costs, regardless of further market drops.

  Currency Options: These act like insurance policies, giving the company the right—but not the obligation—to exchange currency at a set rate if the market hits a specific floor.

2. Strategic “Natural Hedging”

Rather than relying on financial products, some businesses are restructuring their balance sheets to align their income and expenses in the same currency.

  Shifting Debt to Dollars: For companies earning in USD, maintaining loans in colones is currently a disadvantage. Many are refinancing their debts into dollars to take advantage of the current parity and ensure their debt service matches their revenue stream.

  Dollarizing Local Contracts: Negotiating with local suppliers to set prices in dollars helps distribute the exchange rate risk across the supply chain.

3. Boosting Operational Efficiency

When the exchange rate erodes margins, the only way to stay profitable is to lower the cost of production.

  Tech Investment: Ironically, the “cheap” dollar provides a unique window to import high-tech machinery and software. Companies are investing in automation to reduce their reliance on labor-intensive processes, which are becoming increasingly expensive in colón-denominated terms.

  Optimizing Supply Chains: Businesses are reviewing their sourcing strategies, often replacing local inputs with imported raw materials that are now more affordable due to the colón’s strength.

4. Pivot to Value-Added Services

In a global market, Costa Rican firms are finding it harder to compete on price alone. This has triggered a shift toward differentiation.

  Sustainability and Certification: By focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, companies can command premium prices that help absorb the impact of the exchange rate.

  Market Diversification: Some exporters are increasing their focus on the Costa Rican domestic market to capture revenue directly in colones, bypassing the conversion loss entirely.

A Proactive Approach

The Central Bank’s current stance suggests that the colón’s strength isn’t just a passing phase; it is a structural reality of 2026. For businesses in Costa Rica, waiting for a devaluation to “save” their margins is no longer a viable strategy. The winners of this economic cycle will be those who master financial hedging and drive internal efficiency to new heights.

The post How Costa Rican Companies Are Navigating the Falling Exchange Rate appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

The digital landscape in Latin America is expanding at an unprecedented pace, but a recent study has revealed a significant crack in the region’s cybersecurity foundation. Approximately 34% of Latin Americans admit they cannot distinguish between a legitimate website and a fraudulent one.

As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, this gap in digital literacy poses a severe threat to personal data and financial security.

The Anatomy of a Digital Scam

Cybercriminals no longer rely on obvious errors. Modern phishing sites are pixel-perfect replicas of banking portals, e-commerce stores, and government platforms. The high percentage of vulnerability in the region is often attributed to:

  Social Engineering: Scams that use emotional triggers like fear (account suspension) or excitement (unrealistic discounts).

  Mobile Dominance: Many users access the web via smartphones where URLs are often truncated, making it harder to spot domain inconsistencies.

  The “Lock” Fallacy: A common misconception is that the “padlock” icon (HTTPS) guarantees a site is safe. In reality, hackers now use SSL certificates to give their fake sites a false sense of authority.

Key Indicators of a Fraudulent Site

To avoid becoming part of this statistic, users should look for these red flags:

 1. Look-alike Domains: Check for subtle misspellings (e.g., amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com).

 2. Generic Content: Be wary of sites that lack specific contact information, legal terms, or have broken links in the footer.

 3. Pressure Tactics: if a site demands immediate action to “save your account,” it is likely a trap.

 Strengthening Regional Cybersecurity

Closing the 34% gap requires a multi-pronged approach involving governments, educational institutions, and private tech companies. Digital literacy is no longer a luxury; it is a survival skill.

“Education is the first line of defense. A user who knows how to inspect a URL is more effective than any antivirus software.”

The post The Digital Blind Spot: 34% of Latin Americans Struggle to Identify Fake Websites appeared first on The Costa Rica News.