Welcome Letter

It is my pleasure to greet you as the new Operations Director of CIRENAS I joined the organization in November and I am very excited to form part of this amazing team and the implementation of projects and initiatives in 2023

I am a Costarican eater metropolitan country I have a ons and have ten years experience working with national and international NGOs advocating for human rights and social development

In the first month of working in CIRENAS and reviewing its mission and principles, I feel very inspired and driven by the opportunity to continue to work in education, human rights and community development I feel honored by the opportunity to integrate my professional interests and past experience with the environment and challenges we face with climate change. I am very excited about working with the CIRENAS team and leading the organization's projects and initiatives with passion and commitment And we are off to a great start!

At the core of the organization, I see a great opportunity for deeper integration and development of individuals working with the organization by improving the working conditions, work-life balance, compensation, and professional development.

As a team, we continue to improve the quality of the current and future projects and programs which include marine and terrestrial conservation, permaculture and food production systems, waste management, biological corridor and watershed restoration, experiential education, community outreach and engagement, along with our campus operations priorities

Partnership strengthening and fundraising for financial stability are associated priorities for CIRENAS. We understand alliances for development are at the core of our work, and we are very happy to have recently developed a new partnership with the Eden Project from the UK which is beginning to support a range of conservation and development activities in the southern Nicoya Peninsula, as the first step in what promises to be a long-term initiative in the region This new relationship has already resulted in CIRENAS obtaining core funding from one of the organization’s supporters, and we anticipate collaborating on various initiatives in the future I’m also pleased to report that we have also deepened our relationship with the Allan Savory Institute, which we are working with to promote holistic cattle management in the area and beyond, and with local NGOs and universities Alliances we will keep nurturing and stewarding, aiming for long-term collaboration

In 2023, we will focus on structural and operational adjustments to improve the quality of our programs for growth and impact in 2024 We will conduct a follow up strategic planning process in which will provide an objective-driven path moving forward

All of these opportunities would not be possible without our loyal supporters We appreciate your trust and commitment, which have helped CIRENAS to endure challenging circumstances, including the COVID global pandemic, and now position the organization for growth and larger impact Your support and commitment are an integral part to the collective efforts to develop and implement critical solutions for a more regenerative and sustainable livelihood that integrates people and planet

Sincerely looking forward to the work ahead,