Aim
- Encourage a positive change in the perspective towards rivers as spaces for enjoyment and recreation.
- To encourage society to get closer to the water systems around them, in order to raise awareness through environmental education about the importance of rivers, their biodiversity and the scenic areas they are home to.
Description
Picnic on the River is an initiative promoted jointly by the NGO Río Urbano, the National Alliance of Rivers and Watersheds of Costa Rica (ANRCCR) and the Ecological Blue Flag Programme.
It consists of days of action for the rivers, through which groups from all over the country come together in activities aimed at rescuing the scenic and ecosystemic value, as well as the enjoyment of the water environments of their communities, in order to promote reflection, entertainment and involvement
Steps
1. The programming and implementation of this activity will be carried out at the express request of the community where a Citizen Water Observatory (OCA) duly registered with the ANRCCR operates.
2. Once this request has been made, the ANRCCR will arrange a date for the scheduling and execution of this activity with Río Urbano .
3. For the existence and operation of each OCA, it must be duly registered with the Ecological Blue Flag Programme, the other partner linked to this initiative.
4. Once this activity has been formalised, a minimum number of participants of 25 people is defined with the call of the ANRCCR and its counterparts through the available communication channels.
5. A variety of activities are programmed on the riverbanks, such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife watching, and clean-up days.
Results
Communities where OCAs operate, both residents and visitors, more sensitive to the care and appreciation of the natural and scenic value of their riparian landscapes.
Rules
- The appropriate clothing should be available depending on the activities planned and related to the route of the selected body of water: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife watching, cleaning days.
- Have what is necessary for the enjoyment of outdoor activities in safety and comfort: drinking water, food, repellent, suitable clothing for outdoor activities, etc.
- Strictly and responsibly observe hygienic practices in recreational activities. Often recreational activities bring with them pollution that needs to be managed appropriately. Responsible recreational tourism.
Scopes and challenges
Outreach: Communities more engaged and proactive in the restoration of degraded environments, and preservation of protected forest cover.
Challenge: Insufficient staff and resources to monitor the success of long-term reforestation programmes in economically constrained communities.