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El Salvador Becomes 13th World Surfing Reserve.
El Salvador’s coastline has long been a haven for surfers, with its warm waters, miles of south-facing shoreline, and a variety of breaks, from points to reef and beach breaks. Recently, the country has seen a surge in surfing tourism, largely driven by the government’s “Surf City” initiative, which highlights Punta Roca and hosts major international ISA and CT events. Now, El Salvador is making waves globally once again with the designation of Oriente Salvaje, also known as the «East Coast,» as the world’s 13th World Surfing Reserve.
This area, home to over a dozen waves within 12 miles of coastline, is known for its world-class point breaks such as Las Flores and Punta Mango, as well as numerous lesser-known breaks. The reserve’s designation is part of an ongoing effort to protect this unique region. «This is the beginning of a collaborative partnership to ensure Oriente Salvaje’s waves and precious coastline remain intact,» said Rodrigo Barraza, President of ADETCO and co-owner of Las Flores Resort. «The community and the Local Stewardship Council are committed to creating opportunities for conservation and sustainable development.»
The World Surfing Reserves program, managed by the California-based Save The Waves Coalition, thrives on local collaboration. For years, organizations like ADETCO, Sociedad Salvaje Salvadoreña, and Paso Pacifico have led conservation efforts and set sustainability standards in the region. Their collective work was instrumental in nominating Oriente Salvaje as a World Surfing Reserve.
Sarah Otterstrom, Executive Director of Paso Pacifico, emphasized the ecological significance of the area, noting that «mature and secondary forests bordering biodiverse and wave-forming rocky reefs» provide critical habitats for endangered species such as hawksbill sea turtles, Salvadorean spider monkeys, and Pacific mahogany trees. «The vision set forth through the World Surfing Reserve designation will support its sustainable management into the future,» she added.
As El Salvador prepares to host “Surf City 2” in this pristine area, the country’s commitment to protecting its natural treasures while supporting sustainable surf tourism continues to grow.
https://www.surfline.com/surf-news/el-salvador-sees-newest-world-surfing-reserve/212999
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Project Agustine: A Collaborative Effort to Strengthen Education and Promote Peace.
The European Union (EU), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MINEDUCYT), has launched Project Agustine: Support for Violence Prevention in El Salvador. This four-year initiative, implemented with Expertise France, UNESCO, and UNICEF, aims to prevent violence and promote the inclusion of adolescents and youth through education.
With a €17.7 million investment from the EU and €1 million in co-financing from partners, the project focuses on strengthening El Salvador’s education system. Key actions include expanding educational programs with conflict resolution skills, promoting psychological well-being, fostering equality, and enhancing opportunities for productive skill development.
Building on EU support since 2018, this initiative aligns with the Mi Nueva Escuela framework and addresses social challenges intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project honors Agustine Charvin, a 19th-century French educator who championed women’s access to education in El Salvador. Project Agustine underscores the EU’s commitment to fostering a safer and more equitable society, providing Salvadoran youth with tools for a brighter future.
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Legends at The Pier Restauran Opens Its Doors This Friday at Puerto de La Libertad.
A new culinary hotspot is set to make waves in El Salvador as Legends at The Pier opens its doors this Friday, November 22, at the recently inaugurated tourist dock in Puerto de La Libertad. The American-owned restaurant brand brings a unique blend of Hawaiian, American, and Central American flavors, accompanied by a curated selection of craft cocktails.
Strategically located at the heart of the Puerto de La Libertad Tourist Complex, Legends at The Pier will serve as the gastronomic anchor of the new infrastructure, which was built with the support of the People’s Republic of China. The complex is already home to several attractions, including Sunset Park, Mercado del Mar, a fishing pier, and the boardwalk, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of dishes inspired by diverse culinary traditions, while also relaxing in a beach-themed environment that celebrates the surfing culture of the region. Paying tribute to the sport’s legends, the restaurant’s design brings the spirit of the waves to life, creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
In addition to its diverse menu, Legends at The Pier aims to become a prime spot for social gatherings, offering craft cocktails that promise to elevate the dining experience. The restaurant is set to be a key addition to the tourist complex, which, according to the Ministry of Tourism, welcomed over 3 million visitors by the end of October, with nearly half of them coming from the Salvadoran diaspora.
Legends at The Pier is poised to be a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy great food, refreshing drinks, and a fantastic view of the Pacific coast.
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Salvadoran Humanitarian Contingent Returns After Successful Mission in Costa Rica.
A Salvadoran humanitarian contingent that assisted in relief efforts following the remnants of Hurricane Rafael and tropical depressions in Costa Rica has returned to El Salvador. The team, composed of 304 members, including rescuers, paramedics, and canine units, played a crucial role in providing support to the affected regions of Guanacaste and Limón.
The first group of 150 personnel, part of the General Directorate of Civil Protection, arrived at the San Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport on Thursday. They were warmly received by El Salvador’s Minister of National Defense, René Francis Merino Monroy, who praised their quick and effective response.
«I am proud of the dedication with which you carried out your work in Costa Rica,» said Vice Admiral Merino Monroy. «It is admirable how quickly we came together to fulfill President Nayib Bukele’s order to support our Costa Rican brothers.»
The mission’s primary focus was to clear roads blocked by landslides, allowing for the timely delivery of food, medical supplies, and other assistance to communities cut off by the storms. Over 400 tons of aid, including food and medical supplies, were sent to help those in urgent need.
Costa Rican Ambassador to El Salvador, Lina Ajoy, expressed her gratitude on behalf of Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves. She highlighted the vital role the Salvadoran teams played in opening roads, enabling the delivery of critical supplies to isolated communities.
«The work you did to open roads so that ambulances, aid, and food could reach those who needed it most was fundamental,» said Ambassador Ajoy. «Many families in Costa Rica were able to receive food in the most critical moments of the emergency, thanks to your collaboration and solidarity.»
In addition to providing physical aid, the Salvadoran contingent brought much-needed hope to the affected communities. «Your presence gave hope to many people who were distressed and helped to transfer people to safety,» Ajoy added.
https://twitter.com/PresidenciaSV/status/1859650956021072094
The successful mission underscores the strong solidarity and cooperation between El Salvador and Costa Rica, as both countries continue to support each other in times of crisis.
https://twitter.com/PresidenciaSV/status/1859687673172197874
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President Bukele Increases Aid for Farmers, Reports No Loss of Life and No Major Infrastructure Losses After Heavy Rains.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has announced a significant increase in aid for small farmers affected by recent heavy rains. While no fatalities or significant damage to infrastructure were reported following the rainfall, a government census revealed that more families of small farmers were impacted than initially expected.
In response, President Bukele confirmed that the government will triple the assistance to farmers whose crops were damaged by the excessive rainfall. The plan includes an increase in both financial support and food aid, with 75,000 families now set to benefit from the expanded aid program.
“Thank God, we did not have human losses, and damage to the infrastructure is practically nonexistent. However, the last census revealed that there are more families of small farmers affected, as the excess rain damaged their crops,” said President Bukele. “Therefore, I have ordered to triple the number of farmers benefiting from the bonus and increase the number of food packages.”
This decision underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in the face of climate challenges.
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Salvadoran Contingent Celebrated for Supporting Costa Rica During Crisis.
President Rodrigo Chaves of Costa Rica bid a heartfelt farewell to the Salvadoran contingent that provided critical humanitarian assistance following the devastation caused by Hurricane Rafael. The team, sent under the directive of President Nayib Bukele, received honors for their contributions to the recovery efforts.
The Salvadoran rescuers played a vital role in aiding affected communities and supporting emergency response operations during the crisis. Their commitment and hard work were acknowledged in a formal ceremony where President Chaves presented them with an official recognition for their service.
In addition, Costa Rica’s Vice Minister of Governance extended his gratitude, highlighting the dedication and professionalism of the team in addressing the challenges posed by the torrential rains.
The contingent is set to return to El Salvador today, carrying not only accolades but also the gratitude of the Costa Rican people for their invaluable support during a time of need.
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New Iconic Pier Enhances Surf City’s Appeal in El Salvador.
A new tourist pier in the port of La Libertad, built with an investment of over $18 million and support from the People’s Republic of China, was inaugurated on Wednesday. The 200-meter pier is part of the Surf City I project and features restaurants, a scenic viewpoint, and family-friendly spaces. It complements nearby attractions like Sunset Park and the Mercado del Mar, which have drawn over three million visitors this year.
Tourism Minister Morena Valdez praised the project as transformative, calling it “a dream come true” and a boost for local and international tourism. Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yanhui highlighted the pier as a symbol of the growing partnership between El Salvador and China, crediting it to agreements reached during President Nayib Bukele’s 2019 visit to China.
The pier incorporates modern, eco-friendly construction methods, minimizing its environmental impact while offering amenities like boat elevators and a restaurant with a wave-inspired design. The project is one of six grant-based initiatives by China, which also include a water treatment plant and a new national stadium.
Officials expect the pier to become a popular destination, solidifying El Salvador’s rising status in global tourism.
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China to Build New CIFCO in El Salvador as Symbol of Friendship.
China will be constructing a new Center of Fairs and Conventions (CIFCO) in El Salvador, a project that will stand as a monumental symbol of the strong friendship between the two nations. Chinese Ambassador to El Salvador, Zhang Yanhui, announced the news during the delivery of the tourist dock at the Port of La Libertad.
Ambassador Zhang confirmed that the Salvadoran government has already selected the design for the new CIFCO, which will replace the previous facilities on Manuel Enrique Araujo Avenue. The former CIFCO site has been repurposed as the El Salvador Hospital since 2020, serving as a critical response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://cifco.gob.sv/nuevo-cifco
Zhang emphasized that the new CIFCO will be another significant project in the growing partnership between China and El Salvador. He expressed pride in the ongoing cooperation and noted the advancements in security and tourism under President Nayib Bukele’s leadership. «This will be another monumental work and a symbol of friendship between our countries,» the ambassador stated.
The new CIFCO is expected to boost El Salvador’s tourism and convention industry, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.
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El Salvador Joins Global Trade Facilitation Program.
El Salvador has been officially included in the II Global Trade Facilitation Program, a joint initiative led by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO). This inclusion highlights the country’s commitment to modernizing its customs processes and enhancing international trade.
The program, which aims to promote and facilitate global trade in participating countries, focuses on improving customs administrations through the implementation of international standards and best practices for the import, export, and transit of goods. It also supports sustainable and transparent improvements in trade facilitation, organizational development, and performance measurement.
El Salvador’s participation in this program builds on several key milestones. The country ratified the Revised Kyoto Convention in September 2023, joined the Mercator Program for WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement implementation in August 2023, and launched a Customs Performance Measurement Platform in June 2023.
Benjamin Mayorga, Director General of Customs, emphasized that El Salvador’s inclusion in this phase of the program is a recognition of the country’s dedication to modernizing its customs systems and boosting international trade. «This project represents a unique opportunity to enhance efficiency and competitiveness, benefiting our country,» Mayorga stated.
Mayorga also expressed gratitude to SECO, WCO, and the Swiss Ministry of Economy for their trust in El Salvador. He noted that their technical support will be essential in improving customs operations, fostering economic development, and ensuring sustainable trade practices that align with international standards.
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President Bukele Thanks Costa Rica for Accepting Humanitarian Aid Amid Hurricane Rafael Aftermath.
President Nayib Bukele expressed his gratitude to Costa Rica for accepting humanitarian aid from El Salvador in the wake of Hurricane Rafael’s devastating rains. In a heartfelt message on social media, President Bukele said, “Thank you, President Chaves and the people of Costa Rica, for allowing us to help you and win blessings for our people. God bless our sister nations.”
The response came after Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves publicly thanked El Salvador for its prompt and generous assistance. “Thank you very much, Salvadoran brothers! The good Ticos will always be grateful for the generosity of your people, the 300 rescuers, and President Bukele. You invaded us with weapons of solidarity between brothers. A hug and may God bless you all,” wrote Chaves in a message of gratitude.
In the wake of the natural disaster, which left widespread damage across Costa Rica, President Bukele’s administration swiftly mobilized aid to support its Central American neighbor. El Salvador sent 300 trained rescuers from various first-response institutions, along with more than 400 tons of humanitarian supplies, including food and medicine, to assist those affected by the severe weather conditions.
The strong display of solidarity between the two nations underscores the close ties and mutual support shared by El Salvador and Costa Rica, especially in times of crisis. President Bukele’s actions reflect his ongoing commitment to regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance, reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood between Central American nations.
As the recovery efforts continue, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting one another, with President Chaves thanking El Salvador for the “invading force of solidarity” during such a challenging time.
In a final message, President Bukele reiterated, “God bless our sister nations,” reinforcing the sentiment of unity and mutual assistance that characterizes the relationship between El Salvador and Costa Rica.