CASATUR (Samara Board of Tourism and Community Development – samaratouristboard.org) works for the community of Samara to improve community and tourist services, protect our natural resources, and build partnerships to achieve sustainable and healthy development for the people. At the same time, it seeks to project a positive image of Samara at national and international levels, ensuring that the image is consistent with the everyday reality of Samara and the community. Our current projects include:
° Beach cleaning (4 days per week, plus special activities) ° Samara Blue Flag Project
° Recycling Project Development ° Road and street repairs
° Creation of a Park for the town ° Environmental initiatives
° Maintenance and repairs to the police station ° Public school repairs
° Security & community safety programs ° Reforestation Projects
° Organization of Sports Events
° Art Fairs and Festivals
In addition to CASATUR, there are several other community associations doing valuable work in our community, with local children, the environment, animal protection, and more. We highlight some of these below.
CASATUR - Police Car Repairs
2012-09-26 18:18:34 |
NEW Police Car
TODAY the police vehicle was officially delivered to the Sámara Police. We now have a Nissan pickup 2007 for the exclusive use of Sámara.
Thanks to all the CASATUR and community members whose donations helped make this possible!
Regards, CASATUR Board of Directors |
CASATUR - Earthquake Procedures & Recommendations
2012-09-12 02:10:51 |
Earthquake Procedures & Recommendations
BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE:
Costa Rica, like anywhere else in the world, is subject to natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, due to the reported levels of seismic activity. Therefore, it is recommended that all inhabitants be prepared, in order to mitigate the negative after-effects of these kinds of events. How to prepare?
1. Have a backpack filled with emergency items in an easily accessible place. The pack should contain: • First-Aid Kit and any prescription medicines • Enough canned/dry food and water to last two days, a can opener. • Flashlight and batteries (no in the flashlight, so they do not wear down) • Small radio and batteries (again, not installed) • Change of clothes and blanket • Basic toiletries, repellent, sunscreen, baby supplies • Copies of personal documents (passport/cedula), family phone #s, extra set of keys
2. If you own a house in the area, check all large furniture items to make sure these are attached to the wall and cannot fall on a person in the event of an earthquake. These can be secured with screws, hooks, etc to the wall. Also, remove any heavy items hanging from ceilings or walls that could fall and injure people. Large chandeliers are not recommended light fixtures for this country!
3. Establish a meeting point for friends and family where you will reconvene after an earthquake. This area should be open, free of large trees, buildings, power lines, etc, and should be 300 meters or more back from the beach, and over 10 meters high. Ideally, the meeting point will be accessible by foot, bike or car. In Sámara, suggested points are: • Top of Hill near Hotel Lodge Las Ranas • Top of Loma Verde area (up the hill from Sámara Pacific Lodge or Hotel Pequeño Gecko Verde) • Top of Hill next to the houses called “2 Amigos”, located next to the bridge over Río Lagarto • Hill by Barracuda (on road heading out of town towards Nicoya) **INTERCULTURA MEETING POINT** • High points further out on road towards Nicoya, such as the Ferretería (Hardware store), but NOT the gas/petrol station. • Hill behind Hotel Mirador de Sámara • Hill up from the brown condominium building on road opposite Hotel Las Brisas • Up the hill towards the Santo Domingo Area
DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: • If you are inside a building and can easily leave, do so, and look for an open area with no trees, overhead power lines, tall buildings, etc. • If you are up high, only leave if you can do slow calmly and orderly. Do not use elevators. When using stairs, walk, do not run. More accidents happen from running during and earthquake than from the actual damages. • If you are stuck inside, crouch down right next to a solid piece of furniture and try to cover your neck, head and back with a chair or other similar object that can protect from falling items. When the earthquake ends, leave the building quickly but calmly and find open ground. • If inside, also try to make sure you are not directly underneath beams or large light fixtures.
AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE: • Proceed to the established meeting place. For Intercultura students, this is the hill by Barracuda, on the road out to Nicoya. • Await instructions from staff or community leaders in charge of evacuations once students are convened. • Try to reach a radio, or TV if electricity is on, to see emergency news reports. • Call your family to let them know you are safe, or send messages via face book, text, etc. • Remain calm, and remember, the worst has passed. In the event of a Tsunami, experts state that typically a tsunami happens approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours after an earthquake, so you have plenty of time to get to high ground. Also, once you retreat, even by a few hundred meters, from the beachfront area, you drastically reduce any risk to yourself. • If you are stuck in a beachfront area for any reason, experts recommend getting to the highest point possible, for example, the upper floors of a concrete block construction, or the highest branches of a tall tree, as any height you can give yourself will greatly improve your chances in the event of a tsunami. • If you are out at sea on a boat, DO NOT try to come inland. Stay out at sea, as tsunami waves are usually only a foot high in deep waters, so you will be safer there. Stay out at sea for several hours, as some tsunamis can last 3-4 hours with a series of waves coming at intervals. • And remember, less than half of all earthquakes actually cause tsunamis, and of those, many are imperceptible to the human eye.
USEFUL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TSUNAMIS: 1. Palm trees with their long, bare trunks are well adapted to life on the shore and often survive tsunamis intact. 2. A “mega-tsunami” is a tsunami with extremely high waves and is usually caused by a landslide. A mega-tsunami occurred at Lituya Bay, Alaska, in 1958, creating the tallest tsunami ever recorded at 1,700 feet (534 m) high. Miraculously, only two people died. Most tsunamis are between 1 meter and 30 meters high. 3. Reports show that those who use their cars to escape tsunamis often get stuck in traffic jams or encounter other obstacles and are, therefore, more likely to be swept away. Reports show that the best way to escape is on foot, climbing up any steep slopes nearby as quickly as possible. 4. If caught by a tsunami wave, it is better not to swim, but rather to grab a floating object and allow the current to carry you. 5. A tsunami is actually made up of a series of waves that may arrive every 10 to 60 minutes. Often the first wave may not be the largest. The danger from a tsunami can last for several hours after the arrival of the first wave. 6. Tsunami waves typically do not curl and break, so you should never try to surf a tsunami. 7. Tsunamis can travel through deep water as fast as 950kph. However, their amplitude (height) is only about 1 meter with a wavelength of 200-300m. In deep water, a tsunami is just barely perceptible, if at all. 8. Sometimes a tsunami may cause the water near the coast to recede dramatically, exposing land that is usually submerged. This is a sure sign of an impending tsunami. 9. Some types of animals have an innate sixth sense, which enables them to detect when a tsunami is going to occur: they will then head inland in the opposite direction. 10. Tsunamis are accompanied by a loud roaring sound, described by witnesses as being similar to the sound of a train or aircraft. 11. In a minor tsunami, the waves can be only millimeters/feet high.
EMOTIONAL AFTEREFFECTS FOLLOWING AN EARTHQUAKE:
Immediate reactions you may experience following an earthquake: • Emotional: Confusion, Fear, Anger, Worrying, Sadness, Numbness • Physical: Disorientation, Fatigue, Headache, Stomach ache, Difficulties sleeping • Behavioral: Withdrawal from friends and family, Alcohol, prescription medications, or other drugs can make the situation worse.
To Reduce Anxiety: • Talking to or spending time with others for support or joining groups • Engaging in positive distracting activities (sports, hobbies, reading) and exercise • Getting adequate rest and eating healthy meals • Trying to maintain a normal schedule • Using relaxation methods (breathing, meditation, soothing music, prayer)
Possible Further Reactions: • Fear and worry about safety, fear of separation from family members • Worry that another earthquake will come • Increase in activity level, trouble concentrating or paying attention • Withdrawal from others, angry outbursts, lack of interest in usual activities • Increase in physical complaints, such as headaches and stomachaches • Change in school/work performance • Long-lasting focus on the earthquake, such as talking repeatedly about it • Changes in sleep patterns and appetite
If you are experiencing these or other symptoms and would like to receive professional help, there are trained psychologists available free of charge. Contact Intercultura staff and we will coordinate the meeting for you. Also, remember our staff is here to help you and is happy to offer our own advice and experience in English, French, German and Spanish. |
CASATUR - Governement Assistant Port Earthquake
2012-09-08 12:42:59 |
Today the municpal Syndic gathered members of the Development Associations APROSA and ADI, CASATUR, the ASADAS and others, in an effort to coordinate preventative measures and security actions in case of any future emergencies. We are asking the government for a formal community meeting with government representatives to give us a full report on the event, and on what we can expect in the future, as well as concrete solutions to problems of lack of water and medical services in several communities. The municipality has promised an ambulance for Sámara, according to comments made by Vice-mayor Adriana Rodríguez to Marco Carmona (CASATUR) today in Nicoya. The paper La Nación stated today that the Sámara’s geographical location helped greatly to attenuate the effects of the quake and prevent a tsunami, due to the rock formation on which the area is situated, as well as other factors influencing the movements felt. Though Sámara is still with an alert system in place, life is back to normal and we hope to see no further ill effects. The police are distributing supplies and housing is available should anyone need it. Tel: 2656-0436
Atentamente, Sincerely, CASATUR |
CASATUR - Castration Clinic
2012-08-29 08:20:37 |
Castration Clinic Tuesday, Sept 4 & 5
Tues Sept 4 at El Torito Community Center from 8AM – 3PM
Wednesday Sept 5 at San Fernando Community Center from 8Am – 3PM
All consultations are free. Castrations are 10,000 colones. Do not feed you pets the day of the appointment, bring them with a sheet, cats in a basket and dogs with their leashes.
For free transportation, please call 8952-9232 or 8349-7418. |
CASATUR - Rides for Voluteers
2012-07-07 16:53:36
Volunteers need a Ride
|
Chinampas summer camp NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Intercultura has started a new summer camp in Chinampas and the volunteers could use help gettig there. If you would like to voluteer to give them a ride up or down the mountain, it would help them out tremendously, since there is no public transport and currently they have to walk all the way.
If you have any questions, please call Intercultura at 2656-0127. |
CASATUR - Blue Flag for Samara
2012-02-25 19:10:16
Blue Flag for Samara
|
CASATUR regained the blue flag for all of Samara Beach!
ICT (the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism) awards the blue flag to beaches and schools, indicating a standard of cleanliness and safety. Criteria for achieving the blue flag include ocean water quality, potable water quality, coastal sanitation including run-off water and garbage, environmental education, and security.
In a presentation on March 28th, 2012, the flag will be presented to CASATUR president Marco Carmona and Vice President Giancarlo Cappone.
Thanks to all who worked to achieve our blue flag status and a clean, safe beach in Samara. We can do more to win 1-4 stars so let’s keep our community clean.
Hoy, CASATUR recuperó la bandera azul para toda la Playa Samara. ICT (el Instituto Costarricense de Turismo) entrga la bandera azul para playas y escuelas, lo que indica un nivel de limpieza y seguridad. Criterios para lograr la bandera azul para una playa incluyen la calidad del agua del océano, la calidad del agua potable, saneamiento costero incluyendo aguas residuales y la basura, la educación ambiental y la seguridad.
En una presentación de 28 de marzo de 2012, se presentará la bandera azul al presidente de CASATUR Marco Carmona, acompañado por vicepresidente Giancarlo Cappone.
Gracias a todos los que trabajaron para lograr nuestra condición de bandera azul y una playa limpia y segura en Samara. Podemos hacer más para ganar 1-4 estrellas así que vamos a mantener limpia nuestra comunidad. |
CASATUR to work with Local Government
2012-02-20 19:12:50
Working with Local Government
|
CASATUR to work with Local Government to develop UN-based Sustainable Development Plan for the Region.
Local groups from Sámara have begun to work in connection to local government to modernize municipal strategies together with the private sector and organized community groups. The Sámara Beach Association for Tourism and Community Development, CASATUR, was invited to attend the first extraordinary session of the Municipality Council in order to form a commission aimed at generating a 30-year sustainable development plan in accordance with the goals established in the UN’s action plan for sustainable development ‘Agenda 21′. The session was led by Ana Lorena San Román, Rector of the University for International Cooperation and veteran strategist for the UN initiative to modernize municipal governance throughout Latin America, and Juan Aguirre, President of the Municipal Council.
New methodological approaches to governance and community building were approved in a unanimous vote by members of the Municipal Council, beginning with a group participation workshop to outline a 30-year plan for the canton of Nicoya. Different sectors of civil society expressed their needs and dreams for a common future, and agreed to assum commitments and responsibilities along with the municipality to ensure a future based on the needs of the people of our communities. The plan will be conceived within the framework of endogenous community needs in the areas of education, the environment, economic development, social welfare and other factors, and will necessarily take into account the resources and capacity of the region. A focus on environmental protection strategies is a priority, as the environment is conceived as being inextricably linked to economic and social welfare.
The success of this project will depend on the commitment of all groups involved, as well as constant supervision and monitoring of new processes to ensure their alignment with the tenets of sustainable community development. |
CASATUR - Tourist Police
2012-01-09 23:47:07
Tourist Police
|
Did you know?
The Tourist Police have assigned two officials here for the entire high season…
You can contact them at the offices in Samara: 2656-0436
Note… GOOD NEWS!! Report forms can be obtained with the Tourism Police directly, instead of having to go to Nicoya to file!!
Atte. Security Committee of Samara and CASATUR |
CASATUR - Filing a Police Report
2012-01-05 18:43:41
Filing a Police Report
|
If you have been the victim of a crime (assault, robbery, etc.) remember that we HAVE TO file a police report so that Samara’s statistics reflect the reality of our situation, and so that the Police continue improving their services to us here.
If officers of the Police Force have failed to respond as they should, we also have the obligation to report them to Internal Affairs, who is in charge of eliminating police corruption and sanctioning inaction.
Important numbers Confidential drug reports: 2656-1176
All confidential crime reports: 800-8000-645
Internal Affairs (corruption): 2586-4132 or 2234-8716
OIJ Police in Nicoya: 2685-5328 or 2685-5416 or Ac-oij-nic@poder-judicial.go.cr
OIJ Liberia: 2666-0616
Courthouse: 2685-9024 or 2685-9026
To file a formal report for assault, robbery, etc, you need to first go to the police station in Samara and have them write down your statement, then go to the courthouse and/or OIJ in Nicoya to file the official report. |
CASATUR - 2012 Community Initiatives
2011-12-09 03:38:02
CASATUR
|
CASATUR (Samara Board of Tourism and Community Development) works for the community of Samara to improve community and tourist services, protect our natural resources, and build partnerships to achieve sustainable and healthy development for the people. At the same time, it seeks to project a positive image of Samara at national and international levels, ensuring that the image is consistent with the everyday reality of the place. Our mission:
• Improve positioning in the tourist market of businesses that contribute to sustainable development. • Promote a healthy and safe environment and overcome physical logistics of Samara. • Ensure that businesses and tourism providers adhere to the standards of quality control implemented by CASATUR. • Provide objective source of information for visitors and locals. • Encourage public institutions to comply with their duties towards the community.
CASATUR (Cámara Samareña de Turismo y Desarrollo Comunitario) trabaja en pro de la comunidad de Sámara para mejorar los servicios turísticos y comunitarios, proteger nuestros recursos naturales, y crear alianzas para lograr un desarrollo sostenible y saludable para el pueblo. A la vez, busca proyectar una imagen positiva de Sámara a nivel nacional e internacional, asegurando que la imagen esté acorde a la realidad cotidiana del lugar. Nuestra misión:
• Mejorar el posicionamiento en el mercado turístico de las empresas que contribuyen al desarrollo sostenible. • Promover un ambiente sano y seguro y superar la logística fisica de Samara. • Asegurar que los negocios y proveedores turísticos cumplan con los estándares de calidad promovidos por CASATUR. • Proveer una fuente de información objetiva para visitantes y locales. • Fomentar las instituciones públicas cumplan con su deber de proteger nuestro medio ambiente.
Current projects include/ Proyectos actuales incluyan:
• Beach cleaning/ Limpieza de la playa • Recycling/ Reciclaje • Road and street repairs /Reparaciones de calles y caminos • Parks and recreational spaces/Parques y espacios recreativos • Maintenance and repairs to the police station /Mantenamiento y reparaciones a la delegación de la Policía • Environmental initiatives / Iniciativas medio-ambientales • Public school repairs/Reparaciones a las escuelas públicas • Security & community safety programs / Programas de seguridad comunitaria
If you would like to donate financially to CASATUR, we accept donations for our ongoing community improvement projects, youcan make a direct transfer to our bank account at BCR (Banco de Costa Rica)/
Si quisieran donar recursos o dinero a CASATUR, aceptamos donaciones hacia nuestros proyectos actuales de desarrollo comunitario, las donaciones se pueden depositar a nuestra cuenta en el BCR:
• Account name: Asociacion de Turismo de Samara, CASATUR • BCR Account No. 001-0289791 • Cuenta Cliente: 15201001028979117 • Type of identity: extranjero • Identity number: 88807695
Please include your name in the detail and the destination project for the funds/
Favor incluir su nombre en el detalle, junto con el proyecto al cual está donando.
|
CASATUR - CREAR
2011-12-07 22:19:29
Asociacion CREAR
|
The Asociación CREAR is a non-profit, free after-school program focused on supplemental education for the children of Playa Samara and its surrounding areas. It was started in 2005, and has since been kept alive through the efforts of the local area language school, Intercultura.
Andrea Keith took over as one of the program directors in January of 2009, and has worked with all her heart to keep the program not only in existence, but also to see it grow and expand. Throughout the last couple of years she has had the pleasure of reaching out to over 200 kids from both the Samara and El Torito Schools, offering them classes ranging from Art to Computer to Cooking to Sports. Johannah Waite, took over as the second Program Director in March of 2011, and with this addition the program has seen new growth.
In addition to the regular, free of charge, afterschool program, they also offer 2 fun-filled camps each year during the kids’ mid-year and summer vacations. In April of 2010 CREAR made a huge leap and earned a grant from the Costa Rican organization ProArtes that enabled them to finance both the 2010 mid-year camp and 2011 summer camp.
With this money the children went on incredible field trips to the Children’s Museum in San Jose, La Casona in Santa Rosa, the aquarium in Puntarenas, Africa Mia in Liberia and the coffee plantation in Hojancha. CREAR also had the funds necessary to make a beautiful marine themed mosaic on the wall to the side of the Police Station in Samara centro.
While CREAR’s program has grown within the last couple of years, the work never ends. They are now offering educational assemblies in 4 of the local area elementary schools (San Fernando, Santo Domingo, Samara and El Torito) focused on environmental issues. Furthermore, they continue to work with various international volunteer groups that help them to complete other community projects such as painting the Samara community center, and exposing our students to new and different sports.
As always, a non-profit’s biggest obstacle is funding. La Asociación CREAR is always in need of kind donations. For more information on their program or on how to donate, please email them at info@asociacioncrear.org or check out either their Facebook page: La Asociación CREAR or their CREAR website here or if you’re feeling motivated right now their bank account information is as follows:
Name: Asociación CREAR Bank: Banco Nacional, Costa Rica Acct #: 200-02-179-000745-1 Swift: BNCRCRSJ ABA: 019462 Identification Code: 300251265500 Address: BN Agencia Sámara, 179, Playa Sámara, Nicoya, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
If you would like to contribute materials (see list of needed items below), you may send them to: CREAR c/o Intercultura Language School 150 metros al sur del restaurante El Dorado frente a la playa Playa Sámara, Nicoya, Guanacaste, Costa Rica Pencils, Markers, Crayons, Paper, Butcher paper, Notebooks, Paints, Paint brushes, Colored pencils, Erasers, Rulers, Canvas, Multi-colored pipe cleaners, Paper plates, Children’s books in Spanish, Adult books in Spanish, All basic school supplies, any great craft supplies and used digital cameras (functioning and with all cable connections please) and any used laptops or computers.
|
