The Araucaria tree, a symbol of resilience and strength, is planted in homage to Costa Rica

Present at the ceremony were the mayor of Gramado, Nestor Tissot; the Secretary of Agriculture, Eliezer Lima; the Deputy Secretary of the Environment, Rodrigo Ludwig; as well as the CEOs of Festuris, Marta Rossi and Eduardo Zorzanello.

The choice of the araucaria tree stems from the species' importance to the native ecosystem. It plays a crucial role in the development of the Atlantic Forest, providing refuge for diverse animals and birds. It produces the piñón, a seed highly prized by the gauchos between autumn and winter. It is remarkably resilient, capable of living over 200 years and reaching heights of 50 meters.

At this 14th araucaria tree planting, Costa Rica was honored as the country recognized for its international leadership in sustainable practices and environmental policies. Its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the promotion of clean energy make it a model for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. This action is carried out in conjunction with the Ministry of the Environment.

Costa Rican representative Heylin James, Coordinator of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) for Latin America, participated in the event. In addition to receiving an araucaria sapling, she was presented with mate, a traditional drink of the gauchos.

“We are very happy with this recognition and this tribute. Costa Rica is a small country, but for us, sustainability is not just a practice, it's a way of life,” she stated.

For Mayor Nestor Tissot, it is important to preserve the history and highlight the importance of the araucaria tree to the region.
“Many people don't know it as an araucaria; older residents, in particular, know it as a pine tree. It is a symbolic tree of Gramado; a better species could not have been chosen for this event,” he emphasizes.

Marta Rossi comments on small actions that add up:
“Something I learned at home, from my parents: we must take good care of our greatest home, and our greatest home is planet Earth. If each of us does our part, however small it may seem, it will help transform our planet.”

Eduardo Zorzanello emphasized the project's pursuit of longevity, always with a focus on sustainability:
“This planted garden not only beautifies, it demonstrates resilience. This is what we see in the figure of the araucaria tree: strength and resistance. And Festuris is proof of this, of our practices, which each year seek to add new partners and ideas, with the purpose of leaving a legacy and building real relationships,” he concludes.

TRIBUTE SERIES
During the ceremony honoring Costa Rica, a tribute was paid to journalist Wilson Sierra. He was one of the project's originators, which began in 2015. Having passed away this year at the age of 96, he was a member of the Ibero-American Forum of Journalists, whose objective is to promote integration among destinations, institutions, and individuals developing sustainable projects focused on environmental preservation.

“Festuris has a focus on sustainable practices in its DNA and embraced the project, turning it into reality. Wilson built a legacy that is renewed with each edition of Festuris,” the event reports.

Sierra's daughter, Marisa Borges, as well as her granddaughter and her 3-year-old great-grandson, were invited to unveil a special plaque, which will be placed next to the entrance of the Serra Park pavilions, the venue for Festuris.

Another tribute was paid by Fipetur (Ibero-American Federation of Tourism Journalists), which presented a plaque in recognition and gratitude to Eduardo Zorzanello and Marta Rossi.

Text and photos: Festuris/Dissemination | fernando@rossiezorzanello.com.br