Fundacion Costa Palmas Launches Pilot Program “Reflective Collars”

Protecting Livestock and Drivers, One Collar at a Time

Intending to reduce road accidents involving livestock, the Costa Palmas Foundation has launched an innovative pilot program called "Reflective Collars." This program is just the beginning of a larger action, involving the creation and distribution of 250 reflective collars for the bovine livestock in the area, which alert drivers to the presence of animals on the roads, thus contributing to road safety.

The implementation process began with meetings and physical surveys during January and February of this year, in collaboration with the President of the local Cattle Ranchers Union, Horacio Agúdez. During these meetings, collar samples were presented to ranch owners, who provided constructive feedback to adapt the collars to their needs and working methods.

In March, 250 collars were manufactured based on the feedback received, crafted by members of the La Ribera community. These were delivered to ranches representing 50% of the free-roaming bovine livestock in the region, in collaboration with the local delegate, Miguel Mijares, and the president of the Cattle Ranchers Union, Horacio Agúdez.

The program has already received a positive response, with testimonials indicating how the collars have helped prevent accidents. Additionally, requests have come from other nearby delegations, such as Santiago, suggesting an interest in expanding the program and continuing road safety education to ensure safe roads for all. Fundación Costa Palmas is committed to continuing to work in this direction, in collaboration with local authorities and cattle rancher unions, for the benefit of the community and road safety.