This year, the Costa Rican Bible Institute has launched a new initiative aimed at raising awareness among the younger generation and collaborating with local churches to care for the environment. The project, titled "Creation Care Churches", recognises the importance of environmental stewardship in a world facing pressing ecological challenges.

Costa Rica has a rich biodiversity, home to more than 120,000 different species, representing 6.5% of the world's total biodiversity. In today's world, where environmental problems are enormous, concern for the environment cannot be underestimated. The main objective of this project is clear: to create awareness and empower churches to protect the environment both within their congregations and in the wider communities they serve. Contamination and mismanagement of resources continue to pose serious threats. Moreover, with the growing interest of the younger generation in environmental issues, this project presents an opportune moment for churches to attract and engage young people in meaningful ministry within their faith communities.

Javier Fallas, Programme Director of Bible Society Costa Rica, said: “After a process of research and consultation, we have come to the conclusion that most of the new generation feels called to undertake activities that have social impact and ecological initiatives are no exception. In a survey OneHope conducted among Generation Z in Latin America and Spain, young people said they would be willing to attend a church that has an ecological programme.

Through this project, we first intend to raise awareness through workshops and training for young people on environmental issues with a biblical approach, showing how God's word gives us answers and guidance in caring for the environment. Our intention is to use UBS-produced materials such as "Planet, Mimi and Me" to teach young people concrete actions they can take from Scripture, and to develop new materials in cooperation with churches and in a contextualised way. For example, together with the Catholic Church, we want to develop materials that include 'Laudato si', as it is a popular encyclical among Catholic youth”.

The strategic focus of the project involves annual partnerships with churches of various denominations to lead environmental awareness campaigns and community interventions. Through the distribution of Bibles and evangelistic materials, churches are empowered to integrate environmental concerns into their outreach efforts, fostering a culture of stewardship within their congregations and beyond.

The strategic focus of the project involves annual partnerships with churches of various denominations to lead environmental awareness campaigns and community interventions.

Among the activities planned for the first year of the project are:

Generating content on social media to promote initiatives that encourage churches to engage in environmental stewardship in their communities.

• Provide churches with biblical resources such as the Eco Bible.
• Workshops to raise awareness of environmental concerns.
• Workshops to raise awareness of environmental concerns.
• Creation of a biblical passage that addresses environmental stewardship.
• Conducting church-wide activities that promote environmental stewardship, such as garbage collection, site, river, and beach cleanups.
• Creating biblical passages that address environmental stewardship.

Eco-friendly Bible:

This is a Bible launched by United Bible Societies to promote care for creation. It is made from recycled paper and printed with vegetable-based inks. It includes articles related to the environment and has verses highlighted in green colour about ecology.

It is made from recycled paper and printed with vegetable-based inks.

Project development:

The project received significant support from the Catholic Church in Costa Rica, such as the support received from the National Catechetical Centre. The Vicariate of San Pedro Apostol, in collaboration with the parish of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, has emerged as a pioneering partner in the implementation of this project, which lays the groundwork for ecological initiatives that impact local communities.

Gabriel Brais, CEO of the Costa Rican Bible Institute stated: “ From Genesis, the Bible gives us the right and calling to inhabit the earth and dominate nature and the creatures that inhabit it. For me, the term "dominion" implies the responsibility of good stewardship and the obligation to account for the favours we have received, both to God and to future generations.

This project is very important for Costa Rica, as it is a response to the urgent call to care for the precious natural resource heritage that our country possesses. It also serves as a tool for the Church to act as an agent of change in society. Our goal is not simply to carry out isolated actions, but to promote a new way of life in our communities.

Environmental problems not only affect nature and animals, but also the most vulnerable groups in our society. We strongly believe in the purpose of this project and its ability to mobilise the younger generation of Costa Ricans who want to bring about positive change. As a Bible Institute, we are honoured to be a part of this movement that has just begun."