Hugo Sánchez Ortiz is a Costa Rican technologist who believes that science, social inclusion and sustainability are the keys to social development. He holds a degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the Costa Rica Institute of Technology and a master's degree from Anhalt University of Applied Science.
This project developed a technological traceability stamp that allowed 15 artisanal fishers in Tambor, Puntarenas, to allocate their products in more specific, valuable markets. By giving local fishing communities better access to technology, Hugo’s project generated a fairer income for each community and allowed the end customer to know more about the fish that they are buying. The traceability seal also made it possible to demonstrate the implementation of sustainable practices and open new markets with higher standards. Through a partnership with the Instituto Costarricense De Pesca y Acuicultura (INCOPESCA), the project gained national attention and is in the works to continue in other fishing communities across Costa Rica. The project serves as a showroom for INCOPESCA for the adoption of this new approach that generates more value for the fish caught artisanally. Hugo wants to continue working with them in looking for an opportunity to replicate the initiative in other artisanal fisher communities in Costa Rica. In the next months, the technology will be deployed in the communities of El Coco and Puntarenas. Both communities are located on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.
Hugo participated in the IVLP Project Combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Mississippi Consortium for International Development, in partnership with Global Ties Miami, World Partnerships Inc. and GlobalJax.
Hugo's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "The IVLP enables leaders to pursue a better world."
Washington, DC; Miami, FL; St. Petersburg, FL; Tallahassee, FL
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