The University of Costa Rica’s (UCR) Socio-Environmental Kiosks for Community Organisation programme has received the 2026 Award for Contributions to Improving Quality of Life in the public entity category. Now in its 34th edition, the award is given by the Ombudsman’s Office (Defensoría de los Habitantes), the public universities and the National Council of Rectors.
For nearly two decades, the programme has provided tools, technical advice and support to communities facing socio-environmental conflicts, through workshops, field trips, dialogue spaces and research. The aim is to strengthen community organisation and people’s ability to defend their territories and take part in decisions affecting their living conditions.
The award in the same category also went to the Comprehensive Health and Development Programme of the Judicial Investigation Agency. The programme’s general coordinator, Dylanna Rodríguez Muñoz, described the recognition as an honour for the team and the communities they work with.
