El Salvador has officially designated its first World Surfing Reserve (WSR), marking a significant milestone for the country’s surf culture and environmental preservation efforts. On Saturday, November 16, the surf community in Oriente Salvaje celebrated the region’s recognition as the 13th WSR, a title awarded by the Save the Waves Coalition, a global nonprofit organization focused on protecting surf ecosystems.
While World Surfing Reserves are not legally protected by law, the designation is meant to highlight the area’s high-quality natural and ecological resources. This recognition helps empower local communities to advocate for the conservation of these precious environments. Other globally recognized WSRs include the Gold Coast of Australia, Ericeira in Portugal, and Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica.
Spanning 19 kilometers of coastline, the Oriente Salvaje reserve is home to 12 world-class surf breaks, including the renowned right-hand points of Las Flores and Punta Mango. The region, known for its biodiversity, is bordered by some of Central America’s last remaining wild dry tropical forests. Trent Hodges, senior manager of World Surfing Reserves at Save the Waves Coalition, expressed his enthusiasm for the area’s potential: “Oriente Salvaje is a truly diverse coastline and deserving of the WSR title. It really is something special and worth protecting.”
The designation is the result of years of effort from local organizations such as the Association of Tourism Companies of the Eastern Coast, Sociedad Salvaje Salvadoreña, and Paso Pacifico. These groups have worked not only to preserve the region’s natural beauty but also to establish sustainable tourism practices.
According to Save the Waves, this designation plays a critical role in protecting the coastline, especially as the region faces increasing development pressure. The statement reads: “El Salvador’s eastern region is at a key turning point with a rapidly developing coastline. As the popularity of surfing grows, the Oriente Salvaje WSR aims to protect its pristine coastline while balancing development needs.”
In the coming years, the WSR will focus on expanding protected areas in the tropical dry forest, enforcing sustainability standards, and collaborating on a master development plan. Additionally, efforts to protect marine ecosystems and safeguard the area’s surf breaks will be central to preserving the natural environment.
With El Salvador’s government targeting Oriente Salvaje as the next “Surf City 2,” the World Surfing Reserve designation aims to help the local community reap economic benefits from the sport while ensuring the conservation of its coastal ecosystems. The region is home to diverse wildlife, including Salvadoran spider monkeys and Pacific mahogany trees, which rely on the area’s unique habitats.
As the 13th World Surfing Reserve, Oriente Salvaje joins an elite list of surf-rich destinations around the world working to protect both their waves and surrounding environments.
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