Costa Rican Women Transforming Fish Skins into Eco-Friendly Fashion
In a Costa Rican village, two women are transforming discarded fish skins into fashionable leather accessories. Mauren Castro, 41, and Marta Sosa, 70, were once stay-at-home moms relying on their fishermen husbands for income. Now, they are part of the “Piel Marina” cooperative, creating sustainable fashion.
Fishermen in Costa de Pajaros are facing challenges due to regulations aimed at preserving fish stocks. To help women in the village earn a living, the NGO MarViva trained them to tan fish skins. Initially skeptical, the women learned to turn fish hides into earrings, necklaces, and handbags.
The process involves cleaning and dyeing the skin, resulting in a waterproof and odorless material. The women also sell their jewelry on social media platforms and provide leather to local producers. This age-old practice has gained popularity worldwide, with fish leather being used in high-end fashion.
While the women currently focus on local sales, they aspire to showcase their creations on the global stage. Castro envisions their leather being worn in Hollywood or Paris fashion shows. This initiative not only empowers women economically but also promotes sustainability in the fashion industry.
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Sofia Martins graduated from the Technical University of Madrid with a degree in Agronomy, focusing on plant nutrition and soil science. She has a deep interest in sustainable fertilizer management and works to develop eco-friendly solutions that optimize plant growth while minimizing nutrient runoff. Sofia is a dedicated researcher and has published several articles on sustainable plant nutrition practices.