On this day of tribute in memory of Tommy Åsberg here at the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve, I regret that I cannot be with you in person to honor him in this place so cherished by all of us who, alongside Tommy, have shared the deep commitment and bond to nature conservation entrusted to us by its founders, Doña Karen and Don Nicolás. Yet, Tommy is undoubtedly present today, front and center, through his enduring legacy—his passionate work as a conservationist and educator, and the friendship and life lessons he imparted to each of us. These gifts have inspired us to persevere in this challenging mission, despite the obstacles and the occasional misunderstanding from those who do not yet grasp the vital importance of a respectful and harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world of which we are an inseparable part.
I can proudly and sincerely say that I shared a deep and meaningful friendship with him. During our numerous interviews in Costa Rica and our time together in Italy and Sweden, he offered insight that clarified my many doubts about the world’s future and reassured me that our efforts to improve it were truly on the right path.
As an educator, he believed it was vital to teach young people that nature is an integral part of ourselves, deserving both respect and care. He also understood that recognizing nature’s fundamental role helps us become better individuals and allows us to approach all relationships with the right perspective. In a peaceful country like Costa Rica, this understanding should come naturally and be widely embraced—I always hope it is. Though a foreigner, Tommy was undeniably a pivotal figure in advancing nature education and conservation efforts in Costa Rica.
For over thirty years, my Italian associations — Guardie Ecologiche Volontarie and Foreste per Sempre OdV — have pursued paths closely aligned with Tommy’s Swedish association. We have frequently come together for significant events, including the inauguration of the “Italia Costa Rica” Bioclimatic Research Station in the Karen Mogensen Reserve of Asepaleco.
Finally, I would like to highlight Tommy’s significant contribution to the novel by writer Lola Pereira — recently translated by me into Italian — about the lives of Karen Mogensen and her husband Nicolás. He discovered and translated into Spanish the letters the couple sent to their families, enabling a faithful reconstruction of their story.
Dear Tommy, you have truly left an indelible mark on this world. Your memory will live on for a long time, held dearly in our hearts until the day we meet again, wherever you may be. Thank you. Your friend.
Dario Sonetti
Edolo, 15 June 2026
