In memory of Tommy Asberg

Tommy Asberg, originally from Sweden and a high school teacher in Stockholm, first came to Costa Rica in the early 1980s. Captivated by the country’s rich biodiversity, he has returned annually since then, bringing his students along to explore and appreciate its natural wonders.

Tommy shared a deep connection with the Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve, founded by Karen Mogensen and her husband Olof Wessberg, known locally as Nicolas, who was also Swedish. In Sweden, Tommy created the organization “Friends of Cabo Blanco,” which enabled him to finance numerous vital projects to sustain the Reserve, as government support was insufficient. In Costa Rica, he led environmental education programs in local schools to foster ecological awareness among children and annually brought his Swedish students to experience the Reserve firsthand. As an educator, Tommy believed it was crucial to teach young people that Nature is an integral part of us, deserving respect and protection. He also held that understanding Nature’s essential role helps us develop a balanced perspective in all relationships. In a peaceful country like Costa Rica, this message resonates strongly and is more easily embraced. Undoubtedly, Tommy was a pivotal figure in environmental education and nature conservation in Costa Rica.

Our Association has journeyed alongside Tommy’s, frequently coming together with joy at significant milestones, including the inauguration of our Bioclimatic Station at the Karen Reserve.

He has been a wonderful friend, with whom I have shared unforgettable moments in Italy and Sweden, exploring the roots of our origins. Most importantly, we shared ideals and a vision of life that deepened our awareness and empowered us to direct our strengths toward making the world a better place. He also played a crucial role in the book I translated into Italian about the lives of Karen Mogensen and her husband Nicolas, translating all the letters they sent to their families into Spanish, which enabled an accurate and heartfelt reconstruction of their story.

Thank you, Tommy, for your friendship and for all the ways you have touched our lives.

For Foreste per Sempre OdV – Dario Sonetti