August 24: Let’s celebrate the National Parks

As we mark another International Day of National Parks on August 24, it’s essential to recognize the urgent need for action to preserve protected wild areas. Costa Rica, with its remarkable 2.7 million hectares of protected land, covering 25.5% of the terrestrial zone and 2.63% of the marine coastal area, is a prime example of the importance of this effort.

The Benefits of National Parks:

  • Biodiversity Conservation: National parks protect diverse ecosystems, safeguarding countless species of plants and animals.
  • Climate Regulation: Forests within national parks absorb carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change.
  • Natural Resources: National parks often serve as watersheds, protecting water resources for communities and ecosystems.
  • Economic Benefits: Ecotourism in national parks supports local economies and provides jobs.
  • Recreational Opportunities: National parks offer opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities.

How You Can Help:

  • Visit National Parks: Support conservation efforts by visiting national parks and experiencing their beauty firsthand.
  • Volunteer: Get involved in volunteer programs that help maintain and protect national parks.
  • Donate: Contribute to organizations working to conserve national parks and wildlife.
  • Reduce Your Impact: Practice responsible tourism and minimize your environmental footprint.

Protected Areas in Costa Rica

Despite the significant amount of protected land in Costa Rica, there are still challenges to meet when it comes to preserving the country’s natural heritage. The General Comptroller of the Republic has reported a crisis in protected wild areas due to weak management and lack of progress in developing general management plans.

The Role of SINAC

SINAC, the national conservation authority, does not have a mechanism to identify needs requiring physical infrastructure intervention and select alternatives to address them. This lack of planning and management is exacerbating the problems facing protected areas in Costa Rica.

Budget Cuts and Conservation Efforts

The National Council of Conservation Areas (CONAC) has issued a statement informing citizens that they cannot adequately protect the country’s natural heritage due to drastic budget cuts. This reduction in funding is not only hindering conservation efforts but also impacting the quality of life for vulnerable populations, such as women, children, and people living in extreme poverty.

Climate Change and Protected Areas

Extreme climate events have had a significant impact on protected wild areas and the quality of life of the population. Flooding and landslides have caused material damage and loss of human lives in the country. The lack of adequate territory planning to guarantee proper and timely control and regulation of risk zones from flooding is further exacerbating these issues.

The Importance of Community Development

Conservation tools such as payment for environmental services and promoting agroforestry systems can promote community development and job creation. Protected wild areas are crucial for vulnerable groups, providing essential services and opportunities for economic growth.

Promoting Economic Recovery through Environmental Sustainability

Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in promoting economic recovery through environmental sustainability criteria. Ecotourism promotes the development of services and activities that represent an economic work opportunity for community development, improving their quality of life based on what is legally and environmentally feasible.

Environmental Health and Human Well-being

Environmental health is essential to expect human health and public health. The legislative discussion of initiatives for reactivating shrimp trawling and continuing open-pit mining with cyanide use poses devastating socio-environmental impacts.

The Future of Protected Areas in Costa Rica

As we move forward, it’s essential that all actors take action to protect our natural wealth. This is the only way to respond responsibly to the existing crisis. The future of protected areas in Costa Rica depends on our collective efforts to strengthen capacities and promote participatory local development.

August 24: International Day of National Parks

As we mark another year since the International Day of National Parks, it’s essential to recognize that preserving protected wild areas is a collective responsibility. Let us work together to protect our natural wealth for future generations.