Costa Rica – The learning experience and resources for research into sustainable development. Clive Wilson February 2025
I visited Costa Rica to learn and understand how their people have worked on sustainable development. I saw first hand a commitment from so many people and organisations who have embraced the challenges that past generations have left. I has inspired me to continue to challenge the status quo attitudes I see daily in my life in the UK.
Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainable development, known for its strong environmental policies, commitment to renewable energy, and successful efforts in reversing deforestation, with over 50% of its territory now forested.
Environmental Protection and Conservation:
Reversing Deforestation:
Costa Rica has successfully reversed decades of deforestation, increasing forest cover from 26% to over 50% today.
Protected Areas:
Around a quarter of the country's land is dedicated to protected parks and reserves, showcasing its commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES):
The PES program incentivizes landowners to conserve forests and plant trees, contributing to both biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation.
National Conservation Strategy:
Costa Rica's National Conservation Strategy for Sustainable Development (ECODES) integrates various sectors like economics, urbanization, and agriculture, aiming for a holistic approach to sustainable development.
Ban on single-use plastics:
Costa Rica has banned the use and entry of single-use plastics into Protected Wilderness Areas.
Renewable Energy and Climate Action:
Renewable Energy Leadership: Costa Rica generates over 98% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily hydroelectric power, with wind and solar power also contributing.
Decarbonization Efforts: Costa Rica has a National Decarbonization Plan, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to a low-carbon economy.
Commitment to Net-Zero: The country has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Sustainable Tourism: Ecotourism Pioneer
Costa Rica is a world-renowned ecotourism destination, with its focus on responsible travel and environmental preservation.
Sustainable Tourism Practices:
The government promotes sustainable tourism through policies that protect natural resources and support local communities.
Tourism and Sustainability Integration:
Sustainability and travel are inextricably linked in Costa Rica, with all marketing and messaging centred around responsible travel.
Other Notable Initiatives:
Sustainable Consumption and Production:
Costa Rica is working to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, focusing on reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and promoting healthy and sustainable food systems.
Sustainable Urban Mobility:
The country is transforming its transportation system, focusing on sustainable urban mobility and developing a more resilient infrastructure.
Organic Agriculture:
Costa Rica has a Law on Organic Agriculture, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Recycling:
Costa Rica has a "pay to throw" program that encourages recycling by charging residents based on the weight of their waste.
Global Climate Action Award:
Costa Rica's Environmental Services Program earned the Global Climate Action Award in 2020.
The organisations below exhibit some of the best practices in sustainability
CATIE Tropical Agriculture Research and Higher Education Centre, serving Tropical Countries around the world
Tortuguero National Park. A first in nature conservation and a Turtle Sanctuary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortuguero_National_Park
Doka Coffee Estate. Supporting environmental business
https://www.haciendadoka.com/pages/about-us
Monteverde Cloud Forest. An amazing reserve protecting and promoting biodiversity
https://www.monteverdeinfo.com/cloud-forests
Makaw Lodge. An outstanding reserve, fully embracing sustainability and biodiversity, managed and run by 20 local families.
https://www.macawlodge.com/our-story/
Talamanca Nature Reserve. A magnificent reserve run as not for profit business with sustainability at its core
https://www.talamancanaturereserve.com/about.html
Quesos Canaan Cheeses. A small cheese business embracing agro forestry and sustainable practice in cheese making. A great story of innovation.