ENVIRONMENT
The importance of natural resources for Costa Rica goes beyond its borders, as it has subscribed to international treaties and multiple regulations. These consider the social demand for the conservation and protection of ecosystems and biodiversity, including threatened species, and the sustainable management of biological resources. This is why approximately a quarter of the country's surface is designated as protected natural areas. Furthermore, it houses approximately 5% of the world's total biodiversity, in just 51,000 km2, representing 0.03% of the land surface.
UNESCO has certified natural sites in Costa Rica as World Heritage Sites, due to their exceptional and unique global value, such as the Guanacaste Conservation Area, Cocos Island National Park, and the Talamanca Range - La Amistad Reserves.
As part of its global leadership in sustainability, Costa Rica has a plan for the decarbonization of its economy before 2050, considering the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Costa Rica has ranked first internationally in the just transition score, which measures the proportion of carbon emissions per capita of countries relative to the social progress index, indicating how carbon-efficient a country is in creating positive social outcomes.
One of Costa Rica's global advantages is that approximately 90% of electricity generation comes from renewable sources, mainly hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal. This contributes competitively to making Costa Rica a potential leader in production and a regional hub of knowledge and technology for Green Hydrogen.
Regenerate
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SOCIAL
Costa Rica also holds recognition from UNESCO in the cultural realm, such as the World Heritage Site of Pre-Columbian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres of Diquis. The tradition of oxen and carts, known as "boyeo y las carretas," is also declared by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The intricate craftsmanship of the cart decorations conveys a language that expresses love for work, tradition, rural life, agricultural communities, and the vibrant tropical environment in which the farmer navigates his life.
The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is one of the five Blue Zones in the world and the only one in Ibero-America. Blue Zone is a concept of quality of life and environment that contributes to longevity, even with ages surpassing 100 years.
An integral part of the Costa Rican identity, known as "Ticos," is their kindness and hospitality towards visitors.
GOVERNANCE
Among the notable aspects of Costa Rican cultural heritage is its love for peace and democracy. One of Costa Rica's greatest sources of pride is having been one of the first countries worldwide to abolish its army, prioritizing funding for access to education and healthcare.
It is a country whose essence is Sustainable Development, achieved through the implementation of human rights for environmental protection, the defense of indigenous communities, the prioritization of inclusive and sustainable trade, among others. Costa Rica also stands out for its role as a sustainable tourism industry, preserving the wealth of its natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
Get to know more about Costa Rica, its Natural Heritage with its astounding biodiversity, lush natural landscapes, the Cultural Heritage with a rich history and vibrant culture, as well as the Certification in Sustainable Tourism:
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Guías Turístico-Culturales - Instituto Costarricense de Turismo | ICT
Artesanias con Identidad - Instituto Costarricense de Turismo | ICT
Brochures para el turista - Instituto Costarricense de Turismo | ICT
Inicio - CST (turismo-sostenible.co.cr)
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