Costa Rica is the perfect travel destination for hikers, wildlife lovers, beach goers, and anyone looking for an adventure. As it’s known for it’s pristine rainforests and waters, wildlife, and biodiversity. However, Costa Rica’s sustainable journey has not always been smooth. The country has faced an uphill journey in protecting and conserving its natural landscapes and resources. Here I’ll discuss Costa Rica’s path to sustainability and how it can be a global model to other countries.
I visited Costa Rica in 2016 and was amazed back then at some of the sustainable practices I saw just as a tourist. From recycling bins everywhere, conservation practices at hotels, and lots of protected lands. Costa Rica is a great travel destination for those who want to travel a bit more sustainability.
Read about 5 ways to lessen your impact on the planet while traveling.
A Destructive Past
From the 1940s to the 1980s, the country experienced rampant deforestation. The lush rainforests were being destroyed at an alarming rate, endangering countless animal and plant species. This destruction had a significant impact on the country’s biodiversity – which is one of Costa Rica’s greatest natural treasures.
For Costa Rica, the loss of forests meant losing vital habitats for species such as jaguars and sea turtles, and in turn were becoming endangered. The destruction of these habitats also posed a threat to the country’s ability to provide essential ecosystem services. Forests act as carbon sinks, regulate the water cycle, and maintain soil fertility. The loss of these functions affected not only wildlife but also the people who depend on these natural systems for their livelihoods, especially those in rural agricultural areas.
“Declining forest cover is frequently used as the primary indicator of a litany of global environmental concerns: biodiversity loss, climate change, and the decreased provision of ecosystem services for human well-being “
The Economic Costs of Environmental Destruction
During this period, the drive for economic gain overruled environmental concerns. Many of the industries that contributed to deforestation, such as timber and agriculture, provided short-term economic benefits. However, the long-term environmental consequences began to show in the form of decreased agricultural productivity, increased flooding and droughts, and growing public health issues due to pollution.
The destruction of the natural landscape led to the loss of valuable tourism opportunities as well. Costa Rica’s beautiful rainforests, wildlife, and beaches were key attractions for tourism, but environmental degradation began its course. The very ecosystems that sustained the country’s tourism industry were quickly disappearing.
A Sustainable Future
However, a turning point came in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Costa Rica began to recognize the damage being done to its environment and shifted its focus toward sustainability. This shift wasn’t just about protecting its rainforests but also about creating policies that encouraged conservation, eco-friendly tourism, and sustainable development.
In 1996, the government introduced the Payment for Environmental Services (PES) program, which paid landowners to protect forests, use sustainable practices, and engage in reforestation. This program, among other things, helped Costa Rica regain much of its lost forest cover.
Other initiatives Costa Rica implemented during this time:
- Renewable Energy: Costa Rica has made significant strides in its transition to renewable energy. In fact, the country ran on 100% renewable energy for a record-breaking 299 days in 2015, largely relying on hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal power. This commitment to clean energy is helping reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
- Ecotourism: Costa Rica has long been a top destination for eco-conscious travelers. With over 25% of its land protected in national parks and wildlife reserves, the country has invested heavily in ecotourism as a sustainable model. Visitors can enjoy Costa Rica’s natural beauty while also supporting conservation efforts that protect its unique ecosystems and wildlife.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Costa Rica is home to nearly 5% of the world’s biodiversity, despite its small size. To safeguard these resources, the country has created a network of protected areas, including national parks and wildlife refuges, which play a critical role in preserving its diverse ecosystems. The government, alongside local and international conservation groups, has focused on protecting endangered species and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Costa Rica has also embraced sustainable farming methods. Many farmers are now using organic and environmentally friendly techniques to grow crops while minimizing their impact on the land. This movement has been particularly prominent in the production of coffee, a staple crop in Costa Rica, where many farms have switched to organic practices.
A Global Model
The success of Costa Rica’s sustainable initiatives has garnered international attention. Their focus on biodiversity, conservation, and environmental stewardship has turned the country into a global model of how to balance development with environmental preservation.
Costa Rica’s journey is an example for other countries facing similar environmental challenges. The country has set the stage for how national policies can promote environmental conservation while still allowing for development and economic growth. The key is making sustainability an integral part of national policy and working with both the public and private sectors to ensure that environmental conservation is embedded into everyday life.
While Costa Rica has made tremendous strides, challenges remain. Deforestation rates, although significantly reduced, still exist in certain areas. Additionally, with the global climate crisis continuing to evolve, it will be crucial for Costa Rica to keep pushing the envelope on sustainability. However, the foundation has already been set, and the country’s continued investment in renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development practices ensures that it remains on the right path.
As travelers, we can all learn from Costa Rica’s approach. Whether we’re visiting the country or exploring our own local environments, we can adopt sustainable practices like supporting eco-friendly businesses, minimizing waste, and respecting the ecosystems we interact with. Costa Rica shows that even small changes in our daily habits can have a big impact.
Read more about eco travel here
Sources:
Karen E. Allen, Steve Padgett Vásquez. Forest cover, development, and sustainability in Costa Rica: Can one policy fit all?,
Land Use Policy, Volume 67, 2017, Pages 212-221, ISSN 0264-8377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2017.05.008.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026483771630415X)
Government of Costa Rica – National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). (n.d.). National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). Retrieved March 26, 2025, from https://www.sinac.go.cr/
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (n.d.). Costa Rica: Encouraging commitment to sustainability. Retrieved March 26, 2025, from https://www.unep.org/resources/report/costa-rica-encouraging-commitment-sustainability
