The natural beauty is the number one thing that draws tourists to Costa Rica every year.  It’s no wonder why.  The country has 1,077,308 hectares (or 10,773.08 square kilometers) protected, which is over 21% of the entire country.  This number is extremely high compared to the rest of the world.  In fact, Costa Rica has a larger percentage of its total set aside in preserves and parks than any other country on Earth.  That to me is simply amazing. 

In 1992, the world saw the measures Costa Rica was taking to conserve its precious land and made it the world headquarters of the Earth Council. The Earth Council is made up of the foremost professionals in their fields helping organizations and people who are committed to preserving nature for the future. 

In Costa Rica the land is highly cared for by the National Park and Forestry Services.  The National Parks service is in charge of 20 national parks, one area that is a declared national archeological monument, and eight wildlife refuges.  On the other hand, the Forestry Service is responsible for 26 protected areas, seven wildlife refuges, a national forest, and nine forest reserves.  Between these two organizations, the land is cared for and kept open to visitors as long as they come knowing what is being done to preserve these areas and what is at risk.   These areas are protected for a reason; extinction.  The country is filled with an incredible biodiversity and several species on the brink of extinction. 

Costa Rica is described as a nature lover’s Mecca.  Tourists, biologists, and ecologists, flock here every year to take in all that this country has to offer.  Although one does not have to be a trained scientist to enjoy the environment.  Rafting, hiking, and camping are all ways to enjoy the wildlife as long as you leave without leaving an ecological footprint.  Between the rivers, beaches, lakes, jungles, mountain forests, and volcanoes there is something here for everyone to soak up the beauty. 

This post's rating:

Related Stories

Filed under: Uncategorized on July 27th, 2007