Costa Rica’s environmental efforts take the global spotlight

2Costa Rica | 02/14/2022

Costa Rica has been in the international spotlight ever since the abolition of the national army in 1948. The implications of such a decision, like allocating that budget to public education and healthcare, are an essential part of the ticos’ national identity to this day, who pride themselves on their high ranks on education, happiness and social security.

More than 70 years later, Costa Rica still stands out as a beacon of stability amidst the unpredictable landscape that is Latin America. Socio Political turmoil, corruption and economic hardship have sadly become synonymous with the region since the Cold War, but despite its erratic surroundings, this small Central American nation has kept its image as a tropical safehaven mostly intact.

In addition to its warm and welcoming culture and its iconic slower pace of life (the “Pura vida '' way), Costa Rica’s most alluring factor is without a doubt it’s stunning natural beauty. The country lies in a privileged position as a bridge between the Pacific and the Caribbean, boasting breathtaking beaches and enveloping jungles in both coasts, and even if most touristic pamphlets will focus solely on these areas, Costa Rica’s standing as a living eden (despite amounting to 0,03% of Earth's surface, it hosts nearly 6% of the planet’s biodiversity) has also much to do with the myriad of microclimates that compose its mountain range and world-famous volcanoes, like Arenal, Poás, Turrialba and Irazú. After all, 26% of Costa Rica’s land area is fully devoted to Natural Parks and Reserves, and with over 40 international treaties signed to safekeep and uphold its natural treasures, the country truly is one of the most eco-friendly destinations in the world.

For many countries, that might be enough recognition to build a brand and never look back, but Costa Rica has actually doubled down in recent years, and became a pioneer in sustainability. In the last decade, the Central American nation launched an ambitious plan to fully decarbonise its economy by 2050, as well as taking part in the Paris Climate Agreement and committing to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These all add to an environmentally conscious tradition that goes all the way back to the 1950s, when Costa Rica decided to stop importing oil, and switched to hydroelectric plants built by ICE, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute. Today, the country’s whole electricity grid is entirely fuelled by renewable energies.

All of these efforts have made the world take notice, and just in 2021 the country collected the Earthshot Prize in the Protect and Restore Nature category, had a profile in the Washington Post applauding Andrea Meza, its environment minister, and was chosen by British band Coldplay as the opening date of its new world tour due to its status as a global model for sustainability. When all these accolades are paired with Costa Rica’s robust history of social wellbeing and peaceful reputation, the country’s standing as an idyllic destination only becomes stronger.