Despite occupying
only 0.03% of the
earth's surface,
Costa Rica is home to 6% of the world's biodiversity. Its commitment to environmental conservation is evident by the high number of protected areas. Currently, 25.6% of the country's land and marine territory is protected by the State and facilitates the generation of nearly 100% of its electricity from natural sources.
The protected areas and national parks include volcanoes, hot springs, caverns, beaches, marine reefs, islands, canyons, rivers, waterfalls, and several types of forests such as cloud, dry, transitional, and rainforests.
The vast diversity of Costa Rica's natural wealth results from its geographical positioning between the North and South American continental masses and two world oceans. This combination of extreme environmental factors brought countless flora and fauna species together within a tiny geographical area.
The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) is responsible for managing Costa Rica's wildlands and protected areas. Similarly, the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) is responsible for preserving biodiversity across the country, while the Superior Directorate provides technical support.
