128Canopy Blog

In a recent article published by the president of the Costa Rican Association of Professionals in Tourism (ACOPROT), Carlos Lizama, the need for funding the National Park System in Costa Rica was exposed.

Costa Rica’s National Park System is one of the country’s biggest achievements when it comes to protecting the dense flora and fauna within its small territory.  Costa Rica has been able to set aside at least 25% of its territory for protection following in the footsteps of pioneer countries such as Switzerland.  International eyes have always turned to Costa Rica when it comes to pointing out a model in sustainability.

In a recent survey among North Americans tourists, 60% of the subjects stated that their main reason in visiting Costa Rica was for its National Parks.  However, the media has recently echoed the numerous complaints issued by experts, park rangers and other administrative personnel regarding the lack of funds that visibly affects the system.

The author of the article dug deep into the complaints and admits that although the park system urgently needs improvements, he also points out that it’s not because of the lack of funds, but rather because of the lack of investment.  In other words, the park system legally has access to funds; it’s just that the funds are “lost” within the bureaucratic State banking system.

Costa Rica’s National Park System generates enough funds from entrance fees to have world-class facilities, but when local and foreign tourists visit parks such as Manuel Antonio, it is clearly visible that an immediate improvement is needed.

The author of this article calls out to the current Minister of Environment and Energy to properly redirect funds from entrance fees as well as international philanthropic donations to park improvements as well to the hiring of more personnel.