Costa Rica is the only country in Latin America that not only managed to halt deforestation, but also significantly reverse it. Through various strategies, the nation has notably increased the percentage of forest coverage in its territory.
In the 1980s, the forested area in Costa Rica had drastically decreased to only 21% of the national territory. Today, this figure has risen to nearly 60%, according to data provided by Global Forest Watch.
This progress demonstrates that the success of Costa Ricans has not been a coincidence, but the result of an effective model that has combined economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Keys to Costa Rica’s success in reversing deforestation
Costa Rica’s model to combat and reverse forest loss is based on three fundamental pillars:
- Strict regulations: Clear and demanding laws that protect natural ecosystems.
- Economic incentives: Payment for environmental services that encourage reforestation and conservation.
- International collaboration: Agreements with organizations such as the World Bank, the Green Climate Fund, and the LEAF coalition, which provide financing in exchange for carbon capture in Costa Rican forests.
Thanks to this approach, Costa Rica has managed to build an economy based on sustainable principles, setting itself apart from other countries that rely on the exploitation of natural resources. This model is a hopeful example in a global context where the climate crisis is increasingly affecting us.
Deforestation: a lingering issue in the region
In Latin America, deforestation remains one of the main environmental challenges. Driven by human activities such as intensive agriculture, mining, and uncontrolled urbanization, this problem has irreparable effects on the environment.
Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay stand out as the countries with the highest losses of forested areas. The Costa Rican model demonstrates that it is possible to reverse this trend, sending a strong message to the rest of the world about the importance of taking concrete and sustainable actions against climate change.
The contrast in Latin America: alarming deforestation rates
While Costa Rica celebrates its achievements, many regions in Latin America face significant challenges in forest conservation. Some of the most critical situations include:
- Brazil: Lost over 9,000 square kilometers of the Amazon in 2022 alone.
- Colombia: Has destroyed more than half of its primary forest in the last 20 years.
- Paraguay and Argentina: Reduced approximately 25% of their forest coverage in the last decade.
These figures reflect the urgency of adopting effective measures in the face of the environmental crisis affecting the region and the world.
Cover photo: Christoph Lischetzki / Alamy
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