Why is Costa Rica So Sustainable?
If you're looking for a sustainable travel destination, look no further than Costa Rica. This small country in Central America has some of the most impressive sustainability credentials in the world. Costa Rica is the second most sustainable country on Earth, according to the 2017 Sustainable Development Goals Index. So what makes Costa Rica so sustainable? Let's take a closer look!
What is sustainability?
Sustainability for a country is defined by the United Nations as "managing human and natural resources and energy to meet human needs today while preserving options and opportunities for future generations."
The term was originally coined in 1987 at an international conference on environment, development, and finance.
The idea of sustainability reflects three core principles:
Inter-generational equity so that our children can have the same or better quality of life than we enjoy
Intra-generational equity so that all people share equitably in sustainable development so there is no regression from one generation to another
Eradicating poverty with a particular focus on combating hunger, malnutrition, gender inequality, and illiteracy.
Sustainability has been a buzzword for many years and it is often difficult to get a clear definition of what it means. There are different interpretations and each person's view of sustainability depends on their values and worldview.
At its core, sustainability is about creating a society that can meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Costa Rica has embraced this philosophy, and as a result, they have become one of the most sustainable countries on Earth.
Costa Rica's sustainability practices
Costa Rica has several impressive sustainability practices that have earned them their high ranking on the Sustainable Development Goals Index.
Some of these include:
Costa Rica is 98% deforestation-free. In comparison, the United States is only 34% deforestation-free. Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change and Costa Rica has been able to avoid this by investing in sustainability.
They generate 99% of their electricity from renewable sources, such as hydro, wind, and solar power. This is largely due to their heavy investment in hydroelectric power, which accounts for 80% of their renewable energy generation.
Costa Rica recycles 60% of its waste. This is largely due to their "pay as you throw" program, which charges residents by the weight of their trash.
They have a strong focus on sustainability education. All students in Costa Rica are required to take sustainability courses from elementary school through university. The government has also made sustainability a priority in its national development plan.
Costa Rica is also home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. More than 25% of Costa Rican territory is dedicated to national parks and reserves. This allows Costa Ricans to enjoy the beauty of their natural environment while preserving it for future generations.
Their economy is based largely on tourism, which has helped to foster sustainability initiatives throughout the country.
The government has also placed a high priority on sustainability and has enacted policies and laws to support it. For example, Costa Rica has a carbon tax and strong environmental regulations.
Mangrove forest along the Sierpe river
Environmental credentials of Costa Rica
In addition to its sustainability practices, Costa Rica also has a strong environmental track record, putting them one of the frontrunners in the quest for carbon neutrality.
Costa Rica’s forests cover more than half of the country, making it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Deforestation rates have decreased from 0.64% per year between 1990-2010 to 0.08% in 2013. Costa Rica also has a large number of national parks and other protected areas, covering 26% of the country’s land area.
Costa Rica's environmental credentials are some of the best in the world. They are one of the most sustainable countries on Earth, and they have made sustainability a way of life.
This does not imply that the task of decarbonization is any less daunting or easier to accomplish in Costa Rica than it is in other countries. But Costa Rica's leaders are undeterred. They've gone where few others have dared before.
Hummingbird in the rainforest
Why Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainability
Costa Rica has always been conscious of sustainability. The country had ample, renewable resources that were more than enough to keep the population living happy and healthy.
When Costa Rica became an industrialized society, it experienced more of the same, with enough natural resources to sustain its growth. Advances in technology opened up new possibilities for sustainability but also made Costa Rica even more reliant on imports.
To combat this vulnerability, its government launched massive projects like desalinate local water supplies and harvesting rainwater to offset droughts during unpredictable weather patterns; they also implemented efficiency programs across all sectors (agriculture, transportation). These projects led Costa Rica rank not only among developing countries but as one of the most sustainable countries in the world.
Costa Rica's sustainability initiatives have paid off immensely, both environmentally and economically speaking. The country has been able to maintain a high level of biodiversity, while its economy continues to grow at a rate above the global average. Costa Ricans now enjoy one of the highest standards of living in Latin America, and they can do so without sacrificing the environment.
How does Costa Rica promote sustainable tourism?
Hiking trail to Nauyaca Falls near Dominical
Costa Rica has long been a sustainability pioneer and is one of the most ecologically diverse countries on earth. Costa Rica promotes sustainability through its many national parks, rain forests, reserves, and ecological tours. 96% of Costa Ricans live in harmony with nature, which makes the country a model for sustainable tourism.
The Costa Rican government has several policies in place that make the country one of the most sustainable destinations on earth. For example, they have banned single-use plastics and established protected areas like Tortuguero National Park to help preserve their natural resources. Costa Rica also offers tax incentives for sustainability initiatives, such as renewable energy projects.
What the future holds for Costa Rica's sustainability initiatives
Many experts believe that Costa Rica can continue to be a sustainability leader and set an example for other countries. Costa Rica has already shown that it is possible to have a high quality of life while being sustainable, and the rest of the world is starting to take notice.
Come visit us
Drone view of our property Sabitha
Visitors to Costa Rica can rest assured that sustainability is a top priority for the country. From renewable energy initiatives to sustainable tourism practices, Costa Rica sets an example for the world on how it’s possible to have a thriving economy and preserve environmental resources.
Casa Kia Ora is proud to be situated in this beautiful country and supports its sustainability efforts. We encourage visitors to explore all that Costa Rica has to offer while supporting local businesses and learning about the country’s commitment to sustainability.
Book your Costa Rica vacation rental today!
