Costa Rica National Parks Face Threats
Costa Rica's national parks are struggling with budget cuts, mass tourism, and climate change, which threaten conservation, according to a study by the Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED).
The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) manages these sites with limited funds and staff, reducing patrols and monitoring, and leading to increased illegal activities like poaching, logging, and unauthorized land use.
Costa Rica relies heavily on income from park visits, which also supports local economies.
- Budget cuts
- Mass tourism
- Climate change
These pressures weaken conservation work and risk the country’s renowned biodiversity, as stated by Allan Fernández, head of conservation policy at UNED.
Author's summary: Costa Rica's national parks face threats from tourism and budget cuts.