How Is Costa Rica Recovering It’s Lost Forests?

                                    HOW IS COSTA RICA RECOVERING IT'S LOST FORESTS?

In 1940 Costa Rica still had seventy five percent of its forests, but by 1983 the country became aware that urban growth, commerce and uncontrolled agricultural practices had sadly left them only with twenty-six percent of their country’s forests. 

The government acted and their first steps were to stop deforestation by generating most of its energy from renewable sources and establishing effective ecological policies, which also helped to increase new opportunities for local employment.  At last, in 1998, Costa Rica reached the goal of stopping all deforestation in the country.  

The ecological efforts however continued, and the country focused on using education as an important tool to create environmental awareness for the younger generations, therefore the study of Horticulture and Conservation were included in their school’s curricula.  The first Tourism School was also established, offering technical careers in Horticulture, Landscape Design, Conservation, the study of Eco-tourism services and different languages.  It is indeed wonderful when traveling in the country that the guides not only speak your language but can also identify the different local fauna and flora.

This small but beautiful Central American country has proven to the world  that mass reforestation is possible and by rescuing their forests, which are now main tourist attractions, it has also helped to increase their economy. The reforestation of Costa Rica is known to be one of the largest recoveries of forested ecosystems in the American Continent.

Do you agree this inspiring example teaches us that reforestation, requires not only having good intentions but also well-planned actions?   

                                                   Please act now and join NGC to Plant America!

Idalia Aguilar, Liaison, International Schools, National Garden Clubs, Inc.