by Yaneth Garcia Costa Rica is experiencing a significant loss of biodiversity, negatively impacting its population. Biodiversity refers to all living things on the planet or within an ecosystem. The main threats to endangered species in Costa Rica include habitat loss, climate change, and hunting. Addison Molinaro’s article, “The threats of biodiversity in Costa Rica,” highlights that a large part of the population recognizes the importance of Costa Rica’s high biodiversity, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health, providing essential ecosystem services, including air and water purification, soil fertility, and pollination. These services are vital for human well-being, providing the necessary goods and resources for life in the areas where biodiversity thrives. Recent studies indicate that Costa Rica has implemented significant policies to address environmental issues, including the establishment of organizations to support environmental activities. The country has undertaken extensive reforestation efforts on degraded land and leverages strong constitutional rights, such as the human right to a healthy environment, to promote sustainability. These efforts are crucial, as they enable the country to develop policies and implement clean technologies that support agricultural activities necessary for society’s food production. Biodiversity is crucial for human survival, as it impacts the environment, and species, and can lead ecosystems. The decline in biodiversity can lead to a decrease in the population of species, which is concerning given our dependence on biodiversity. Molinaro highlights habitat loss, climate change, and hunting as major threats to species in Costa Rica. Human activities, such as studying animals and plants, can also contribute to the decline in biodiversity, either through the need to end the lives of species or for resources like meat, hides, or feathers. Habitat loss occurs when natural habitats are destroyed, such as through deforestation, mining, agriculture, and industrial activities, which can remove crucial habitat space for wildlife and plants. Molinaro states, “This issue is very common in different parts of the world; that’s why it's important to respect local habits wherever we go and protect native plants that can often outcompete any invasive species to promote biodiversity.” Climate change is another significant factor in the loss of biodiversity, causing shifts in seasons that can disrupt the availability of resources for animals and their ability to adapt. Costa Rica is making efforts to mitigate these threats, recognizing the importance of biodiversity for the environment and human well-being. The loss of species can have far-reaching effects, disrupting the food chain, impacting other species, and even leading to human health problems. According to Petrina Darrah, “Costa Rica has over 200 species of mammals, 900 species of birds, and over 34,000 species of insects, and losing any of these species can have a devastating effect on the environment and the people who rely on them and is crucial for the health of the planet and the well-being of humans.” Costa Rica is taking action to address these threats, with organizations and individuals working hard to protect endangered species. Efforts include reforestation projects, creating wildlife corridors, and working with local communities to promote sustainable development. Despite facing challenges such as habitat loss, climate change, and hunting, ongoing conservation efforts and success stories provide hope for the future of endangered species in Costa Rica. According to the article “Environmental Issues, policies, and clean technology” by the organization AZO Cleantech, the Costa Rican government is also offering incentives to rural farmers to reforest pastures, increasing land usage for nondestructive ecological purposes. The Ministry of Environment, for example, encourages Costa Rican citizens to protect their native land by providing grants or cash payments to farmers committed to the sustainable management of their agricultural lands. AZO Cleantech states, “Costa Rica has also evolved from its previously conservative environmental policy to one dedicated to sustainable development performance index projects; former environmental minister Carlos Manuel Rodriguez noted that he used the EPI to inform his country’s environmental policies.” He noted that initiatives such as taxes on water discharges and regulations on inefficient fossil consumption were successful due to the EPI. Rodriguez emphasized that nations with high environmental standards were the most competitive, using the EPI to support this claim. Costa Rica continues to use the EPI as a tool to guide its environmental policies. The country is committed to addressing climate change and other environmental issues, aiming to be among the most progressive nations on Earth in environmental protection. Bethan’s article highlights Costa Rica’s remarkable efforts in biodiversity conservation: “The efforts to replant trees and encourage forest recovery are starting to turn the tide. Particularly in certain countries, take Costa Rica as a case study, and it should make you realize that with the right ambitions and intentions, we can all, as individuals even, take steps toward a better future.” Despite experiencing significant deforestation between 1940 and 1983, where about 50% of its original forest was lost, Costa Rica has successfully regrown large areas of tropical rainforest. Today, it stands out as the only tropical country that has set high standards for climate action and biodiversity production. Bethan states, “As an incredibly environmentally progressive country, since 2014, Costa Rica sourced 98% of its energy from renewable sources, has reforested large amounts of degraded land, and utilizes strong constitutional rights such as the human right to a healthy environment to increase sustainability.” Recognizing the unique environmental situation, Costa Rica’s tourism ministers have targeted ecotourism to further improve and protect biodiversity. Costa Rica, as a popular tourism destination, is home to more than 6% of the world’s biodiversity, attracting visitors from around the world to witness this natural phenomenon. The government has made a concerted effort to ensure that tourism activities in Costa Rica are centered around environmental respect. Travelers are provided with opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable tourism practices. Bathan emphasizes that Costa Rica’s success and progress in sustainability are attributed to innovation, pioneering economic solutions, and swift action on sustainability initiatives. The country’s approach involves experimentation, community collaboration, and a recognition of the urgent need for environmental protection. The article “Costa Rica sees tourism’s environmental dark side” by David Sherwood highlights a concerning trend in Costa Rica’s tourism sector, where the biodiversity that has long attracted visitors is now disappearing. Sherwood states, “Now a streak of alarming environmental calamities has the government caught in a tug of war between investors and environmentalists wanting to protect natural sources.” The article reveals troubling statistics, such as 97% of Costa Rica’s sewage flowing into untreated rivers, streams, or the ocean, and over 300,000 tons of garbage left uncollected on streets in 2006. These findings indicate a “[lack] of a clear political commitment to reduce environmental impact,” as well as a lack of interest from investors. Forcing discussion of the issues has become the mantra of the country’s burgeoning environmental movement. Community activists are organizing, filing lawsuits, calling for development restrictions, and insisting on their constitutional right to a “healthy environment.” The government, sensing the urgency of the situation, seems increasingly willing to listen to these voices. While many countries struggle with environmental respect, there is hope for progress. Certainly, any country in the world can also make progress, especially with the current generation that is more aware and educated about the impacts of human activities on the planet. Through these programs and organizations, volunteers can make a direct and meaningful impact on conservation efforts in Costa Rica while gaining valuable skills and experience. The country’s incredible biodiversity makes it an important location for studying endangered species, and ongoing conservation efforts provide hope for the future of biodiversity. Involving people with organizations and individuals that have been successful in Costa Rica can serve as a model for other countries. By engaging in conservation efforts, people can learn more about the environment and the importance of helping the planet. Future generations must conserve the environment and species, as they have suffered greatly in these recent years. Works Cited Molinaro, Addison. “The threat of biodiversity loss in Costa Rica.” February 18, 2021 https://planetforward.org/story/biodiversity-loss-costa-rica/ Bethan Andrews. “How the world can learn from Costa Rica’s Biodiversity efforts.” January 14, 2023. https://www.theforwardlab.com/how-we-can-learn-from-costa-ricas-biodiversity-efforts Darrah, Petrina. “Saving Endangered Species in Costa Rica.” April 15, 2023. https://www.gviusa.com/blog/smb-saving-endangered-species-in-costa-rica/ AZO Cleantech. “Costa Rica: Environmental Issues, Policies and Clean Technology.” July 14, 2015. https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=554 Sherwood, David. “Costa Rica sees tourism’s environmental dark side.” April 17, 2008| Playa Grande, Costa Rica. https://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Wildlife/2008/0417/costa-rica-sees-tourisms- environmental-dark-side Russell, Steve. “What are the major biodiversity threats?” Planet Earth, February 21, 2022. https://environment.co/what-are-the-major-biodiversity-threats/ GVI. “Costa Rica’s biodiversity: A Journey Through Its Forests.” May 6, 2023. https://www.gviusa.com/blog/smb-costa-ricas-biodiversity-a-journey-through-its-forests/ Rodwin, Dana. “The Degradation of Forest Ecosystems in Costa Rica and the Implementation of Key Conservation Strategies.” 2020. https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=sip Comments are closed.
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