Costa Rica Ecotourism
Ecotourism emphasizes a minimal impact on the environment. It provides income that helps to both preserve protected areas as well as benefit local populations, by reducing their dependence on activities possibly harmful to natural habitats. |
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Fortunately,
Costa Rica, the birthplace of ecotourism, is also the place
where this activity has achieved the highest level of success.
Costa Rica takes pride in the fact that every day tens of
thousands of visitors experience the incredible variety of
wildlife in this natural paradise.
Costa
Rica, a small country, measuring 51.100 square kilometers,
is replete with breathtaking landscapes and a variety of natural
wealth. This small stretch of land, representing barely 0.3%
of the earth's total surface area, houses 5% of the global
biodiversity. Costa Rica is home to more bird species than
the United States, as well as to a greater variety of butterflies
than in all of Africa. These facts demonstrate why this
Central American nation of 4 million inhabitants has received
such considerable international recognition in the
area of biodiversity. |
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Living in Costa Rica's diverse habitats and ecosystems are: 13 thousand plant species, 2,000 moth and 4,500 butterfly species, 163 varieties of amphibians, 220 types of reptiles, 1,600 species of fresh and salt water fish, and at least 870 types of birds.
The extensive
landscape also boasts many different types of forests, including
deciduous, mangrove swamps, rain forests, herbaceous ponds,
cloud forests, moors, palm groves, oak woods, riparian forests, and swamp groves. |
Among
Costa Rica's environmental wonders are extensive volcanoes,
several of which are active and produce relaxing thermal springs,
and are some of Costa Rica's most popular attractions. There
are deep caves to explore and pre-Columbian settlements, sites
of many meso-American archaeological studies. These are all
part of a vast system of 22 national parks, 10 wildlife refuges,
12 biological reserves, 8 forest reserves and 26 protected
zones, covering 25% of the national territory.
The
Costa Rican Government, in an effort to preserve the natural riches
of this country, is currently implementing sustainable development
policies that foster the adequate use of natural resources.
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