ALVARO UMAÑA
search

Reorganizing Conservation and Biodiversity

A New Model of Regional Conservation Areas

One of my key reforms as Minister of Environment was reorganizing Costa Rica’s national park system and the forestry directorate into regional conservation areas. 

Inspired by UNESCO’s biosphere reserves, this model has a core area of absolute protection, like national parks and biological reserves, owned by the state. Surrounding these core areas are buffer zones, mostly forest reserves that are privately owned. We combined the staff from the national park system and forestry directorate into this new system of 7 regional conservation areas, which still exists today and has been expanded to 11 areas.

Promoting Biodiversity and Eco-Tourism

The system was all about managing the conservation and sustainable management of wildlife, forest resources, protected areas, watersheds and water systems, together with actors in society, for the wellness of current and future generations. It focused on sustainability and included human populations as part of the solution.

We embraced the concept of biodiversity and carried out detailed inventories of animal and plant species. We also promoted eco-tourism, making Costa Rica a leader in tropical conservation. 

Today, Costa Rica is a top ecotourism destination, with many private conservation projects thriving. Examples include the Children’s Rainforest in the Monteverde area and efforts in the Maquenque area. Now, there are hundreds of private reserves that support and promote eco-tourism.

Want to read more about this?

Click on the buttons for relevant publications on this topic.

Costa Rica’s Fight for the Tropics
SCIENCE: CR’s Campaign for Conservation

Read my other stories

chevron_right

Creating the Ministry of Environment and Energy

Discover how Costa Rica pioneered by giving nature political power and a cabinet level position.

chevron_right

Reorganizing Conservation and Biodiversity

Explore how Costa Rica replaced the traditional western view of conservation for a new and thriving model.

chevron_right

Ecological Economics

Discover how Costa Rica gave its forests economic value by implementing forest incentives.

chevron_right

Reversal of Deforestation and Forestry Development

How Costa Rica went from 26% forest coverage in the 1980’s to almost 60% in 2024, while driving sustainable economic prosperity.

chevron_right

Debt-swaps for Conservation

Learn about one of the most creative financial solutions implemented in the battle against climate change.

chevron_right

Climate Change

Reflect on the challenges and frustrations of global climate negotiations and the need for action.

keyboard_arrow_up