The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, published The World State of Forests 2018, a report that shows that 66% of tourists who visit the county come for ecotourism.
In 2016, 2.9 million foreign tourists visited Costa Rica, creating revenues of almost three million dollars. The report published, states in its figures that tourism based on nature represents approximately 20% of the world market. This sector grows three times faster than the tourism sector as a whole.
The supply of local agricultural products improves the well-being of the communities and increases their attractiveness in the tourist markets, since it offers visitors a greater variety of fresh products,”
commented Octavio Ramírez, FAO Resident Coordinator in Costa Rica.
The country has the Certificate for Tourism Sustainability of the Tourism Institute, which allows it to recognize tourism companies that use natural resources appropriately, promote the preservation of local cultures, and encourage the active participation of communities.
The “2030” Agenda was developed with a long-term plan for the sustainable development of the country, proposing policies responsible for promoting sustainable tourism. Once the plan is established, it is expected that new jobs be created and have an impact on local culture and products.
The FAO used the report to indicate that between 1990 and 2015, the forest area of the planet decreased from 31.6% of the land surface to 30.6%. The loss was mostly caused in developing countries, such as sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
The report explains how deforestation is considered the second main cause of climate change, right after the burning of fossil fuels. You can obtain 24% and 30% of the moderation potential of the situation through the reduction of deforestation.