Costa Rica Launches Wetlands Protection Policy

Costa Rican government officials this week launched the National Wetlands Policy, an initiative designed to protect the country’s more than 2,000 water sources and reservoirs.

The idea behind the plan is to mitigate the effects of climate change on the country’s ecosystem. The policy outlines the responsibilities that various ministries and public agencies will have, along with various non-governmental organizations.

Protection of ecosystems in rivers, creeks, lakes and lagoons, as well as marshes, flood plains, mangroves, coral reefs, the seabed, and marine waters, are the Policy’s main objectives.

“Wetlands make up nearly 7% of Costa Rican territory. All these natural water reservoirs are key to counteracting the effects of climate change here,” said Environment Minister Édgar Gutiérrez. “They also provide food, fresh water, fiber, biochemicals and genetic materials.”