Environment in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, the environment is commonly called the medio ambiente or ambiente. The term covers natural resources, pollution, climate, human health, and the effects of homes, farms, businesses, transport, and tourism. Environmental responsibility is shared. National institutions set broad policies and manage many permits, municipalities handle important local services, and communities, landowners, businesses, and residents influence what happens on the ground. Forest and wildlife protection are central parts of the system. National parks, biological reserves, wildlife refuges, forested private land, and biological corridors help protect habitats and connect places where animals and plants live. Water is both abundant and unevenly available. Rivers, springs, wetlands, groundwater, and coastal waters can be affected by farming, construction, wastewater, litter, and changes in land cover, so protecting a watershed matters far beyond one property. Waste management usually begins with avoiding waste, reusing useful items, separating recoverable materials, and placing remaining rubbish in the correct collection stream. Services and accepted materials differ by municipality, and informal dumping or burning can harm air, soil, water, people, and animals. Costa Rica faces environmental risks from heavy rain, floods, landslides, drought, heat, coastal change, volcanic activity, and earthquakes. Climate change can make some weather-related pressures harder to manage, although the exact effects vary by region and season. Environmental review and permits may be needed when a project could significantly affect land, water, vegetation, wildlife, or nearby communities. The normal approach is to identify impacts early, prevent avoidable harm, reduce remaining harm, and monitor important conditions. Environmental protection also creates practical opportunities. Cleaner production, responsible tourism, forest restoration, efficient water and energy use, and climate-aware farming can protect livelihoods while reducing costs and risks. Costa Rica has a strong environmental identity, but no system removes every conflict. Enforcement capacity, local infrastructure, household resources, and competing needs can limit results, so good outcomes depend on rules, participation, and consistent everyday action.