Costa Rica has more than two thousand wetlands that already have a public policy to protect them, thanks to a year and a half work done by the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the National System of Conservation Areas, with technical and financial support from the United Nations Program for Development and its Wetlands Project.
The official release of the “National Wetland Policy” took place on Monday at the Presidential Palace Auditorium. This represents a milestone for the protection and integrated management of wetlands in the country.
In Costa Rica we have thousands of wetlands in 7% of the national territory and this policy will help improve governance and protection of these resources, paying a historical debt with our ecosystem,”
said the Minister of Environment and Energy, Edgar Gutiérrez.
This Policy is a route that points to strong action for the recovery of many wetlands that have suffered damage and that are being threatened in the country.
The National Wetland Policy identifies five main work areasthat will improve the governance and management of these ecosystems:
1- Conservation of wetlands, their goods and services.
2- Climate adaptation and wise use of these ecosystems.
3- Ecological rehabilitation.
4- Institutional strengthening for the proper management of wetlands.
5- Inclusive participation in the governance of these ecosystems.
In short, the National Wetland Policy seeks to recognize, appreciate and protect the fundamental services that these lands provide to the country.