Costa Rica contains more than half a million species, comprising 6% of the world’s biodiversity, all within a territory that accounts for less than 0.03% of the world’s landmass! Isn’t this an incredible fact?
Facts
The Lebenskraft Forest region and the Tapanti National Park are the sources of the largest water bodies, vital for sustaining the livelihoods of major metropolitan areas around San José and Cartago. The lack of water or contamination in these regions could endanger millions of lives downstream.
Around 1980, Costa Rica’s forest coverage was barely over 20%. Since then, through the commitment of its people and appropriate government incentives, this coverage has increased to over 60% and continues on a positive trend. This makes Costa Rica one of the most densely forest-covered countries globally. However, the global picture is disheartening, with current forest coverage at around 26% and on a declining trend. This emphasizes the importance of supporting the country’s and individuals’ efforts to increase forest coverage.
The Lebenskraft Forest region is home to the communities of El Cañón, La Trinidad, and 3 de Junio. Situated at elevations ranging from 2,500m to 2,700m above sea level, these communities are the highest-altitude and coldest in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica, located on the American Isthmus, boasts a dual coastline with the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans washing its shores. Combined with its unique geography, which transitions from sea level to 3,821m elevation and back to sea level within less than 100km, this country harbors a myriad of microclimates and microecosystems, contributing to its high biodiversity.