News

Promoting community based management in Costa Rica

31.05.2019

The Chirripò National Park, established in 1975, is the first protected wildlife area in Costa Rica to implement a Non-Essential Services Concession (CSNE). Managed by the National System of Conservation Areas (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación Costa Rica - SINAC), the park is located in central Costa Rica. The park encompasses 50 150 hectares, including part of the Cordillera de Talamanca mountain range and is bordered by two other parks: the Tapantí National Park and the La Amistad International Park. The CSNE promotes community based development of the park.

The CSNE allows the park to provide food services, accommodation and lodging, transport of luggage and other materials, equipment rentals and retail, such as souvenir shops. Communication and open dialogue between the local community and SINAC has been important throughout the process, and has built credibility and trust among both parties. It has set an example for local development and community engagement and for future agreements regarding sustainable management of natural spaces and resources.

The Chirripò National Park’s main attraction is Mount Chirripò. At 3 820 meters, it is the tallest mountain in Costa Rica and the second highest peak in Central America. The park is also home to other mountains, such as the Crestones and Cerro Ventisquero. The park’s other attractions include the Sabana de los Leones, El valle de las Morrenas and the Valley of the Lakes.

SINAC, the overseeing organization of the park, is part of Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET - Ministerio de Ambiente, Energía y Telecomunicaciones). The organization is committed to sustainable natural resource management.

News by Gravin Villegas Rodríguez 

Photo by SINAC