FUTURE FORESTS

Costa Rica 

• Costa Rica is a global leader in integrating the role of the nation’s forests into its climate strategy, making them a cornerstone of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Here’s what makes their approach unique: 
• Over 52% of Costa Rica’s land is covered by forests, thanks to decades of reforestation and conservation policies. 
• The country aims to become net-zero by 2050, and forests are a key carbon sink to help achieve that. Forest cover has rebounded from just 21% in the 1980s to nearly 60% today, thanks to decades of policy innovation. 
• Challenges for the future include: 
• Transforming Agriculture: Shifting to regenerative practices to reduce chemical inputs, enhance soil health, and align farming with sustainability goals. 
• Long-Term Funding for Conservation: Ensuring sustainable financial mechanisms for conservation. 
• Balancing Development and Conservation: Finding ways to grow the economy while preserving natural ecosystems.