This Sunday, August 24, Costa Rica will open the doors of its 29 National Parks and more than 150 protected wildlife areas with free admission for all visitors. The initiative celebrates National Parks Day, established in 1986 under Decree No. 16847-MAG-MEP, with the purpose of encouraging the population to recognize the value of their natural heritage and actively participate in its conservation.
National Parks and protected areas cover more than 25% of Costa Rica’s territory, making the country one of the global leaders in conservation. Altogether, these areas protect over 165,000 km² of terrestrial and marine ecosystems that safeguard extraordinary biological diversity.
Unique Biodiversity Refuges
Each National Park conserves critical ecosystems essential for life. In Corcovado National Park, emblematic species such as the jaguar (Panthera onca), Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii), and scarlet macaw (Ara macao) can still be found. In Marino Ballena National Park, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) arrive each year to reproduce in its warm tropical waters. The cloud forests of Braulio Carrillo National Park are home to a high concentration of orchids, tree ferns, and bird species such as the resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno).
The biological wealth of these areas not only ensures the survival of endangered species but also provides essential ecosystem services, including climate regulation, freshwater production, and the protection of soils and coasts.
Reservation Required
Although admission will be free, the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) has announced that advance online reservations are mandatory. This measure ensures proper visitor management, reduces pressure on biodiversity, and guarantees the safety of those entering the protected areas.
Environmental Education and Sense of Belonging
The Minister of Environment and Energy, Franz Tattenbach, emphasized that National Parks “belong to all Costa Ricans” and highlighted that this celebration seeks to strengthen the connection between citizens and nature. For educational, scientific, and community projects, this date provides a valuable opportunity to promote environmental awareness and citizen participation in biodiversity protection.
An Invitation to Explore and Learn
Visiting a National Park this Sunday is not only a recreational activity; it is also a live learning experience about Costa Rica’s ecosystems. Each trail, beach, volcano, or coral reef represents a lesson in the interdependence of species and the importance of conserving them for future generations.
Visitors may encounter migratory birds, emblematic mammals, endemic plants, and ecosystems that exist nowhere else on Earth. It is also a reminder that Costa Rica, despite its small size, harbors close to 6% of the planet’s biodiversity.
Conclusion
The free opening of National Parks on August 24 is not merely a tourism incentive, but a celebration of Costa Rica’s biodiversity. It is a call to citizens to discover, respect, and protect the ecosystems that make the country green and unique. Each visit is also a commitment to the future: to know in order to conserve.
