No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsEnvironment and WildlifeCosta Rica's Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve turns 50

Costa Rica’s Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve turns 50

Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve, Costa Rica’s oldest nationally protected forest, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Located on the Nicoya Peninsula’s southernmost tip, this reserve is known for its rich biodiversity, with over 120 species of trees and numerous mammals. The forest stands as a symbol of the country’s commitment to conservation, paving the way for the future of protected areas in Costa Rica.

The reserve’s creation is tied to the efforts of two Swedish immigrants, Nicolas Wessberg and Karen Mogensen, who purchased the land in 1959 to protect it from deforestation. By 1963, their efforts paid off when Cabo Blanco became Costa Rica’s first protected area, inspiring the formation of the national park service. This set the foundation for Costa Rica to become a global leader in conservation, with over 24% of its territory now protected, the highest percentage in the world.

SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas) celebrated this milestone over the weekend with events that included hikes, presentations, and even soccer games. SINAC’s Executive Director Rafael Gutiérrez acknowledged the importance of Cabo Blanco in protecting Costa Rica’s forests, calling it the first to provide effective protection and a critical step in confronting the deforestation that threatened the country in the early 20th century.

Today, Cabo Blanco continues to be a beacon of conservation success, offering visitors a chance to explore one of Costa Rica’s most pristine rainforests and to witness the country’s enduring commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

The official 50-year celebration took place in August with the signing of a decree allowing park rangers to carry firearms.

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Pride 2025 Closing Event Bans Minors, Sparks Outrage

Costa Rica’s Pride 2025 closing event, set for June 29 at San José’s Plaza de la Democracia, was thrown into controversy when the government...

Why Costa Rica Feels Like a Safe Haven for This Longtime Expat

If someone asked me to sum up why I live in Costa Rica in 5 words or less, my answer could well be: “It...

Panama Vows Constitutional Action Amid Worsening Bocas del Toro Unrest

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino announced Thursday that he will take “constitutional measures” to stop the wave of protests and road blockades affecting the...

Mexican Influencer “El Arturito” Falls for Costa Rican Cuisine at Silvestre

Arturo Lemmen, a Mexican food critic known as “El Arturito” to his social media fans, used to think Costa Rican cuisine was nothing to...

Costa Rica’s Taiwan Ties Stir “One China” Policy Tensions

Costa Rica is caught in a diplomatic tug-of-war with China after sending officials to Taiwan for training. The government confirmed that five members of...

Costa Rica’s Film Festival Kicks Off with a New Vision

San José is lighting up for the 13th Costa Rica International Film Festival (CRFIC), running June 19–29, 2025, with filmmaker Patricia Velásquez Guzmán taking...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica