By law, 25% of Costa Rica's territory is considered a protected area, and a new reform of environmental legislation will prohibit tourists from traveling to the country for hunting tourism.
Last week, Costa Rica became the first Latin American country to ban the hunting of animals for sport, thanks to a reform of the country's Wildlife Protection Law.
In this regard, the small Central American country (only 51 square kilometers) will lose all its tourist appeal for those who visit the destination to hunt animals for pleasure. Instead, the new tourism model will redirect its support to ecotourism, which represents a significant part of the country's economy.
According to information published by Diario Ecología, Costa Rica will pay special attention to the protection of biodiversity as an approach to attracting tourists with an ecological consciousness. 25% of the national territory is protected by law, as it is represented by national parks, reserves and other protected areas.
The Costa Rican Legislative Assembly has approved a law that was originally proposed by citizens, and it establishes a fine of up to 1,5 million colones (about US$3000) and up to four months in prison that will apply to poachers and anyone involved in hunting tourism, which is currently an illegal activity.
