In a move that has ignited heated debate, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) has intensified enforcement against residents living in protected ecological zones, particularly in coastal maritime-terrestrial zones (ZMT). Yesterday it was reported that MINAE imposed multimillion-colón fines and prison sentences on Costa Rican citizens for residing in these restricted areas, which …

Read more “Costa Rica’s Environmental Scandal: Locals Fined, Foreign Hotels Untouched”

Costa Rica’s fishing sector, vital to its economy and food security, faces mounting challenges from overexploitation, inadequate data, and weak governance, according to a new report urging sweeping reforms to ensure sustainability. The report, Key Elements for Sustainable Fishing, released following the Technical Meeting on Sustainable Fishing, exposes critical gaps in Costa Rica’s fisheries management. …

Read more “Costa Rica Urged to Overhaul Fishing Sector for Sustainable Future”

Conmebol president Alejandro Domínguez called on Thursday at FIFA’s Congress in Paraguay for “no one” to be “left out” of the 2030 World Cup, echoing his controversial proposal to expand the tournament to 64 teams. “A World Cup is the most popular party on planet Earth, and at that party no one should be left …

Read more “Conmebol Pushes 64-Team Expansion for 2030 World Cup at FIFA Congress”

Foreign direct investment (FDI), a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s economy, has taken a significant hit, according to a recent report by fDi Intelligence. Our country, long a magnet for high-quality investment, attracted only 43 FDI projects in 2024, a steep drop from 112 in 2023 and 147 in 2022, signaling a challenging year for its …

Read more “Costa Rica’s Foreign Investment Falls to Decade Low”

The University of Costa Rica (UCR) has launched an innovative research project to transform wastewater into valuable resources, including water for irrigation, agricultural fertilizer, and biofuel. Led by the Faculty of Engineering, this initiative aims to address Costa Rica’s pressing wastewater management challenges while promoting sustainable development and a circular economy. In Costa Rica, approximately …

Read more “University of Costa Rica Pioneers Wastewater Reuse for Sustainability”

Costa Rica is strengthening its position as a top destination for birdwatching tourism, a vital contributor to its rural economies. Our country boasts over 900 bird species—surpassing the total found across North America—making it a must place to visit for bird watchers worldwide. Today, two new birdwatching towers were inaugurated in the southern region, one …

Read more “Costa Rica Boosts Birdwatching Tourism with New Observation Towers”

A two-year-old girl separated in the United States from her Venezuelan parents, who were deported without her, arrived in Caracas on Wednesday after her separation from her family caused an outcry.”Welcome, Maikelys,” First Lady Cilia Flores said as she took the toddler into her arms on her arrival on a flight carrying Venezuelan migrants, state …

Read more “Venezuelan Toddler Reunited in Caracas After U.S. Separation”

This year, Costa Rica has 12 officially sanctioned días feriados—mandated days off, most of them paid. Beyond these national holidays, each of the country’s seven provinces observes extra days off tied to local celebrations. Later this week, Pérez Zeledón will honor San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Some residents will enjoy the day …

Read more “Costa Rica Holidays: Why More Días Feriados Could Bring a 4-Day Workweek”

Tributes poured in from across Latin America on Tuesday following the death of Uruguay’s former president Jose “Pepe” Mujica, an ex-guerrilla fighter revered by the left for his humility and progressive politics. The 89-year-old — who spent a dozen years behind bars for revolutionary activity — lost his battle against cancer after announcing in January …

Read more “Uruguay’s ‘World’s Poorest President’ Jose Mujica Dies as Tributes Pour In”

An environmental activist has filed an appeal against a $925 million housing project in Costa Rica, citing concerns over its impact on local ecosystems and alleged procedural irregularities in its approval. The Bahía Papagayo Project, a $925 million development by ENJOY HOTELS & RESORTS S.A., aims to construct hotels, residences, and recreational facilities across 117 …

Read more “Costa Rica Housing Project Under Fire for Environmental Impact”