  The municipalities will be able to give incentives for the voluntary adhesion of private properties to the new urban natural parks category, promoting the protection of the lands. - Casa Presidencial photo - |
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Thursday, February 25, 2021
Urban natural parks
improve cities ecosystemsBy the A.M. Costa Rica staff The planned Urban Natural Park has the goal of conserving ecosystems in the forests located in cities, as well as the physical and mental health of people. A new presidential decree announced on Wednesday seeks to improve the environment, stimulating recreation and ecotourism, connecting the green areas of cities and rivers, as well as preventing natural disasters. With this decree, the municipalities will be able to give incentives for the voluntary adhesion of private properties to the new urban natural parks category, promoting the protection of the lands. In the case of San José Province, where the humid forest predominates, currently, only 1.75% is conserved, or an equivalent to 9,000 hectares. "This forest disappeared because its altitudinal location and pleasant climate generate ideal conditions for agriculture and human settlements," the government said in its statement. In the country, 60% of the population lives in the Great Metropolitan Area, which is the zone made up of cities in the outskirts of San José such as Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago covering 4% of the national territory. The country went very quickly from rural development to an urban one and the conservation model must adapt to this reality. According to the government, the National Decarbonization Plan will establish 4,500 hectares more as green areas.  The urban forest recovery program is carried out with support from the United Nations Development Program, UNDP. "Costa Rica is a world example in the conservation of biodiversity," José Vicente Troya Rodríguez, UNDP resident representative said. One of the first urban forests to be restored is La Colina Ecological Park, located in Curridabat Canton, which is in the process of being officially recognized as an Urban Natural Park. More urban parks are expected to be developed in different municipalities and cantons. ----------------------------- What have you heard of any green areas that require improvement in your community? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com         
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