On Tuesday, the Congress (Legislative Assembly) approved with 56 votes the Bill No. 23,166, titled the "Law to Guarantee Wildlife Crossings in Infrastructure," during its second and final round of voting.

The measure, which received the support of 56 lawmakers present, will require the construction of wildlife crossings to protect wildlife wherever infrastructure projects are built near animal migration and movement corridors.

According to Congress, the new law adds an article to the country's Organic Environmental Law (Law No. 7554), making wildlife crossings mandatory for all infrastructure projects that interfere with the movement of wild animals. Funding for these crossings must also be guaranteed from the outset of each project.

The law also requires a review of existing infrastructure to identify locations where wildlife crossings should be added. To implement the legislation, public institutions responsible for infrastructure development will work together with the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) to coordinate the planning and construction of the crossings.

SINAC, the government agency responsible for managing Costa Rica's national parks and protected areas, will oversee and coordinate the construction of wildlife crossings throughout the country.

Under legislative procedures, the approved bill must now be sent to the Presidential House for President Laura Fernández-Delgado's signature. It will then be published in the official government newspaper, La Gaceta, before becoming law.

According to the Ministry of Environment, more than 6,700 wild animals died from electrocution in 2024 while attempting to cross roads near forested areas.

The Congress is composed of 57 deputies elected by province through a closed party-list proportional representation system. Deputies serve four-year terms; the current term runs from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2030.

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Have you heard of any locations in Costa Rica where a wildlife crossing is needed?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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