Costa Rica invests funds from the Second Debt-for-Nature Swap

Authorities of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), inaugurated 200 meters of elevated path in the Barra Honda National Park, in addition to other improvements promoted by the institution to diversify the offer of facilities and services for visitors to this protected area.

The project -whose total investment was of ₡67 million ($110 thousand) – included the conditioning of the trails that lead to the Terciopelo Cavern and the Nacaome Viewpoint, through the construction of these 200 linear meters of overpasses and the enabling of 4 rest bays, run by the Tropical Science Center.

The works were financed with funds from the Second Debt-for-Nature Swap between the governments of the United States and Costa Rica, which is administered by the Costa Rica Forever Association (ACRXS).

The investment was made to improve the infrastructure of the Barra Honda National Park. Photo: Presidency CR

The Minister of Environment and Energy, Andrea Meza, reported that, since its inception, the Barra Honda National Park has focused an important part of its efforts on the development of participatory strategies, through tourism, “in such a way as to enable generation and socialization of the ecosystem benefits.”

For his part, the director of SINAC, Rafael Gutiérrez, commented that with this new infrastructure, the Environmental Administration aims for greater income and financial sustainability for SINAC and in particular, for Protected Wild Areas (ASP), through investments for the sustainable development of tourism in these areas and their surroundings.

“In addition, we will maintain a natural area under a conservation scheme, it is also to turn it into a value, and at the same time an attraction. It is also creating an opportunity for the development of the region,” said the executive director of the National System of Conservation Areas.

This new tour adds to an extensive network of hiking trails, which provide travelers the opportunity to explore the tropical dry forest. On this journey you can appreciate the different states of the forest and all its ecosystems. In addition, the walk to the viewpoint allows the visitor to enjoy a panoramic view of the Costa Rican North Pacific.

*with information from the Costa Rica Presidency