Costa Rica commemorates 200 years of independence on 14th and 15th September
This year Costa Rica has been commemorating 200 years of Independent life with a solemn events programme based on four main pillars: historical Costa Rica; peaceful and supportive Costa Rica; environmentally responsible and decarbonised Costa Rica; and capable, creative and plural Costa Rica. September is a fun-filled month of celebrations, with the two main dates set on 14 and 15 September. Costa Rica has been embracing the spirit of 200 years of independence, with an array of virtual and face-to-dace celebrations, in which the country hope to do more of this year, when the time is right. Key events which are set to take place to commemorate 200 years of independence include; a historical photography exhibition presented by the National Museum of Costa Rica, a series of concerts prepared by The National Symphony Orchestra, an ‘Independence day’ conversational panel coordinated by Goicoechea Public Library, along with the famous lantern parade and annual decoration of houses in the country’s national colours.
Sloths become Costa Rica’s national symbol
Costa Rica has approved the first bill to declare its much loved furry animals, the two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) and the three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus), as national symbols, adding up to number 16 of symbols that exist. The proposal agreed highlights the significant importance of sloths in Costa Rican wildlife. The Ministry of Environment and Energy (Minae) will ensure the conservation of sloths and their protection, while the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) will promote regulations for speed limits on sites to enable free movement. The initiative will expose sloths as an official symbol of natural attractions within Costa Rican tourism, truly showcasing how much they are adored by “ticos” (Costa Ricans) and visitors alike.
Corcovado sits within top ten best national parks in the world
Corcovado National Park has recently been recognised as one of the top ten National Parks in the world to visit by Time Out – thanks to its jaw-dropping scenery and diverse wildlife offerings – from jaguars, big cats, sloths, baird’s tapir, monkey’s and many more. Located in Costa Rica’s south pacific region in the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park is one of the most unique and biodiverse places on the planet, containing 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity in just 164 square miles, Corcovado truly is the ‘crown jewel’ of the country’s national park system.
New initiative for solo female travellers
The ‘SOFIA Network’ is new collaborative initiative between Costa Rica Tourism Institute, National Women’s Institute and the National Commission for Tourism Security, aimed at fostering gender equality and safer travel environments for female and solo travellers. With a programme generated to guide the country’s tourism community of the importance of ‘destination safety’, the ‘SOFIA Network’ is another leading drive to boost Costa Rica’s economy and prove not only is Costa Rica a bucket-list hotspot for female travellers but a peaceful and sustainable environment to enjoy travelling alone in.
The Green Climate Fund supports the electric train
Costa Rica will receive £181 million from UN Green Climate Fund to aid the governments’ flagship project – a five-line electric train, connecting from east to west of the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). Costa Rica, which boasts 6.5% of the world’s biodiversity and known for its pioneering efforts in tackling climate change and ‘green growth’ – the electric train project is another outstanding achievement and step towards the country’s national plan of decarbonisation by 2050.
