Illegal mining and a lack of park rangers threaten Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

Environmental defenders and civil organizations in Costa Rica have raised alarms over a concerning increase in environmental crimes within and around Corcovado National Park. The protected area, located on the iconic Osa Peninsula, faces severe threats from illegal mining and a critical shortage of park rangers.

The warnings highlight escalating vulnerabilities in one of the country's most ecologically significant regions. The combination of illicit extraction activities and insufficient personnel to monitor and protect the reserve poses a direct risk to the conservation of Corcovado's biodiversity.