It is for the nature lover and the conservationist, however, that Costa Rica has become a true Mecca. As of 1992 Costa Rica is the world headquarters for the Earth Council, because of its natural resource conservation activities. At present, the National Parks Service is responsible for the care and conservation of 20 natural parks, eight wildlife refuges and one area which has been declared a national archaeological monument. At the same time, the Forestry Service is in charge of 26 protected areas, nine forest reserves, seven fauna sanctuaries and a national forest. These protected areas total 1.077.308 hectares and represent 21% of the national territory, meaning that Costa Rica has a larger percentage of its total area set aside in Parks and Preserves than any other country in the world.
The protection of Costa Rica's natural resources has implications beyond its borders because they encompass an incredible biodiversity, including fauna and flora on the verge of extinction. All of this means that the country has become one of the most attractive destinations for visiting ecologists. On the whole, access and facilities to these areas and accommodation are freely available provided the natural habitats are respected. These protected areas are ideal for walking bird watching, camping and enjoying the rivers, beaches, forests, volcanoes, historical and archaeological sites, as well as for observing natural phenomena which are of major importance to the continent. For its work in the conservation of natural resources, Costa Rica has been awarded numerous distinctions including the St. Francis of Assisi prize as well as the award given by the ecological organization ASTA (Association of United States Travel Agents) and the Smithsonian Institute's award.
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