In the mid-20th century, Costa Rica’s economy was largely dependent on agriculture. To promote economic growth, the government encouraged the conversion of forests into farmland.
Key Policies Driving Deforestation
Land Titles for Clearing Forests
Farmers were granted land titles only if they could prove they had cleared a portion of the forest for agriculture or pasture. This practice led to the rapid destruction of primary forests.
Tax Incentives and Export Agriculture
The government provided tax breaks for logging and financial incentives for cash crops such as bananas, coffee, and sugarcane.
The Environmental Consequences
By the 1980s, Costa Rica had lost nearly 80% of its original forest cover, leading to soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and disrupted water cycles.
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