A historic step for biodiversity in Costa Rica: The amendment of the law: Orgánica del Ambiente (N.° 7554)

Hámer Salazar (D.H.C.)

Sep 22

2 min read

A historic milestone for Costa Rican’s Roads.

Today we celebrate a momentous milestone in the history of environmental conservation in Costa Rica. The approval of the amendment to the law Orgánica del Ambiente (Ley N.° 7554) decisively strengthens Costa Rica’s commitment to the implementation of wildlife crossings and comprehensive mitigation measures that reduce wildlife mortality on the country’s roads.

For years, habitat fragmentation caused by road infrastructure has posed one of the greatest challenges to our biodiversity. With this regulatory framework, Costa Rica reaffirms that development and sustainability must go hand in hand.

Years of work, science and local action.

At Primates of Grecia and FUNDEMA PP, we are deeply proud to have been an active part of this process. From Occidente (Western Region of the Central Valley), we have spearheaded key initiatives to ensure that science translates into concrete solutions:

Overhead wildlife crossings: In coordination with the ICE, we promoted and spearheaded the installation of overhead crossings specifically designed to safeguard the movement of arboreal species in Grecia.
Technical Justification for National Route No. 1: We developed the technical and scientific rationale for the inclusion of wildlife crossings on this major highway.
Advocacy for the Expansion of Route 1: Together with FEDOMA, we actively participated in the Route 1 expansion project to ensure the inclusion of wildlife crossings and environmental impact mitigation measures.
Long-Term Management and Sustainability: We collaborated on the development of the Procedural Manual for the Inspection and Maintenance of Wildlife Crossings, convinced that these structures require continuous monitoring to maintain their effectiveness.

Collaboration shows result

This achievement demonstrates a fundamental principle: when science, environmental organizations, public institutions, and local governments work together, it is possible to transform big ideas into real reforms that save lives.

"Protecting wildlife is not an obstacle to development; it is the right way to build a country that moves forward without leaving its biodiversity behind."

At FUNDEMA PP reaffirm our commitment to continue working tirelessly to ensure that every road infrastructure project in Costa Rica treats wildlife conservation as an absolute priority.