An investigation by National Geographic will be taken as base by the Costa Rica Government to consider the viability of extending the protection zone at Coco Island.

The President of Costa Rica, Luis Guillermo Solis, had announced in 2016 during his meeting with Ecuador President regarding the Maritime Delimitation Agreement between these two countries, the intention of extending in 10 thousand square kilometers the conservation area of the Coco Island National Park.

The study being carried out by National Geographic is part of the information needed to put together a report that will offer details on the ideal area to protect, the species of importance, ecosystems, advantages and disadvantages,etc. with the purpose of presenting it to all necessary parties in order to get the needed support for the initiative.

Sectors involved include the tourism industry, fishing industry and environmental. The fishing industry will be particularly affected by this initiative since the waters surrounding Coco Island are hot spots for the capture of tuna and other protected species.
Other aspects to consider involve the capacity of the coast guard and security available to protect the entire area.

It is expected that Nat Geo turns in the report within a month and at this point the government will complete the information to begin conversations with the different sectors, there is no time frame established for this process.

235 species of plants, 362 types of insects (64 endemic ), 97 bird species, and three different species of sea turtles, sharks, tuna fish, devil rays, are just part of the wildlife found in this National Park.

“It currently has 2 thousand square kilometers and it would have 10 thousand more, which will help protect one of the most diverse marine habitats in the world”, commented Manuel González, Costa Rica Foreign Affairs Minister