On Thursday, officials from the Ministry of Public Security (MSP) and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) signed a cooperation agreement that will allow for police to operate out of  facilities inside the country’s nature conservation areas, such as national park and wildlife refuges.

This was confirmed by the Minister of Public Security, María Fullmen Salazar, who explained that police will carry out monitoring and safeguarding of conservation areas and their visitors.

The MSP is responsible for ensuring the sovereignty and security of the country and this cooperation agreement will allow the use of MINAE facilities to strengthen security in protected areas, said Fullmen .

Police will aid park guards in protecting natural resources, biodiversity and patrol waterways inside protected areas, as well as provide protection for tourists and conservation area officials.