An investigation carried out by the International Center of Economic Politics for Sustainable Development of the National University, that used data from 2016 to calculate the contribution of the country’s National Parks to Costa Rica’s finances put in evidence not only the ecologic importance but also the economic importance, social and institutional which is reflected in activities such as tourism, water supply for the community, scientific investigation, protection of hydric resources for the protection of energy and other environmental services.

The investigation carried out with the support of the National System of Areas of Conservation, estimated the contribution of the national parks and biologic reserves in approximately $1,757,052,009.34 USD a year.

Companies dedicated to activities related to tourism were the ones that received more benefits from the existence of national parks and biological reserves, with approximately 78.73% of the total amount contributed.

The maintenance of hydric resources through these protected areas allowed the generation of close to $247,781,378.31 USD in electric generation.

In remuneration and salaries for workers and their families the direct and indirect impact is also important.

Another study is currently under development in the Cocos Marine Area of Conservation employing the same methodology of this study where the objective is to highlight the importance of ecosystem services in the generation of income and development.