Deforestation

Between 1987 and 1993, as a consequence of a boost from the state, the banana industry greatly expanded its growth in the Atlantic Region of Costa Rica, causing an increase from 28,000 hectares of production area to more than 52,000. It is estimated that at least 35% of today’s plantations were covered in forests when they were acquired by the companies for the purpose of converting them into banana plantations. As a direct consequence of this process of massive deforestation, we are now running into the danger of the extinction of about 18 species of trees. Although currently the cutting down of trees has reduced, much in spite of the “crisis” that affects the industry, the deforestation still does not stop.