Page 77 - CARIBE TOURIST GUIDE

Protected Areas
Northeastern Caribbean Wetland
They are recognized as being of great value, not only for the country or countries in which they are located, but for humanity as a whole. The listing of a wetland represents a commitment by the government to take the necessary measures to ensure that its ecological character is maintained.
Northeastern Caribbean Ramsar Site
It was designated as a Wetland of International Importance on March 20, 1996. It has an area of 75,310 ha and is located in the provinces of Limón and Heredia. The current area includes part of four Protected Wildlife Areas: Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge (31,580 ha), Corredor Fronterizo Norte National Wildlife Refuge (7610.7 ha), Tortuguero National Park (26,653 ha), and the Tortuguero Protected Zone (2,691 ha).
This wetland includes lakes, flooded forests, rivers and estuarine lagoons. It is located in an area of great importance as a resting area for neotropical migratory birds. There are also several species of endemic salamanders. The main land uses are agricultural and livestock activities, tourism and fishing.
The site was listed as internationally important based on the following criteria:
• As a unique or representative wetland because it is a natural wetland characteristic of the coastal Caribbean area of Costa Rica.
• Maintains species and subspecies of plants and animals that are vulnerable or endangered. In addition, it is of great value as a reservoir of genetic and ecological diversity in the region.
• It is an obligatory stop for migratory birds coming from North America, supporting more than 1,000,000 birds that come to rest and feed.
Aquatic ecosystems are breeding grounds for 26 species of fish, including grunts (Pomadasys spp). It is home to one of Costa Rica’s two populations of the tropical gar(Atractosteus tropicus), and contains the only population of manatees in Costa Rica. The wetland also sees the presence of 134 species of migratory birds, mainly aquatic and contains the main patches of yolillo palms in the Caribbean of Costa Rica. These are a source of fish products for the inhabitants of the Northeastern Caribbean Wetland. The beach areas provide food and breeding grounds for green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). It is particularly important to highlight the presence of the manatee (Trichechus manatus), an endangered species.
2710-2929 | 2710-2939 | acto.recepcion@sinac.go.cr
77