The world’s rainforests are vanishing. In this one country, they’re growing back.
Vox
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Costa Rica stands out as a rare success story in the global fight against deforestation. Once plagued by some of the highest deforestation rates in the world, the country has managed to regenerate its forests, with over 50% of its land now covered in natural forests. A key factor attributed to this reversal is Costa Rica’s pioneering "payment for ecosystem services" program, which compensates landowners for conserving or restoring forests. However, research reveals a more complex narrative, suggesting that while the program has contributed, it may only play a small part in the country's success.
The program, established nearly three decades ago, places economic value on the natural benefits forests provide, such as carbon sequestration and water conservation. Landowners are paid to protect or replant forests on their property, creating financial incentives for forest preservation. Initially funded through taxes on fuel and later expanded to include fees on water usage, the program has enrolled over 20,000 landowners, covering nearly 540,000 hectares of forest. This model has inspired similar initiatives in other countries like Mexico and Vietnam.
Despite its acclaim, studies assessing the program’s impact have yielded mixed results. Some research indicates a modest positive effect on forest conservation, while others suggest limited success or attribute forest recovery to external factors, such as policy changes, economic shifts (like the decline in beef prices), and the growth of ecotourism. A recent study even found that forests within the program’s boundaries were more similar to healthy ecosystems compared to degraded ones outside the program, though causality remains uncertain.
The broader implication for politics and environmental policy is clear: no single solution can address deforestation. Costa Rica’s success highlights the importance of combining economic incentives with strong policies, favorable economic conditions, and a cultural commitment to conservation. While the payment program has been influential, it underscores the need for multifaceted approaches to protect global ecosystems.
This story matters because it challenges the notion that valuing nature economically is the sole answer to deforestation. Costa Rica’s
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Originally published on Vox on 2/19/2026