The rugged rainforests and sandy beaches of Costa Rica are brimming with life – from sloths and frogs to brightly colored toucans and hummingbirds. Costa Rica hosts an astounding 5% of Earth’s species despite covering only 0.03% of its area. Shaded coffee farms integrated into the rainforest constitute just one example of the sustainable conservation strategies for which the country is known.

Despite efforts to preserve this wild beauty, climate change and increased urban development bring new and unforeseen challenges. Biodiversity is threatened, while natural resources are stretched to their limits. SFS research in Costa Rica helps NGOs, government officials, and policymakers as they seek to sustain the balance between conservation and socioeconomic benefit in a time of transition.