Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
Country
Costa Rica,
Panama
Inscribed in
1983
Criteria
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "significant concern" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
The location of this unique site in Central America, where Quaternary glaciers have left their mark, has allowed the fauna and flora of North and South America to interbreed. Tropical rainforests cover most of the area. Four different Indian tribes inhabit this property, which benefits from close co-operation between Costa Rica and Panama. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Significant concern
Current state and trend of VALUES
High Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Exceptionally beautiful landscapes
Criterion
(vii)
The site holds exceptionally beautiful and diverse landscapes, deeply set in a vast area of natural Mesoamerican humid tropical mountain and lowland forests, which constitute one of the large last remnants of these ecosystems on the planet. It shows remarkable vestiges of the Quaternary glacial activity that shaped the earth crust by generating majestic relief forms such as cirques, glacial lakes, lagoons and bogs, which highlight the natural beauty of these mountains. The Talamanca Range hosts countless rivers and creeks, some of them forming spectacular waterfalls that merge in a very rugged topography. Within the region, the unusual high altitude grasslands are restricted to the property, allowing extraordinary panoramic views of a singular scenic and spiritual value (World Heritage Committee, 2014).
Remarkable vestiges of the Quaternary glacial activity
Criterion
(viii)
The Talamanca Range is the highest and wildest non-volcanic mountain range in Central America. It was formed by the folding of the Earth's crust and uplifting activity that created the land dividing the Pacific from the Caribbean. The Site is unique since the Talamanca Range is a very particular sample of the recent geological history of the Central American Isthmus, which in its time became a bridge between North and South America, separating the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It shows indelible marks that the Quaternary glacial activity shaped such as glacial circus with lakes and “U” shaped deep valleys which cannot be found anywhere else in the Central American region. Thus, the Site is representative of the major stages of the Earth historic evolution (World Heritage Committee, 2014).
Ecological and evolutionary processes
Criterion
(ix)
The site, as a bio geographical bridge, allowed the interaction of flora and fauna coming from North and South America that, together with the climatic variation, the heterogeneity of the soils and the relief configuration, allowed the development of a complex of ecosystems with impressive species diversity. All these factors, during the evolutionary process, triggered the appearance of very important endemism levels with many species restricted to single peaks of the mountain range. Ecologically, these peaks can be compared to islands of an archipelago. Many of the original North and South American species reach their distribution boundaries in the Talamanca mountain system.
Jointly with the climatic variation, the complex relief and huge altitudinal range and heterogeneity of many other environmental conditions, this biogeographic location has resulted in a complex mosaic of ecosystems and habitats of global importance for conservation and science. This mosaic of ecosystems include different types of tropical rainforest, pure oak groves (Quercus sp.) and other types of cloud forests, highland savannas, the subalpine paramo, the glacial lakes and lagoons and rare high altitude grasslands and bogs, the latter being the northernmost ones in the American tropics (World Heritage Committee, 2014).
Jointly with the climatic variation, the complex relief and huge altitudinal range and heterogeneity of many other environmental conditions, this biogeographic location has resulted in a complex mosaic of ecosystems and habitats of global importance for conservation and science. This mosaic of ecosystems include different types of tropical rainforest, pure oak groves (Quercus sp.) and other types of cloud forests, highland savannas, the subalpine paramo, the glacial lakes and lagoons and rare high altitude grasslands and bogs, the latter being the northernmost ones in the American tropics (World Heritage Committee, 2014).
High levels of endemism and diversity of animal species
Criterion
(x)
This site stands out by the high presence of endemism of flora and fauna, in groups such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and arthropods. Of the amphibians, six species are restricted to the Cordillera, such as the endangered Splendid Poison Frog. Other vertebrates include some 250 species of reptiles and amphibians and remarkable 115 species of freshwater fish (World Heritage Committee, 2014).
Rare and endangered mammals
Criterion
(x)
The site is extensive enough to ensure the survival of viable populations of many rare, vulnerable and endangered species, which include all feline species of Central America such as puma (Puma concolor), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi), margay (Felis wiedii) and jaguar (Panthera onca). Other endangered species include Ornate Spider Monkey and Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii), as well as the vulnerable Black-crowned Central American Squirrel Monkey (World Heritage Committee, 2014).
Plant diversity
Criterion
(x)
The Site has an exuberant biological diversity and is considered an area with species richness by hectare not easily comparable to other sites. The Talamanca Mountains host some 10,000 flowering plants and over 4,000 non-vascular plants. There are approximately 1,000 fern species and about 900 species of lichen (World Heritage Committee, 2014).
Cultural diversity
Pre-ceramic archaeological sites indicate that the Talamanca Range has a history of many millennia of human occupation. There are several Indigenous peoples on both sides of the border within and near the property that have shaped the natural elements.
Assessment information
The current threats to the site’s values and integrity include the impact of dams that have changed the hydrological regimen and associated ecosystems and processes, and caused loss of natural terrestrial habitats; illegal logging, encroachment for farming and ranching and other illegal activities, including drug trafficking. The intrusion of drug trafficking in Costa Rica’s protected areas and the impacts on the site's OUV need further assessment. The conversion of land for farming and ranching has slowed considerably and is limited to small areas. Although fires present a constant threat, the current level is low due to a good management response from the national authorities in collaboration with Indigenous communities.
Dams & Water Management/Use
(Impacts of dams)
Outside site
Several dams were constructed before the inscription of the site on the World Heritage list. These dams have changed the hydrological regime and associated ecosystems and processes, and caused loss of natural terrestrial habitats. Aquatic species that migrate will largely be extirpated in the watersheds where the dams occur, and major secondary impacts will occur with respect to sediment dynamics, breakdown of vegetable matter, water and substrate chemistry, algal biomass and diversity and structure of stream fauna. The current projects in various stages of operation and construction (CHAN75 and Bonyic) are located in the Palo Seco Forest Reserve, adjacent to the property in Panama. Construction of these projects continued in spite of Decision 34 COM 7B.32 that requested halting dam construction until a SEA had been completed. Without adequate mitigation measures, the constructions would form a barrier for migratory fish and crustacean species. Since most of the Talamanca range fish species and many macroinvertebrates are migratory and depend on intact river systems from the brackish coast to cooler waters upstream, such a barrier would cause the disappearance of many species within the affected rivers that have their upstream area within the site (UNESCO and IUCN, 2013) (World Heritage Committee, 2011; McLarney et al, 2010). In 2013 an Environmental Impact Assessment was approved for another dam project – Changuinola II (CHAN II). The World Heritage Committee has repeatedly expressed its concern over hydropower projects development in Panama which could have significant impacts on the property and has requested the States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and not to approve any new projects until the SEA has been completed (World Heritage Committee, 2016, 2017, 2021). In 2017 the contract for the Changuinola II dam (CHAN II) was cancelled and has not been re-activated to date. The re-activation of the Changuinola II (CHAN II) dam project is not currently being considered. The State Party of Panama acknowledges that the project is included in the national planning developed in the 1970s, prior to inscription of the property, but recognizes its commitments under the Convention and confirms that prior consultations with the World Heritage Centre would be undertaken should the project be re-considered (World Heritage Committee, 2021). The Committee has reiterated its position that any development of new hydropower projects prior to the finalization and adequate review of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the entire property would represent a danger to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). The State Party has reported that a finalization agreement of the contract to develop CHAN II has been reached between the government and the concessionaire (State Party of Panama, 2017). Both States Parties finalized the integrated transboundary SEA requested by the World Heritage Committe, which is currently being reviewed by the Advisory Body.
Fire & Fire Management
(Fires)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
The State Party of Costa Rica reports that in 2024 fires affected 10 or 15 hectares of pastures, compared to the 200 hectares reported in the past. There has been a good response from the national authorities creating local fire brigades in Indigenous communities near the boundaries of the site, but fires are a constant threat every dry season (Cordero Parra, 2024).
Logging, Harvesting & Controlling Trees
(Deforestation and encroachment)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
An analysis on the forest cover for the protected areas of the province of Chiriquí, specifically in Barú Volcano National Park and the La Amistad International Park, using geo-technologies through satellite data, calculated that the net loss of forests in La Amistad International Park (PILA) for 2012-2019 period was 1,333.85 ha, which reflects an annual loss of 190.55 ha, being the townships of Nance de Riscó (743.04 ha), Teribe (309.18 ha), Valle de Riscó (151.84 ha), Las Delicias (83.69 ha) and Cerro Punta (40.99 ha) which showed the greatest loss in the last 7 years (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2020). According to a study conducted by the University for International Cooperation (UCI) on threats and land use change in the 5 Great Forests of Mesoamerica, which includes La Amistad, a total of 185,594 hectares of forest cover has been lost in the past 20 years, with an average annual loss of 9,280 hectares. The peaks of deforestation occurred in 2013 and 2014, during which 14,263 and 14,430 hectares were lost, respectively. The primary cause is largely attributed to an increase in shifting agriculture (WCS, 2023).
Cattle ranching and other agricultural activities have always been carried out in the area and date back to the time before the formal establishment of protected areas that make up the World Heritage site. The conversion of lands for farming and ranching has slowed considerably and is limited to small areas, most likely due to lower profitability of ranching slash-and-burn agriculture is relatively widespread in the property's buffer zone (Quesada-Román and Díaz, 2019; Quesada-Román and Zamorano-Orozco, 2019). However, these activities are of low intensity and do not threaten the sites’ values and integrity (IUCN, 2013). Field patrolling and overflights indicate that there has been no increase in these activities in the area (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2017).
Cattle ranching and other agricultural activities have always been carried out in the area and date back to the time before the formal establishment of protected areas that make up the World Heritage site. The conversion of lands for farming and ranching has slowed considerably and is limited to small areas, most likely due to lower profitability of ranching slash-and-burn agriculture is relatively widespread in the property's buffer zone (Quesada-Román and Díaz, 2019; Quesada-Román and Zamorano-Orozco, 2019). However, these activities are of low intensity and do not threaten the sites’ values and integrity (IUCN, 2013). Field patrolling and overflights indicate that there has been no increase in these activities in the area (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2017).
Conflict, Civil Unrest & Security Activities, Other Human Disturbances
(Drug trafficking and harvesting)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Recent publications highlight the intrusion of drug trafficking in Costa Rica’s protected areas, involving both illegal cultivation and use as transit routes to other destinations. National parks have been described as 'ground zero' in the war on drugs, where cartels encounter minimal resistance. These areas are understaffed, underarmed in comparison to drug cartels, and rangers lack arrest authority (Abi-Habib, 2024). Additionally, cartels are purchasing land near national parks to use as storage sites (Diario Extra, 2024). Drug cultivation has also been reported within La Amistad International Park (Murillo, 2016). Other, not necessarily related illegal activities include hunting, logging, wildlife extraction (orchids, wool, heart of palm, birds), forest fires, livestock farming, illegal entry of tourism and possession of public lands as reported by the States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2020). The degree of threat posed by drug trafficking and related activities on the site's values remains unclear.
Recreational Activities
(Illegal tourism)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Both States Parties included unauthorized tourism (use of unofficial trails or access points for activities such as trekking, hiking, camping, and primarily bird and wildlife watching) as one of the main threats to the site in their management plans. The impact of this threat includes direct disturbance to biodiversity, interference with the cultural practices of Indigenous populations, changes in the quality of surface water, groundwater and soils, alteration of the ecological balance and species habitats, proliferation of vectors due to waste abandonment and social, environmental and intercultural conflicts (State Party of Panama, 2023).
Climate change poses a potential threat to the site's key attributes, although a comprehensive assessment across the entire World Heritage site is lacking. Costa Rica is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events driven by climate change such as droughts, hurricanes, tropical storms, extreme precipitations, and landslides and secular phenomena, such as steady temperature increases, rising sea levels and desertification and biodiversity loss.
Changes in Physical & Chemical Regimes, Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Climate change)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
In Costa Rica, research has been ongoing to determine forest types within the World Heritage site that are particularly vulnerable to climate change (Veintimilla et al., 2019). Some studies have also been undertaken to assess vulnerability of wetlands parts of the site (Chirripó National Park) under different climate change scenarios (Veas-Ayala et al., 2018; Quesada-Román et al., 2020a). However, a comprehensive assessment across the entire World Heritage site is still lacking. Nevertheless, Costa Rica is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events driven by climate change such as droughts, hurricanes, tropical storms, extreme precipitations, and landslides and secular phenomena, such as steady temperature increases, rising sea levels and desertification and biodiversity loss (Castro-Vincenzi, 2024). A national climate change adaptation plan 2022-2026 has been developed in response (Dirección de Cambio Climático & Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía, 2022).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
Efforts have been made to establish a process of shared responsibilities with civil society, including farmers and Indigenous communities surrounding the protected areas. Initiatives include environmental education, sustainable tourism, and community-based biological monitoring. Through these processes, children, youth, and adults have been engaged as conservation allies for the World Heritage Site. Activities have included talks, workshops, field trips, environmental festivals, cross-country races, protected area anniversary celebrations, and other events (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2021). Awareness raising activities have been organized with the community and civil society, aiming to address threats. Moreover, the States Parties report support from NGOs to strengthen conservation of the property (World Heritage Committee, 2021). Indigenous communities are also involved in the prevention and control of fires through local fire brigades.
Legal framework
The site consists of a mosaic of 1 Panamanian and 7 Costa Rican protected areas. Bilateral relations between Costa Rica and Panama are directed by the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Costa Rica and the Government of the Republic of Panama on Cooperation for Cross-border Development and its Annex, ratified by Costa Rica by Law No. 7518 published in the Official Gazette no. 140 of 24 July 1995, and by Panama by Law No. 16 of 10 August 1994, published in the Official Gazette No. 22.602 of 17 August 1994 (IUCN, 2013). A bi-national Trans-boundary Protected Area Technical Commission monitors the agreement for management of the site, and steers negotiations between the many private and public groups and agencies active in the site (UNEP-WCMC, 2011; States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2012).
The protected areas encompassed by the WH Site have been established through national legal instruments in accordance with their management category and relevant national legislation. However, there is no national legislation specific to impact assessments within a World Heritage context, which has resulted in challenges, such as those related to dam construction.
The protected areas encompassed by the WH Site have been established through national legal instruments in accordance with their management category and relevant national legislation. However, there is no national legislation specific to impact assessments within a World Heritage context, which has resulted in challenges, such as those related to dam construction.
Governance arrangements
The property is managed by the Binational Technical Unit for the Management of La Amistad International Park (UTEB-PILA), a binational committee composed of representatives from the ministries of environment of the States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama. The UTEB meets twice a year to discuss and plan joint conservation actions for the protected area (State Party of Panama, 2023). Joint patrolling is also conducted regularly (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2021 and 2022). There is no representation of other stakeholders and rightsholder in the management unit, however efforts have been made to establish a process of shared responsibilities with civil society, including farmers and Indigenous communities surrounding the protected areas.
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
Both States Parties have signed an agreement between the governments of the Republic of Costa Rica and the Republic of Panama on border cooperation. This agreement aims to expand, improve, and deepen bilateral cooperation across all sectors, contributing significantly to the social, economic, commercial, environmental, and political development of the border region and strengthening the integration process between the two countries. It includes coordination mechanisms involving the foreign affairs and planning ministries of both Costa Rica and Panama (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 1995). Regarding development planning and projects, there are no standards and procedures surounding impact assesment of a World Heritage property.
Boundaries
Boundaries for this transboundary World Heritage site have been agreed at the highest levels of both governments, and are fairly well understood by local communities (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). In both countries the site is surrounded by several areas of different protection status as well as several formally recognized indigenous territories. This setting provides the site with an adequate, albeit not formally recognised, buffer zone whose management is assured by the state and indigenous peoples (IUCN, 2013, 2016). Site boundaries were clarified (and a more precise map submitted) in 2014 (World Heritage Committee, 2014), however there are indications the boundaries are not well known by local communities on the ground (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2023).
Overlapping international designations
The La Amistad International Park, part of the property, is also designated as the La Amistad Biosphere Reserve (Comisión Costarricense de Cooperación con la UNESCO, n.d.). Additionally, part of the Costa Rican side is designated as the Talamanca Peatlands Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar site). The authorities in charge of the management of the World Heritage, Ramsar and Biosphere Reserves are centered around the ministries of environment in both countries, which can lead to a certain level of coordination.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
Both States Parties have demonstrated their willingness to comply (albeit with some delays) with the WH Committee's decisions, specifically regarding the generation of a Strategic Environmental Assessment and the halting of the construction of new dams (WH Committee, 2021 and 2023).
Climate action
The property is facing a major threat from climate change, including impacts on seasonal behavior, rising temperatures, and the flowering of plants (Cordero, 2024). The management plans include specific climate action processes aimed at managing biodiversity to reduce the impacts of climate change on the property (State Party of Costa Rica, 2019 / State Party of Panama, 2023). The caribbean side of the property in Costa Rica has a specific plan regarding climate change in the World Heritage site.
Management plan and overall management system
All protected areas encompassed by the WH site have their management plans up to date, however the property lacks an integrated management plan overall. The individual management plans identify values, management objectives, desired management outcomes and key threats, and are used to guide the management of the property. The States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, as a binational asset, have agreed on the need to have an integrated management plan for the entire property that includes the characteristics, programs, financial resources, policies for the management of the Site (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2023).
Law enforcement
Joint patrolling by the States Parties is conducted periodically. However, rangers are understaffed, and the judicial system is not responding adequately to environmental crimes, according to the Ministry of Environment of Costa Rica. There are deficiencies in law enforcement at the site level as a result (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2023). However, there are efforts to improve technological applications to support patrolling, for example through training of rangers in using the SMART tool (WCS, 2023).
Sustainable finance
The largest source of financing for the Site comes from government funds, additionally there are investment funds from Costa Rica Forever, FIDECO Panama Project, Costa Rica Trust, contribution from indigenous associations, JICA Project for Panama. Both States Parties acknowledge the financial gap between the income generated/ assigned resources and the needs of the protected areas encompassed by the property, without identifying the amount of the funding gap. The available budget is acceptable, but could be further improved to fully meet the management needs in terms of reinforcing personnel for management of the Site and the sustainability of resources over time, according to the States Parties. Actions have been implemented to seek new resources to sustain the WH site, as public funding decreases due to fiscal constrains (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2023).
Staff capacity, training and development
The management plans of the component parts include actions to increase staffing for the effective management of the property. A site-based capacity building plan or programme is in place and partially implemented; some technical skills are being transferred to those managing the property locally, but most technical work is carried out by external staff. Enhancing human resources across all component parts is a priority until 2027 for the State Parties (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2023).
Education and interpretation programmes
Both States Parties are carrying out education and interpretation programmes, with specific actions included in the management plans of the protected areas. In Panama the of the Management Plan will enhance educational activities as necessary, while in Costa Rica, environmental education plans are being implemented (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2023). A key aim of both State Parties is to strengthen dissemination and awareness of the Heritage Site and improve interpretation facilities, visitor centers, checkpoints, among others.
Tourism and visitation management
Specific parts of the property are open for visitation; however, visitor numbers remain low. Illegal tourism in prohibited areas is of some concern.
For Panama, within the management plans, there is a public use program where the tourist activity within the Site is established and managed. Panama also has its Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism. In Costa Rica the management plan has a zoning system to establish use areas. In addition, there is a Regional Strategy for Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2023).
For Panama, within the management plans, there is a public use program where the tourist activity within the Site is established and managed. Panama also has its Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism. In Costa Rica the management plan has a zoning system to establish use areas. In addition, there is a Regional Strategy for Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2023).
Sustainable use
Specific regulations regarding the public use of protected areas are in place to allow the traditional use of resources by Indigenous peoples.
Monitoring
Management plans include monitoring systems and actions, as well as research programs to analyse the property's state of conservation. Both States Parties carry out long-term monitoring of both terrestrial fauna and aquatic biota. The Indigenous biological monitoring brigade “Ujarrás” holds years of experience as park rangers and is located in the Talamanca Mountain Range. The patrol team also implements activities against threats such as hunting, logging and forest fires (WCS, 2023).
Research
Several research projects have been undertaken in the site, but data on long-term plans for research is deficient. Management plans of the protected areas include research programs and priorities. According to the State Parties (2023) there is a comprehensive, integrated programme of research, which is relevant to management needs and/or improving understanding of Outstanding Universal
Value. However, especially in Costa Rica, the studies are available on public access platforms, but dissemination with local communities and key actors within the Site could be
improved.
Value. However, especially in Costa Rica, the studies are available on public access platforms, but dissemination with local communities and key actors within the Site could be
improved.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
Dams outside the property on the Panamanian side continue to pose a threat, as there is no explicit commitment from the government to permanently cancel these projects. Administrative capacity has not increased and protected areas in both countries forming this World Heritage site are understaffed (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2019). Therefore, there are continued challenges to adequately address the threats facing this large and complex site.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
Costa Rica applies annually a monitoring tool for monitoring the management effectiveness of protected areas. In the World Heritage Site, effectiveness is monitored per individual protected area, but reported in two clusters (ACLA-P and ACLA-C). In general, the monitoring of the management effectiveness of the areas resulted in high scores for planning and participation and lower scores on operative activities, staff numbers and general financial situation. Management effectiveness assessments in 2016/2017 showed that administrative aspects had decreased as well as social management. Two parks (Chirripó and Tapantí/Cerro de la Muerte) have relatively low overall rating ('hardly acceptable' and 'not acceptable'). The Parks agency is improving its administrative efficiency to address these limitations (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2019). In Panama, an annual analysis of data on management effectiveness is conducted every 4-5 years. Since the Pacific and Caribbean side of PILA are separate administrations, the effectiveness is measured separately as well. The report analysing data from 2011 considered that effectiveness of both parts are "acceptable", although the Caribbean side had a higher score than the Pacific side (724 vs. 672). The Pacific side scored "satisfactory" on natural resources indicators, "acceptable" on political, legal and administrative indicators and "regular" on social and financial indicators. The Caribbean side scores "acceptable" on all indicator groups (IUCN, 2013).
Overall, the States Parties have made significant efforts to address the threats affecting the property. Although the participatory approach in the governance of the property is positive, some illegal activities such as drug trafficking, illegal tourism, hunting, changes in land use persist. Furthermore, human and financial resources are inadequate to effectively address these threats in the long term. Rangers are understaffed, and the judicial system is not responding adequately to environmental crimes. Nevertheless, all protected areas have updated management plans in place and there are discussions around developing an integrated management plan for the property.
Exceptionally beautiful landscapes
Low Concern
Trend
Stable
Threats related to actual development projects (hydropower dams) and potential projects are outside of the site and landscape beauty is not directly affected as a result of these projects (IUCN, 2013). The natural beauty of the site could be potentially threatened by climate change, especially as increased temperatures and decreased precipitation lead to increased fire risk, and severe weather events such as storms, which generate landslides, erosion, and sedimentation of water courses (McLarney, 2010; Ouvernay 2018; Quesada-Román and Pérez-Umaña, 2020b).
Remarkable vestiges of the Quaternary glacial activity
Good
Trend
Stable
The features related to geological processes and physiography remain stable (Quesada-Román et al., 2019; Quesada-Román et al., 2020).
Ecological and evolutionary processes
High Concern
Trend
Stable
Ecological processes are threatened by the direct and indirect impacts of dam construction within and outside the site. State Party of Panama reports that macroinvertebrates collected during monitoring activities remain stable both in amount of individuals and in amount of families, concluding that waters of Changuinola river remain of good quality. However, there is a decrease in fish population that, if not managed properly, may lead to the extinction of some ecosystems (States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama, 2024). Longer-term impacts of already constructed dams on ecological process remain to be evaluated.
High levels of endemism and diversity of animal species
High Concern
Trend
Stable
La Amistad links the World Heritage reserves of Rio Platano and Darién but is more diverse than either. In fact, the Talamanca range is estimated to harbour about 4% of all terrestrial species on earth, the fauna being extremely diverse as a result of past intermigrations between North and South America (IUCN, 1990). Some 30% of its species are endemic to the region. 13 out of the 215 species of mammals, 15-30 of the 600 species of birds, 20 out of the 250 species of reptiles and amphibians and one out of the 115 species of fish are endemic to the Reserve.
Studies on other biodiversity elements of the site (particularly on insects and birds) have increased and are showing high endemism (Ouvernay et al. 2018; Ríos et al 2019). Nevertheless, the two existing dams in Panama (CHAN75 and Bonyic) have direct negative impacts on the biodiversity of the site (fish and crustacean diversity). This is not expected to immediately lead to disappearance of these species in the property, as long as intact watersheds remain elsewhere in the World Heritage site. However, the assemblage of species, possibly unique in each individual watershed, will be irreversibly affected (UNESCO and IUCN, 2013). Some mitigation measures have been developed for existing hydroelectric projects; however, long-term monitoring of freshwater species will help evaluate the extent to which the mitigation measures are effective (UNESCO and IUCN, 2016).
Studies on other biodiversity elements of the site (particularly on insects and birds) have increased and are showing high endemism (Ouvernay et al. 2018; Ríos et al 2019). Nevertheless, the two existing dams in Panama (CHAN75 and Bonyic) have direct negative impacts on the biodiversity of the site (fish and crustacean diversity). This is not expected to immediately lead to disappearance of these species in the property, as long as intact watersheds remain elsewhere in the World Heritage site. However, the assemblage of species, possibly unique in each individual watershed, will be irreversibly affected (UNESCO and IUCN, 2013). Some mitigation measures have been developed for existing hydroelectric projects; however, long-term monitoring of freshwater species will help evaluate the extent to which the mitigation measures are effective (UNESCO and IUCN, 2016).
Rare and endangered mammals
Data Deficient
Trend
Data Deficient
Among the mammals are black-crowned Central American squirrel monkey Saimiri oerstedii (VU), ornate spider monkey Ateles geoffroyi ornatus (EN) and giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla (VU). There are abundant signs of lowland tapir Tapirus terrestris (VU), in Costa Rica, in Cerros Utyum, Kamuk and Fabrega near the Panamanian border. There are also the Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii (EN)) and red brocket deer (Mazama americana). The area remains an important refuge for the jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) and tiger cat (L. tigrina). No recent data to establish population trends were available.
Plant diversity
Data Deficient
Trend
Data Deficient
The Talamanca Mountains contain the largest remaining natural forest in central America and hold about 90% of Costa Rica’s known flora. The species diversity is probably unequalled in any other reserve of equivalent size in the world, due to the convergence of the floras of North and South America, the climatic, altitudinal and edaphic variety accentuated by the contrasting aseasonal rainforests of the Atlantic slope with the seasonally dry Pacific slope forests and the cloud forests at high level. It is distributed amongst an archipelago of mountain islands where long isolation has accelerated speciation and endemism. The range has some 10,000 flowering plants, over 4,000 non-vascular plants, approximately 1,000 fern species, 80% of the country's mosses and about 900 lichens. Levels of endemism are estimated at over 30%. Panama: The Park is the largest remaining block of virgin forest in Panama and is relatively intact. The whole area contains the same, probably unequalled, diversity of plant genera, families and species (UNEP-WCMC, n.d.). However, there is a lack of up-to-date information to support an assessment of the current state and trend of plant diversity.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Stable
The natural beauty of the site could be potentially threatened by climate change, especially as increased temperatures and decreased precipitation lead to increased fire risk, and severe weather events such as storms, which generate landslides, erosion, and sedimentation of water courses. Ecological processes are threatened by the direct and indirect impacts of dam construction within and outside the site and there is a decrease in fish population that, if not managed properly, may lead to the extinction of some ecosystems. Longer-term impacts of already constructed dams on ecological processes remain to be evaluated. Studies on other biodiversity elements of the site (particularly on insects and birds) have increased and are showing high endemism, however data is insufficient to assess current population trends. Nevertheless, the area remains an important refuge for the jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) and tiger cat (L. tigrina). Long-term data is lacking for a more in-depth analysis.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important values
Low Concern
Improving
Increasing collaboration with Indigenous peoples in management and decision-making processes, patrolling and monitoring efforts is considered positive.
Additional information
Outdoor recreation and tourism
While current levels of visitation to the site are relatively low, their importance is increasing, especially as an additional source of income for local communities.
Access to drinking water
The site is protectes areas that are an important water source.
At present, conservation and watershed protection are the most significant benefits of the site, though in the future tourism and recreation could become significant sources of income for local communities.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ICOMVIS - Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica | Since 2009 Barbilla National Park has been conducting studies of terrestrial mammals using camera traps. | |
| 2 | UNDP - Costa Rica | The project focuses on local organizations (women, producers, local development, etc.) that are located near the park's boundaries to improve the forest cover of their lands in exchange for little "grants" that are used to improve their production (mainly coffee, cattle and crops). The Project is not undertaken directly in the World Heritage Site, but it focuses on its buffer zone to reduce pressures on the site. |
http://www.paisajesproductivos.org/
https://www.facebook.com/ProyectoPaisajesProductivosCR/
|
| 3 | The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), through KfW Development Bank, and implemented by IUCN | It seeks to strengthen the connectivity of terrestrial and marine-coastal ecosystems within five landscapes in the region that connect seven Central American countries |
https://iucn.org/es/es/our-work/region/mexico-central-america-and-caribbean/programa-de-biodiversidad-enlazando-el
|
References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
States Parties of Costa Rica and Panama (2012). Report of the States Parties to the World Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park (Costa Rica and Panama). [online] Governments of Costa Rica and Panama, pp.1-37. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/205/documents
|
| 2 |
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| 3 |
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| 4 |
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| 5 |
Comisión UNESCO Costa Rica. Biosfera de la Amistad. https://www.comisionunesco.cr/la-amistad
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| 6 |
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| 7 |
Cordero Parra, M. (2024). Bomberos forestales indígenas redujeron incendios en el Parque Internacional La Amistad y comunidades aledañas. https://semanariouniversidad.com/pais/bomberos-forestales-i…
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| 8 |
Daiane Ouvernay, Ildemar Ferreira, Juan J. Morrone (2018) Areas of endemism of hummingbirds (Aves: Apodiformes: Trochilidae) in the Andean and Neotropical regions. ZOOLOGIA 35: e13673
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| 9 |
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| 10 |
Dirección de Cambio Climático; Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía. (2022). Plan Nacional de Adaptación al Cambio Climático de Costa Rica, 2022 - 2026. San José, Costa Rica. 204pp.
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| 11 |
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| 19 |
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| 21 |
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| 22 |
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| 23 |
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| 24 |
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| 26 |
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| 27 |
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| 28 |
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