Costa Rica in focus: Lecture on fascinating biodiversity and protective measures

Costa Rica in focus: Lecture on fascinating biodiversity and protective measures

On May 14, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Ina Knobloch gave a lecture in the Tropical House of the University of Osnabrück. Admission to this event is free. The focus of the talk will be on the biodiversity of Costa Rica, a small Central American country sometimes referred to as the “Rich Coast.” With an area roughly the size of Switzerland, Costa Rica accounts for just 0.2 percent of the Earth's surface but is home to a remarkable six percent of all species on the planet.

The impressive coastline of almost 2,000 kilometers offers a diverse aquatic environment. Dr. Knobloch will discuss important animals such as the quetzal, jaguar, toucan and sloth in her lecture, while also recognizing people who have made Costa Rica a pioneer in conservation and sustainability. This also includes reports on missions for sea turtles and expeditions into the jungle.

Biodiversity as a key issue

Costa Rica's biodiversity has developed significantly in recent decades, which will be illustrated through photos and film clips. The lecture will also be a journey through time from the 1980s to the present. During this time, the country has made progress to protect and preserve its unique ecosystems.

It is precisely this biodiversity that is one of the main reasons why Costa Rica is of interest to nature lovers and scientists worldwide. It is home to around 5 percent of the world's species richness and is considered a biodiversity hotspot. The various species include around 1,500 species of fish, 175 species of amphibians (85 percent of which are frogs) and 225 species of reptiles, which represent a rich diversity of ecosystems.

Challenges and successes in nature conservation

Although Costa Rica has made remarkable progress in conservation, protecting its biodiversity remains a challenge. In the 1960s to 1980s, the country experienced a period of deforestation driven by livestock, agriculture and timber harvesting. But since the introduction of a system of incentives for landowners to protect forests, inspired by the results of the 1992 Earth Summit, the rate of deforestation has reduced by a remarkable 80 percent. This is an example of a political strategy that can serve as a model for other countries.

Dr. Ina Knobloch, biologist, author and award-winning filmmaker, will discuss the important role of plants and animals in the fight against climate change in her lecture. The event promises to highlight not only data protection but also education about the ecological importance of biodiversity.

Felix Przesdzink, M.Sc., from the University of Osnabrück is available for media inquiries, whose contact information has been published. This event is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the remarkable journey of biodiversity in Costa Rica, which continues to attract international attention.

However, the challenges of environmental protection are not just limited to Costa Rica. International Day for Biological Diversity reminds us of the urgency of protecting ecosystems worldwide. Although Costa Rica is a role model, global change and deforestation are also affecting other countries, which are being encouraged to develop strategies to follow. The ecological footprint of human activities remains a central topic in the global discussion about sustainability.

1. ca. 1.500 Fischarten
2. 175 Amphibienarten
3. 225 Reptilienarten
4. 894 registrierte Vogelarten
5. 250 Säugetierarten
6. 9.000 Pflanzenarten
7. 360.000 Insektenarten

For more information about the lecture and Costa Rica's biodiversity, see the reports from University of Osnabrück, tropical hiker and Greenpeace.