# Costa Rica

[Contact National Secretariat](mailto:plasticaction@weforum.org)


## Challenges and Opportunities

In 2022, Costa Rica generated an estimated 232,000 tons of plastic waste—an average of 46 kg per person. Alarmingly, around 20% of this waste was mismanaged, ending up in rivers, oceans, soils, or being openly burned.This mismanagement threatens Costa Rica’s exceptional biodiversity—home to 6% of the planet’s species—and jeopardizes key economic sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and fisheries. Vulnerable communities are particularly affected, facing disproportionate exposure to the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution.Recognizing the urgency of the issue, Costa Rica has taken important legislative and regulatory steps, including:A ban on single-use plastics in areas managed by the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC)Law 9786, declaring the reduction of single-use plastic pollution a matter of public interestThe National Plan for the Sustainable Management of Single-Use Plastics, targeting 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable plastics by 2030Law 8839 on Integrated Solid Waste ManagementDespite this progress, plastic waste remains a pressing national challenge. Urgent, systemic, and inclusive solutions are needed to protect people, nature, and Costa Rica’s sustainable future.

[More](#)


## The Costa Rica National Plastic Action Partnership

To accelerate action on plastic pollution, the Government of Costa Rica officially joined the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) in September 2023, through a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Economic Forum. This effort is led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, in collaboration with Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and the Ministry of Health.This partnership established the Costa Rica National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP)—a multi-stakeholder platform implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The NPAP brings together government agencies, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the informal sector to coordinate and scale solutions that address plastic pollution and support a just transition to a circular plastics economy.With a strong emphasis on collaboration, NPAP Costa Rica focuses on:Promoting innovationStrengthening cross-sector partnershipsInspiring sustainable behaviour change


## A Multi-stakeholder Approach in Action

At the heart of the NPAP is its Steering Committee, which provides strategic direction and ensures the process remains inclusive and participatory. The Committee includes:


### Government

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) Ministry of Health


### Private Sector

Chamber of Commerce Costa Rican Chamber of Industries Costa Rican Chamber of the Food Industry Business Alliance for Development (AED)


### Academia

National University of Costa Rica National Technical University University of Costa Rica


### Civil Society / NGOs

ALIARSE Foundation Central American Association for Economy, Health, and Environment (ACEPESA)


### Costa Rica National Plastic Action Roadmap

Developed through close collaboration with government, industry, recyclers, academia, and civil society, the Costa Rica National Plastic Action Roadmap provides a comprehensive look at the country’s plastics ecosystem. It begins with a baseline analysis of current plastic consumption and waste management, offering a clear picture of today’s practices.This roadmap serves as a strategic tool to support evidence-based policymaking and accelerate Costa Rica’s transition toward a more sustainable, circular economy.

[Read the Executive Summary (Spanish)](https://weforum.box.com/s/tkzhy4bqdlabd2l2rsqwv4kqqtg0e9he)


### Plastic Pollution and Biodiversity in Costa Rica: Pathways for Environmental and Economic Resilience

This assessment identifies where plastic pollution poses the greatest risks to Costa Rica’s biodiversity, examines the systemic drivers behind the challenge, and sets out practical, evidence-based recommendations to reduce plastic pollution, halt biodiversity loss and strengthen environmental and economic resilience through circular economy solutions.

[Read here (Spanish)](https://www.globalplasticaction.org/case-study-details/biodiversidad-y-contaminaci%C3%B3n-por-pl%C3%A1sticos-en-costa-rica/aJYTG00000018l74AA#ids=aJYTG00000018oL4AQ%7C%7CaJYTG00000018mj4AA%7C%7CaJYTG00000018l74AA&topicsContext=a1Gb0000000pTDMEA2%7C%7Ca1Gb00000038oKCEAY%7C%7Ca1G0X0000057NQgUAM%7C%7Ca1Gb0000000LGk6EAG%7C%7Ca1G0X0000057N1IUAU%7C%7Ca1G0X0000057N18UAE%7C%7Ca1G0X0000057N0oUAE%7C%7Ca1G0X0000057N0jUAE%7C%7Ca1G0X0000057N0PUAU%7C%7Ca1G0X0000057N2UUAU%7C%7Ca1Gb0000001hXikEAE%7C%7Ca1G0X0000062jZ3UAI&itemIndex=2)


### Let's Connect

Do you work for a government, business, intergovernmental organization, or civil society? Join forces with GPAP to fast-track our collective progress towards a world free of plastic waste and pollution.

[Contact us](mailto:plasticaction@weforum.org)


## Cross-Sector Support


*Partner organizations and sponsors*


*Partner organizations and sponsors*


*Partner organizations and sponsors*