Accounting for the Costa Rican Oceans

Background and Objectives

A collaborative project with the Costa Rican government and non-government stakeholders aims to integrate the value of coastal and marine ecosystems into the planning of sustainable development of the ocean and coastal zone in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a long history of natural capital accounting on land, and Costa Rican institutions are globally recognised for their expertise in the field.

The 2023 Environmental Performance Report notes that, while Costa Rica has made significant strides in the collection and dissemination of environmental data, there are still gaps in ocean-related information needed for informed decision-making and public engagement.

By 2030, Costa Rica aims to establish its first comprehensive ocean account, as announced by Hon. Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica, during the High Level Event on Ocean Action: Immersed in Change on World Oceans Day 2024. Minister Franz Tattenbach reinforced Costa Rica’s ambition to develop national ocean accounts by 2030, stating that the objective of this project is to assess the ocean’s state, condition, and the ecosystem services it provides.

With a strong track record in natural capital accounting on land, Costa Rica is a global leader in environmental initiatives, such as the Payments for Environmental Services (PSA) forestry program. Now, with 92% of its territory being ocean, the country is striving to apply its expertise to marine and coastal areas.

The GOAP Secretariat looks forward to supporting Costa Rica’s ambition over the next four years and beyond.

Key initiative

As Co-Chair of UNOC 3, Costa Rica will be championing the development and implementation of ocean accounts—a crucial step toward understanding and managing the value of ocean ecosystems. Ocean accounts are a key feature of the UN Decade Programme for Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management and critical for fostering a sustainable and inclusive ocean-based economy.

Costa Rica is looking to invite like-minded countries to join a global movement towards ocean accounting. By committing to this effort through the Pledge to Advance Ocean Accounts towards 2030, countries will create a powerful coalition to protect and sustainably use the ocean.

Activities

September 2025 | Costa Rica finalises first Roadmap to Implement Ocean Accounts by 2030

Costa Rica finalised its first Roadmap for the Implementation of Ocean Accounts, developed through a multi-phase process and supported by GOAP Secretariat. The roadmap defines a strategic pathway toward implementing ocean accounts by 2030, with pilot work planned for both Pacific and Caribbean regions.

The document will be adopted by the Council for Environmental Accounts and integrated into Ministry of Planning Strategy, ensuring continuity beyond the administration change in February 2026.

11 June 2025 | Costa Rica Pavilion Workshop at UNOC 3 (Green Zone) | Nice, France

An interactive 3-hour workshop including policy-oriented training, Costa Rica’s roadmap, and live opportunities to sign The Joint Pledge to Advance Ocean Accounts by 2030.

10 June 2025 | Side Event at UNOC 3 (Blue Zone) | Nice, France

“Delivering on the 2030 Sustainable Ocean Economy: Pledge to Develop Ocean Accounts by 2030”. Co-hosted by Costa Rica, Portugal, and partners. A forum to showcase leadership, explore new commitments, and build international alliances.

24-27 March 2025 | Ocean Accounts Exchange: Building a Blueprint for Action | San José, Costa Rica

This three-day event convened over 100 government representatives, key international organisations, finance bodies, relevant NGOs and global leaders committed to ocean sustainable development from 28 countries.

During the event, The Joint Pledge to Advance Ocean Accounts by 2030 was developed. On the final day, the Pledge was signed by eight nations and one regional convention, while several more countries and organisations delivered strong statements of support for the initiative.

19-22 August 2024 | Workshop: Ocean Accounts in Costa Rica | San José, Costa Rica

In coordination with the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR), the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the Area de Conservación Guancaste (ACG) and Area de Conservación Tempisque (ACT), the GOAP Secretariat hosted the first Spanish-speaking ocean accounting in-person workshop, attended by >40 participants representing over 15 organisations.

Workshop highlights include:

• Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building through practical training
• Context mapping of current regulations, protocols and best practices
• Data Management and identifying information sources and gaps
• Identifying Priority Accounts for Costa Rica
• Communication and Awareness discussions

18 March 2024 | Seminar: Introduction to Ocean Accounts | Online

The GOAP Secretariat hosted the first Spanish-speaking ocean accounting seminar online, attended by 30 participants representing nearly 20 organisations across academia, NGOs and government.

Next steps

Costa Rica, as Co-Host of UNOC 3 (alongside France), is championing the development and implementation of ocean accounts. Costa Rica is working to engage interested countries and organisations to join a global movement towards ocean accounting by signing or supporting the Pledge to Advance Ocean Accounts by 2030.

Authors: Marianne Feoli, Maria G. Alarcon, Monica Navarro (country liaison), Philip James and Bella Charlesworth.