The Central Bank of Costa Rica published updated environmental accounts for forests, water and material flows, showing that the country’s forests remained a net carbon sink in 2013–2023 and that the carbon stored in them was valued at an average of about USD 10.89 billion, equivalent to 17% of GDP. Forest cover stayed close to 60% of national territory and net forest loss was below 1%. The release also updates water data for 2022 and material flow data through 2025. Carbon retained in forests increased by about 9.8 million tonnes over the period, concentrated in humid and very humid forests. The water account shows a mixed sectoral pattern in 2022, with extraction rising in manufacturing and construction by 25.6%, hydroelectric generation by 8.2% and agriculture by 1.4%, but falling in services by 16.8% and water supply by 19.1%. Surface water remained the main source at 71% of total extraction, operators’ physical losses fell to 58.0% from 66.8% in 2021, and the average water price rose 3.0% to CRC 678 per cubic metre. The material flow account shows domestic extraction of 43.1 million tonnes in 2025, led by biomass and non-metallic minerals, while imports rose to 12.1 million tonnes from 9.2 million in 2014 and the physical trade balance tripled to 3.53 million tonnes, confirming Costa Rica as a net importer of materials.
Central Bank of Costa Rica2026-06-05
Central Bank of Costa Rica updates environmental accounts with forest carbon stocks valued at USD 10.89 billion and higher material imports
The Central Bank of Costa Rica published updated environmental accounts for forests, water and material flows, confirming that forests remained a net carbon sink in 2013–2023 with stored carbon valued at about USD 10.89 billion, or 17% of GDP, and forest cover near 60% of national territory. The water account for 2022 shows higher extraction in manufacturing, construction, hydroelectric generation and agriculture, with surface water providing 71% of total extraction and operators’ physical losses falling to 58.0%. The material flow account reports domestic extraction of 43.1 million tonnes in 2025, rising imports to 12.1 million tonnes and a tripled physical trade balance of 3.53 million tonnes, confirming Costa Rica as a net importer of materials.