New guidebook on forest permits supports sustainable tropical forestry in Costa Rica

San Carlos, 2 October 2025 - Authorities in Costa Rica, with the support of an ITTO project, have launched a guidebook to ease the processes of applications for and issuance of forestry permits, intended to develop the local timber sector and counter deforestation in the north of the country.

The publication has been produced by the Forestry Development Commission Association of San Carlos (CODEFORSA), Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), and the Conservation Area of Arenal Huertar Norte (ACAHN).

It is an output of the ITTO project PD931/23 (F) “Promoting sustainable forest management and local wood consumption through capacity building and improved regulations in the North Zone, Costa Rica” and funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea.

“Realizing the value of sustainable timber is key to keeping tropical forests standing,” says Jose Alberto Villalobos Quirós, Project Coordinator. “The new guide is an important step in enabling smallholders and other forest operators to benefit from not converting forested land to other uses.”

The guidebook lays out the steps and requirements for obtaining various types of forest-related approvals from the four sub-regional offices of ACAHN, an administrative area managed by SINAC for the purpose of conservation in northern Costa Rica, where most of the country’s timber is produced.

It was formulated to serve as a reference document for officials responsible for approving forest management plans and harvesting permits as well as for forest holders, forest rangers and forestry science professionals.

The guidance covers topics including smallholder permits, forest inventories, management of primary and secondary forests, certificates of origin, transportation of timber, and registration of forest industries.

Implemented by CODEFORSA, the wider ITTO project aims to counter deforestation in northern Costa Rica by supporting the income of forest owners, including by extending knowledge and application of sustainable forest management practices, strengthening regulations, and stimulating local demand for timber.

“ITTO’s mission is to build the capacities of our member countries to address evolving forest challenges by channelling support where it is needed most. This guidebook in Costa Rica is a clear example of how targeted international cooperation can strengthen governance, empower local stakeholders and advance sustainable forest management whilst enriching livelihoods”, stated ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru. “We are grateful to the Government of Korea for its support on this valuable project”.

The guidebook is available in Spanish here.