Every June 15, Costa Rica celebrates Arbor Day ; a celebration that seeks to remind all citizens of the importance of protecting and caring for forests, because they are the trees that transform carbon dioxide, minimize the risks of flooding and, furthermore, prevent soil erosion.
Here we tell you why this day is celebrated and how it was born in Costa Rica.
Origin of Arbor Day in Costa Rica
Arbor Day is celebrated thanks to the president of that time, Alfredo González , who established this event through Executive Decree No. 14 of May 25, 1915. Thanks to the vision and performance of characters like Don Alfredo, our Costa Rican society It has stood out for having an outstanding environmental performance in relation to other countries in the region and the world. In fact, this act is considered one of the first environmental laws in the country.
Arbor Day is also a date to celebrate, protect and conserve Guanacaste , declared as the National Tree of Costa Rica , by decree No. 7 of August 31, 1959 during the administration of the government of Mario Echandi Jiménez.
During the celebration of Arbor Day in Costa Rica , every June 15 , it is a tradition that municipal authorities dedicate this day to plant trees with the help of citizens in order to curb the effects of the climate emergency and raise awareness among Costa Ricans and everyone on the indiscriminate felling of our forests.