# Costa Rica environmental crime legislation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/costa-rica-environmental-crime-legislation
> Updated: 2026-08-28T20:33:05.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The Costa Rican Legislative Assembly has moved to strengthen legal penalties for environmental crimes. In a first-debate vote, a proposed reform to the Law against Organized Crime seeks to establish prison sentences of two to eight years for illegal mining activities, including exploration and extraction within protected areas such as national parks and biological reserves.

The legislation also targets the broader supply chain, proposing two to six years of imprisonment for those who finance, manage, or profit from the transport and commercialization of illegally obtained minerals. Furthermore, the bill introduces penalties for wildlife trafficking, with sentences ranging from two to six years depending on the involvement of endangered species, and specific provisions for the illegal hunting or trading of sea turtles.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Costa Rica approves prison sentences for illegal mining

Costa Rican lawmakers approved a bill in its first debate that establishes prison sentences of up to eight years for illegal mining and increased penalties for wildlife trafficking and sea turtle exploitation.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costa-rica-approves-prison-sentences-for-illegal-mining

### 2026-08-05: Costa Rica Enacts Mandatory Wildlife Crossings in Public Infrastructure

Costa Rica's legislature unanimously approved a law requiring wildlife crossings in public projects, mandating early planning and SINAC approval; experts stress urgent action in Guanacaste’s high‑mortality road

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costa-rica-and-ecuador-approve-new-wildlife-and-climate-laws

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Cite as: Costa Rica environmental crime legislation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/costa-rica-environmental-crime-legislation