Costa Rican wetlands vulnerability index
Published in Progress in Physical Geography, 2023
This paper presents a novel vulnerability index for Costa Rican wetlands, developed using comprehensive field data from the country’s National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). Costa Rica, which comprises approximately 6% of the world’s biodiversity, contains diverse wetland ecosystems ranging from coastal mangroves to highland páramo landscapes.
The research addresses a critical gap in wetland conservation by creating a systematic approach to assess vulnerability across 10,699 wetland polygons identified in the 2018 NWI. The methodology combines two key components: a Condition Index (CI) that evaluates the ecological status within wetlands, and a Hazard Index (HI) that assesses the impact of surrounding land uses and activities.
Key findings reveal that wetlands within protected areas have significantly better vulnerability scores (average VI = 0.717) compared to those outside protected areas (average VI = 0.52). The most vulnerable wetlands are concentrated along Costa Rica’s northern border with Nicaragua, in areas like Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, and in the Térraba-Sierpe National Wetland. Primary threats include drainage channels, livestock presence, agricultural encroachment, and infrastructure development.
The study employs advanced statistical methods including hierarchical cluster analysis and regression modeling to validate the vulnerability index construction. Results demonstrate that factors such as forest coverage, protected area status, and natural wetland formation are associated with lower vulnerability, while extensive livestock, agricultural activities, and artificial modifications increase vulnerability.
This work represents the first comprehensive, scientifically-based vulnerability assessment of Costa Rican wetlands since the country’s initial wetland inventory over 20 years ago. The methodology provides a replicable framework for evidence-based wetland management decisions and can be adapted for similar assessments in other tropical regions. The research directly supports Costa Rica’s conservation policies and contributes to understanding wetland dynamics in climate change hotspots.
Recommended citation: Veas-Ayala, N., Alfaro-Córdoba, M., & Quesada-Román, A. (2023). "Costa Rican wetlands vulnerability index." Progress in Physical Geography. 47(4), 521–540. DOI: 10.1177/03091333221134189
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