Planning and development of Costa Rica water resources: current status and perspectives

摘要: This article describes the current status of water resources availability and demand in Costa Rica as well evolution legal institutional framework planning management this valuable natural resource. Rica, its 51 100 km2 area, contains 34 national watersheds. The Caribbean slope equal to 46,4% country, while Pacific 53,6%. also has 34,3% territory two transboundary basins; Rio San Juan with Nicaragua Sixaola Panama. There are 12 hydroelectrical reservoirs which total 95 area 217 bodies 40,5 area. nationwide average annual balance for period 1970-2002 is: 3297 mm rainfall, 2215 runoff 996 evapotranspiration.  It is estimated that potential supply equivalent 113 km3 2005 per capita’s Water Availability equals 26 221 m3/person/year. groundwater usable volume be 11 water, resulting a sustainable flow 350 m3 /s.  2005, withdrawals various uses totaled about 22 or 20% available water. power generation accounted 72% total, followed by agriculture 21,2%. use human consumption, tourism, industry agribusiness 6,8% removal 88% comes from sources, highlighting strategic importance protection exploitation aquifers country. projections 2020 all will reach 37,87 km3, more than 33% major problems associated absence single institution full responsibility law obsolete. Hence it urgent adopt new modern vision drive reorganization sector, redefine tariff scheme fund research, development resource conservation. Without tool, country’s continue overexploited, creating imbalances conflicts between social productive sectors, increasing vulnerability pollution, overused public health risks.