By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – As the holiday season approaches, Costa Rican authorities are issuing a stern warning to both consumers and vendors: the seemingly harmless tradition of decorating nativity scenes with natural moss and lichens could result in significant financial penalties. The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), through its National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), has launched a campaign to curb the illegal extraction and sale of these vital ecological resources.
The operation targets a thriving black market that emerges each year, supplying materials for traditional Christmas “portales,” or nativity scenes. While many participants may be unaware of the legal and environmental ramifications, the government is making it clear that ignorance will not be an accepted excuse. Under the nation’s Law of Conservation of Wildlife, any individual caught commercializing or even purchasing moss or specific types of lichen without the proper permits faces severe sanctions.
To better understand the legal framework and the serious consequences associated with the illegal extraction of moss and other forest products, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who sheds light on the penalties faced by those involved in this environmentally damaging trade.
The extraction of moss is not a minor infraction; it is an environmental crime typified under our Forestry Law. Those caught participating in this illegal trade face not only significant financial penalties but also potential prison sentences. This activity directly harms our nation’s delicate ecosystems, affecting water retention and biodiversity. The law is clear in its intent to protect these vital natural resources, and enforcement is becoming increasingly strict to deter this destructive practice.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal framework detailed by Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas serves as a powerful reminder that this is not a minor issue but a significant environmental crime with severe consequences. We thank him for his invaluable perspective, which underscores the legal and ecological importance of protecting Costa Rica’s delicate natural resources.
The core of the issue lies in the critical role these humble organisms play in Costa Rica’s world-renowned ecosystems. They are not merely decorative plants; they are foundational components of forest health. Officials emphasize that their indiscriminate removal disrupts delicate natural balances, leading to long-term environmental damage that far outweighs their temporary aesthetic value.
In a formal statement, the head of SINAC’s enforcement division detailed the ecological necessity of protecting these species, which are often mistakenly seen as abundant and inconsequential.
Moss is an important element of our ecosystems, as it captures water from the environment to keep the forests moist and releases it slowly, which helps to reduce soil erosion and aids in seed germination; it is also a microsystem where other species of plants and insects live.
Yeimy Cedeño, Head of the Department of Prevention, Protection, and Control of SINAC
To help the public distinguish between legal and illegal products, authorities have provided specific guidelines. The only legally commercialized material is “lana de potrero,” a type of pasture lichen easily identified by its characteristic green color, which must be harvested under a government-issued permit. Any other lichens—particularly those that are white, reddish, or yellowish, or those found hanging from trees and rocks like “barba de viejo” (old man’s beard)—are strictly prohibited from collection and sale, along with all types of forest moss.
This enforcement push creates a potential financial risk for small-scale vendors who rely on the holiday season for income, as well as for the consumers who purchase from them. The government’s campaign is not only punitive but also educational, aiming to shift consumer behavior toward more sustainable options. MINAE and SINAC are actively encouraging the public to adopt alternative materials for their decorations, such as colored sawdust, sand, or other reusable craft supplies that do not harm the environment.
The economic impact of the illegal trade is twofold. It represents an unregulated market that undermines legitimate, sustainable businesses while also creating future costs associated with environmental degradation, such as increased soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. By cracking down, the government aims to protect the natural capital that underpins much of the country’s “green” brand and tourism-driven economy.
To support this initiative, citizens are urged to become active participants in conservation. Authorities have established clear channels for reporting the illegal extraction, transport, or sale of these protected natural resources. The public can file a confidential report by calling the national hotline at 1192 or by using the digital platform SITADA at www.sitada.go.cr, helping enforcement agencies to pinpoint and dismantle illicit operations.
For further information, visit minae.go.cr
About Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE):
The Ministry of Environment and Energy is the Costa Rican government body responsible for managing the nation’s natural resources, dictating environmental policy, and promoting sustainable development. It oversees a wide range of areas including conservation, energy production, water management, and climate change mitigation, playing a central role in maintaining Costa Rica’s reputation as a global leader in environmental stewardship.
For further information, visit sinac.go.cr
About National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC):
The National System of Conservation Areas is a department within MINAE tasked with the direct management and administration of Costa Rica’s protected wildlands. This includes national parks, biological reserves, and wildlife refuges. SINAC is responsible for enforcing environmental laws, overseeing biodiversity conservation programs, and ensuring the sustainable use of the country’s vast natural heritage.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and an unwavering pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers modern legal strategies while advising a wide spectrum of clients, reflecting its deep experience. At the heart of its mission is a dedicated effort to democratize legal understanding, believing that empowering citizens with knowledge is essential to fostering a just and well-informed society.
