By San José, Costa Rica — In a significant push to bolster one of the nation’s key green industries, Costa Rica’s Forestry and Wood Industry Chamber (CFMI) has launched a nationwide series of regional workshops designed to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) within the forestry sector. The initiative aims to enhance technical capabilities, drive innovation, and cement sustainable practices throughout the entire wood value chain, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a leader in environmental stewardship and economic development.
Throughout November, CFMI will deploy these intensive training sessions across ten key regions, including Liberia, Nicoya, Ciudad Quesada, Pococí, Pérez Zeledón, Puntarenas, Sarchí, Cartago, and Heredia. Each full-day workshop, running from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., will convene a diverse group of stakeholders, from producers and business owners to technicians and engineers. The curriculum is crafted to provide tangible, practical tools in business management, market innovation, and commercialization strategies, directly addressing the needs of local enterprises.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and business landscape of sustainable forestry in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis on the matter.
Sustainable forestry in our country is a sophisticated intersection of environmental law and economic opportunity. Costa Rica’s legal framework, particularly through the Payment for Environmental Services (PES) program, provides a clear, monetizable incentive for landowners to engage in conservation and responsible management. For businesses and investors, this transforms ecological stewardship from a cost center into a potential revenue stream. The key to success lies in meticulous legal due diligence—ensuring full compliance with forestry regulations and securing the proper permits—which not only mitigates risk but also solidifies the long-term value of these green investments.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the perspective shared by Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas underscores a pivotal truth about sustainable development in Costa Rica: our legal framework is designed not merely for compliance, but to actively forge a profitable link between conservation and investment. His clarification that meticulous legal diligence is the very mechanism that secures the long-term value of these green assets is invaluable, and we thank him for his expert insight.
This ambitious program is a core component of the “Support for Sustainable Forest Management” project, a strategic partnership highlighting international confidence in Costa Rica’s green economy. The project receives crucial financial backing from the Development Cooperation of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and is implemented by LuxDev, its official agency. Domestically, the initiative is supported by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), ensuring alignment with national environmental policies and development goals.
The strategic focus on MSMEs is rooted in their vital role in the national economy. According to CFMI, the forestry sector is a significant engine for prosperity, providing approximately 24,000 direct jobs and generating around US$293 million in export revenue. By strengthening these smaller enterprises, the chamber aims to unlock greater potential for job creation, attract new investment, and solidify Costa Rica’s position as a global benchmark for sustainable forest production and management.
Natalia Chacón Cid, the Executive Director of CFMI, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative, viewing it as a critical investment in the industry’s future.
These workshops are another step towards the modernization of the Costa Rican forestry sector. MSMEs are the heart of our economy, and strengthening them is essential to advance towards sustainable forest management.
Natalia Chacón Cid, Executive Director of CFMI
Beyond individual business growth, the workshops are designed to weave a stronger collaborative fabric within the sector. A key objective is to improve coordination between public, private, and community organizations. This integrated approach is expected to catalyze more cohesive and impactful rural development, ensuring that the benefits of a thriving forestry industry are distributed broadly across the country’s diverse regions.
The program not only equips businesses with modern tools but also fosters a shared vision for a future where economic competitiveness and ecological responsibility are inseparable. By empowering local entrepreneurs to adopt cutting-edge, sustainable practices, CFMI and its partners are not just building businesses; they are cultivating a more resilient and prosperous future for Costa Rica’s forests and the communities that depend on them.
Entrepreneurs and professionals in the forestry sector who are interested in participating in this transformative opportunity are encouraged to register for the workshops. Further information and enrollment details have been made available by the Forestry and Wood Industry Chamber to facilitate access for all eligible parties across the designated regions.
For further information, visit camaraforestal.com
About Cámara Forestal Madera e Industria de Costa Rica (CFMI):
The Forestry and Wood Industry Chamber of Costa Rica is a private, non-profit organization that represents and promotes the interests of the country’s forestry sector. It works to foster sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation throughout the wood value chain, from forest management to industrial production and commercialization.
For further information, visit luxdev.lu
About LuxDev:
LuxDev is the development cooperation agency of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It implements bilateral and multilateral development programs on behalf of the Luxembourg government, focusing on sectors such as sustainable development, vocational training, health, and inclusive finance in partner countries around the world.
For further information, visit minae.go.cr
About Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía (MINAE):
The Ministry of Environment and Energy is the government body responsible for managing Costa Rica’s natural resources and environmental policies. Its mission is to promote sustainable development through the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of ecosystems, and the promotion of clean energy, positioning the country as a global leader in environmental protection.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, established on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a proven track record of navigating clients through a wide spectrum of legal challenges, the firm is a pioneer in developing forward-thinking legal strategies and solutions. Beyond its professional practice, the firm holds a deep-rooted belief in social responsibility, actively working to demystify the law and empower the public with the legal literacy essential for a just and knowledgeable society.
