The Chicago Tribune reports that Costa Rica has provisionally approved a country-wide ban on sport hunting making it the first Latin American country to ban hunting as a sport.
Lawmakers voting on the ban succeeded in passing the measure with an overwhelming majority of 41 in favor of the hunting ban and 5 against.
The provision has been cited as a further measure to help preserve the amazing biodiversity of Costa Rica. The country has long been known as a ecotourism hot spot, and wildlife related tourism comprises a substantial amount of Costa Rica's economy, generating of $2.1 billion annually for the small Latin American country. Over 300,000 visitors flock to Costa Rica's National Parks every year.
This step further elevates Costa Rica as a forward-thinking nation that is taking measures to protect the diversity of species found in this amazing region of the globe, rather than encouraging consumptive activities. Jaguars, pumas and sea turtles are among the species expected to benefit from the hunting ban as these species are often hunted or stolen as trophies.
