Costa Rica may be one of the smallest countries on the planet - but it's the world leader when it comes to climate action. The small, South American country has single-handedly stopped and reversed deforestation within its borders, and, despite its size, aims to be completely carbon neutral by the year 2050. Now, it's joined together with other South American nations to protect the marine regions that surround it, with the creation of a new “mega" Marine Protected Area - which aims to protect both the wildlife and seas from pollution, erosion and the effects of Climate Change. Signed by four nations, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia and Costa Rica, the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR) initiative, will create a fishing-free corridor comprised of 500,000 sq km (200,000 sq miles). This, in a region that is vital for the migration of many endangered species, such as Manta Rays, Sea Turtles, and Sharks will protect the oceans from overfishing, pollution and other harmful practices that threaten the vast swathes of Marine life which call it home. Ecuadorian Environmental Minister Gustavo Manrique had this to say about the initiative: “This is the new language of global conservation. Never have countries with connecting maritime borders joined together to create a public policy.” It's exciting to see collaboration not just in the global community, but between neighbouring nations with specific crises. We hope this new agreement paves a pathway for many other neighbouring nations to look to their own, unique climate issues and collaborative and constructively find pathways together that give their lands, wildlife, and peoples a brighter future. You can here more about the story (in Spanish) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bde2lPzHFQs And read an article on the deal here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/02/four-latin-american-countries-join-protected-marine-reserves-to-create-mega-mpa