Tortuguero National Park is the only protected area in the Costar Rican system that does not have road access.
The park, as well as the nearby towns can only be accessed by water or air. It can be assumed that due to the
lack of cars and trucks the area maintains a pristine environment that can absorb CO2 from other areas helping
Costa Rica achieve carbon neutrality by 2021.
This study demonstrates that large amounts of CO2 are being introduced into the area affecting not only the
air but also the water due to the volatile organic compounds produced by boat motors. The current behavior of
boat operators increases the amount of pollutants being introduced into the system as well as increasing the costs
of boat operation.
The main entrance is being affected by a high concentration of boats operating at low speeds or idling in a
small area. It is recommended that the boats be turned off while at the dock and a no idling zone be created in
this area.
Additional studies should be done focusing on the effects of volatile organic compounds on the ecosystem of
the park and if solar powered engines are practical solutions to this problem. It is important that another study be
done during the high season; this would provide a more complete annual base data.