For its size, isolation, and state of conservation, Cocos Island constitutes one of the most privileged natural sites in the world. With an important endemism and a unique biological diversity, the island can be catalogued as a natural laboratory, ideal for conducting research about the evolution of the species and for long-term monitoring of the environment

The results of such research could provide important information about the dynamics of ecosystems on the planet and their relationship with global changes in the environments of the ocean and on land. This is why it is so important for humanity.


Considering these exceptional natural characteristics of this insular territory, in 1978 the government of Costa Rica created the Cocos Island National Park, which was later declared the center of a marine conservation area by the same name. For these reasons, in 1997, the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization declared it a World Heritage Site. Also, in 1998, it was declared to be a Wetlands of International Importance under the 1991 International Convention of Ramsar.

Coco´s Island declared Historical and Architectural Patrimony of Costa Rica

On October 11th, 2002, the Government of Costa Rica declared Coco´s Island a Historical and Architectonical Patrimony of Costa Rica.

Such declaration was due to the fact that Coco´s Island has a high historical and cultural value for the people of Costa Rica and the World, which developed since the 18th century through the arriving and permanence of human beings of various origins and for different purposes.

Inscriptions on rocks at Chatham and Wafer Bays, and other cultural vestiges of human activities, which are found on the island, serve as a historical testimony of an extraordinary value, worthy of being protected and preserved for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

The condition of the Coco´s Island as a World Heritage Site and as a National Park, compels the Government of Costa Rica to protect all these existing cultural and historical values.

This declaration prohibits the demolition or alteration of buildings or any other element of historical or cultural value on the island, at the same time outlawing the total or partial remodeling of them, without previous authorization of the Center of Research and Conservation of the Cultural Patrimony of the Secretary of Culture, Youth and Sports.