Costa Rica is renowned for its breathtaking national parks , not to mention that some of the best things to see and do there often have a nature focus.
Therefore it comes as no surprise that the Central American country strives to protect its spectacular landscapes.
Now, its efforts have seen it become the UN Champion of the Earth for 2019.
The country picked up the accolade in the policy leadership category for its role in protecting the natural landscape, as well as its commitment to combating climate change.
There's no denying that Costa Rica boasts some impressive eco-friendly credentials.
For a start, it recently submitted a detailed plan earlier this year to de-carbonise its economy by 2050, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the UN’s’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The aim? Achieve net zero emissions by 2050, so it won't produce more emissions than it can offset through actions such as maintaining and expanding its forests.
With a population of around five million people, the country produces only 0.4 per cent of global emissions.
Other aims include achieving 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030, with 70 per cent of buses and taxi expected to be electric by the same year.
Meanwhile the country's tourism board says that more than 95 per cent of Costa Rica's energy is renewable. In fact, in 2017 the country ran for a record 300 days solely on renewable power.
As for those picture-perfect lush green landscapes? Forest cover currently stands at more than 50 per cent thanks to the country's efforts to reverse decades of deforestation.
"Costa Rica has been a pioneer in the protection of peace and nature and sets an example for the region and for the world.
"Climate change demands urgent and transformative action from all of us. With its ambitious plans to decarbonise the economy, Costa Rica is rising to that challenge.
"Global emissions are reaching record levels and we must act now to move to cleaner, more resilient economies. Cutting emissions is key and it is thrilling to see Costa Rica take such decisive steps in this direction."
You can find out more on the Visit Costa Rica website .