Lauded for its leadership in ecological preservation, Costa Rica has a full 25 percent of its territory under environmental protection. The coffee industry is tightly regulated, with rules prescribing that fully ripe cherries must be collected by hand and processed the same day. Mills also comply with strict regulations governing water usage and the composting of their cherry husks and mucilage. Costa Rica's exacting quality requirements and diverse microclimates contribute to a variety of high-quality specialty coffees that boast a rich diversity of flavors and characteristics — from high acidity to sweet chocolaty and malty flavors.