The Paradox of Ecotourism in Costa Rica: Can Economic Development and Environmental Preservation Co-Exist?

Abstract

One of the most devastating threats to the planet today is the degradation of the environment. Such problems are compounded by a second reality facing most societies: the questions concerning the best strategies to increase wealth and to alleviate poverty. Biologists, economists, elected officials, conservationists, business leaders, and academics all seek innovative responses to such challenges. For some societies, ecotourism has emerged as a novel option, with the potential both to preserve local wildlife and virgin rainforests and provide a critical source of economic development. Costa Rica is a country with tremendous natural resources similar to many countries in Central America; however, those resources of Costa Rica and throughout the world are threatened not only by deforestation by private industry but by the very tourists who desire to take pleasure in them and the governments which fail to regulate them. Ecotourism has emerged as a vital economic strategy for Costa Rica, yet the environment on which Costa Rica sustains itself may be eroding from the added pressures placed on it because of increased traffic. Many options are available to counter such degradation to ensure long-term sustainability, yet officials must be financially and physically willing to initiate new programs and implement regulations on those programs already in place. Using our observations and interviews which incorporate a series of comparative case studies in order to provide a backdrop, this study looks at challenges and opportunities regarding ecotourism in Costa Rica. Ultimately, Costa Rica’s model for ecotourism may be used on an international scale in seeking ways to address the interdependent nature of two vital issues: the need simultaneously to reduce environmental degradation and increase the creation of new wealth in developing societies.