Tropical Rainforest - Sustainable Management Case Study - Samasati resort - Costa Rica

Ecotourism

Tourism which minimises damage to the environment and promotes it's protection as well as including local communities

Where?

Samasati Retreat, Costa Rica, Central America

Evaluation (Positive)

Business based on the environment so creates an economic incentive to protect it
Timber from fallen trees used in constructing the resort so no deforestation and no heavy machinery minimising damage
Buildings sit between trees therefore limited disruption to natural environment
Sustainable energy and water from solar panels and rainwater collection
Local people employed so gives them an income and improves their quality of life in a way that is not damaging to environment
Promotes environmental education/ awareness
Tourists pay entrance fees which generates an income that can be invested back into conservation

Evaluation (Negative)

Expensive and niche - only a small minority of people can afford or would want to experience an ecotourism holiday
Environmental damage because many tourists will fly!
Tourists disturb still the environment to a degree
Small scale means impact positive is also limited in scale