GCSE OCR B Geography - Topic 4: Samasati nature reserve

Where is the Samasati nature reserve?

- in Costa Rica

- in South America

How many tourists visit Costa Rica a year?

2 million

How much of the world biodiversity lives in Costa Rica?

6%

what happened in Costa Rica in the 1960s?

- rapid deforestation

- due to cattle ranching and agricultural development

How many hectares were cut down between 1970 and 1990?

- 32,000 hectares

-one of the highest rates in the world

What law was passed?

- it prevents deforestation

- gave landowners financial incentives to protect the forest

How many national parks/ nature reserves are there over Costa Rica?

- 28 national parks/nature reserves

- 24% of Costa Rica land is now protected

what does a typical ecotourism holiday look like?

- does not damage the environment

- a relatively small scale

- consults with local community about plans

- ensures that infrastructure improvements benefit local people + tourists

How was the accommodation built?

- with no heavy machinery

- only with colour that match the landscape

- buildings fit in between trees

Who do they employ?

only local people

where does the drinking water come from?

natural springs

Where did the timber come from?

an afforestation project in Costa Rica

what was done to reduce humidity?

buildings built on stilts - allows natural drainage

Whats done to minimise energy use?

using natural light and natural ventilation

What products are allowed?

only biodegradable ones - soap, shampoo, detergents

What are disadvantages of the Samasati nature reserve?

- wester cultures consumed - locals loose traditional ways

- visiters disturb flora and fauna

- fossil fuels used through travel

- profit making business

- expensive holiday - only accessible by wealthy people