Ecotourism in Costa Rica
It is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with half a million different species and 800 species of birds. It is home to many endangered species, including the Skarlet Macaw.
It is home to 6% of the world’s biodiversity.
It is a peaceful country making it attractive to tourists.
It is a poor but stable country and aim to be the first carbon neutral country.
They have around 2 million tourists per year
In the 1980s they lost 2/3 of the forests but have doubled in size by now.
Afforestation is one of the cheapest ways to attack climate change, and taking CO2 out of the air.
Costa Rica is renowned for its environmental conservation efforts.
Costa Rica is located in Central America and borders Nicaragua and Panama.
What is Ecotourism?
Ecotourism is tourism in natural surroundings to reduce the impact on the environment + support conservation efforts.
How is Ecotourism sustainable?
Aims to create local employment opportunities whilst conserving the natural environment.
Consults with the local community about planned developments.
Ensures that infrastructure developments are beneficial to locals as well as tourists.
Ecotourism activities - minimal impact on environment
bird watching
canopy exploration
horseback riding
sea + river kayaking
walking + hiking
white water rafting
yoga + meditation
A method of ecotourism at Monteverde
Careful management of the entrance is a vital method of ecotourism. The local community intentionally leaves roads unpaved. This means that access into Monteverde is reduced, which in turn reduces the number of vehicles entering Monteverde.
Tourists are then given specific trails and paths to walk on. This reduces damage to the local environment as the paths don’t cover the whole forest. this allows wildlife to thrive elsewhere undisturbed. There are also posters around the park describing the do’s and don’ts of the area. (don’t use flash photography)
Accommodation attempts to minimise the impact of tourism
Not using heavy machinery in the construction of accommodations reduces the amount of noise pollution.
Timber used in housing comes from afforestation projects in Costa Rica, which reduces deforestation.
Colours of buildings are made to blend in with the environment, so wildlife already inhabiting the area will not be disrupted or forced to migrate due to harsh colours.
Natural light and ventilation to minimise energy use reduces the amount of light pollution harming the surrounding environment.
Biodegradable soap, detergents, and shampoos are used to reduce the risk of harm to the environment.
Successes of Ecotourism in Costa Rica
has minimal impact on the environment, whilst Monteverde still attracts 250,000 tourists annually. This is vital to the local economy.
the harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife
the tourism industry could have a detrimental effect on the economy of Costa Rica if visitors are no longer attracted to the country.
Negatives of Ecotourism in Costa Rica
increasing the number of tourists has encouraged more accommodation and facilities to be built. As a result this causes loss of land and forest.
Even though hotels and lodges are built so that they are eco-friendly there is still inevitably environmental damage.
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