La Costa Rica: the "Rich Coast"

Belying its name, La Costa Rica (the rich coast), the Spanish found the country far from rich with no minerals and no gold compared to Peru or Mexico.  About 50 years ago, however, Costa Rica developed its edge, cornering the regional eco-tourism market for which its flora, fauna, and topography make it uniquely endowed.

Green Revolution: Eco-Tourism Boom

Well into the 20th century, clearing the jungle was considered the best way to improve the land. It wasn't until the 1970s (when oversupply caused world coffee prices to drop) that an alliance of economists and environmental conservationists decided it was time to diversify exports and stop relying on the unpredictability of commodity markets.  The eco-tourism boom or "green revolution" was born! 

The first federally protected conservation area was set up in 1963.  Since then, the success of national parks, forest preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries has encouraged private landholders to also build reserves. More than a third of the country is now under some form of environmental protection. Eco-tourism has long since passed coffee and bananas as the main source of foreign currency earnings.

Many Micro Environments

Costa Rica's special topography creates many micro environments. A quarter of the country survives in its original (wild) state: primary habitat untouched by humans. There are rain forests, cloud forests, dry tropical forests, wetlands and savannahs, as well as a central meseta (plateau), active volcanoes, and miles of pristine beaches along the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic to the east. 

As Central American countries go, Costa Rica is tiny (less than 20,000 square miles) but its level of biodiversity (about 5 percent of the world total) is unmatched by any other small nation.

Concerns for Sustainable Tourism

Tourism profits have (for the most part) raised living standards and Costa Rica is considered a pioneer in sustainable development combining economic and environmental interests. However, foreign capital (mostly from resort developers) has inflated property values and displaced many local people.

The success of the "green revolution" also creates concerns for sustainable tourism.  The increasing number of visitors leads to more hotels, more roads, and more transportation, placing unusual stress on fragile ecosystems. How long can the rainforest sustain human encroachment?  In the years ahead, planners must balance these concerns against the need for development.

Blogs on Costa Rica 

This is the first of my blogs on Costa Rica. Enjoy! Pura Vida!

Ludi Joseph
Photos and Text from my iPad
Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica, Feb. 15, 2015

Lake Arenal

Rain Forest

Poas Volcano

La Paz Waterfall

Pacific Ocean at Tamarindo

Cloud Forest 

Map by Google