First Name:
Kaitland
Last Name:
Finkle
Major Department:
Geography & Planning
Thesis Director:
Terence Milstead
Date of Thesis:
May 2012
Up until recently, environmentally destructive occupations were the dominant economic provider in Costa Rica. By identifying the history of land use practices, it is clear why the rate of deforestation that resulted was so drastic. Fortunately, since the rise of ecotourism in the early 1990s, deforestation has slowed. Ecotourism, when done effectively, not only provides locals with economic incentives, but also provides cultural preservation to a community. By gathering information through a literature review, background information was obtained. Additionally, further analysis and comparison was completed regarding a specific case study. The study looked at how ecotourism affects both conservation and community development practices in La Gamba, Cerro de Oro, Los Planes and Agujitas. An additional research component came out of observation obtained while visiting the area. The case studies as well as on site observation showed the current role ecotourism plays in development. Specific themes were identified that were prevalent across the literature. The two largest themes regarded economic development and community development. Economic development does not inherently include a focus on community development. A focus on financial gains can lead to negative impacts on the social conditions in the community. By instead applying community development techniques, of which economic development should be included, the local results of ecotourism on a community may be improved.