Development of an Environmental Conscience: A Conservation History of Costa Rica

Abstract

Costa Rica proves to be an exemplary case study for the development of a national environmental conscience. This thesis examines what such a conscience entails, how it developed historically, hew it was tested and challenged, and finally hew it is manifested in society today. Conservation is the yardstick by which this environmental conscience can be measured in Costa Rica. Research for this paper concentrated specifically on land use patterns—from the beginnings of the agricultural era to the contemporary experience of protecting lands through national forests, parks, and biological reserves. The result is that fully one quarter of Costa Rican territory now is protected in one form or another. Hew this occurred against economic pressures to develop is analyzed herein. Likewise, that much of the history of these conservation successes occurred during a time of great economic crisis fueled both curiosity and interest in investigating this Costa Rican conservationist model. Tb accomplish this goal meant studying as much pertinent literature in the field as possible (especially the works written by those most personally involved in this area), meeting with seme of these individuals to discuss their views, and visiting on site some of the agencies (both governmental and private) that play a role in Costa Rican conservation issues. The end product is this thesis which attempts to fuse these elements together to show the development of an environmental conscience through the country's history of conservation.