ecotourism

What is Ecotourism and how to support it

Ecotourism (ecological tourism) is a prominent phrase nearly every promotional brochure or web site dealing with tropical destinations, yet many of the grandest promoters of ecotourism may be its least responsible representatives.

The basic principle of ecotourism is that by visiting an area with a unique ecosystem, and spending money there, you will help to preserve that ecosystem. Below are some points to consider, and some suggestions on what you can do to make your visit count towards preservation.

How ecotourism can work.

Ecotourism can only contribute to the protection of endangered ecosystems if the ecosystems are more valuable in their natural condition than in their developed condition.
- local inhabitants generally want to develop land for agricultural and ranching applications, or sell the land to developers in order to improve their financial lot. Ecotourism must be financially attractive to be a viable alternative.
- multinational resorts generally want to save enough of the environment that their clients can spend an afternoon in the "rainforest" then retire to the golf course, pool, disco or gift shop. This can be consistent with the goals of ecotourism if enough of the money generated by the resort stays local.
- extraction interests generally want to remove something of value (trees, minerals or petroleum) at the lowest possible cost, then leave. It is very difficult to achieve these goals in a manner that is consistent with successful ecotourism or preservation.
Undeveloped land is usually controlled by the local inhabitants, or the government which purports to represent the local inhabitants.
- if the locals could make money by preserving the ecosystem, they would. No one wants to live next to an empty lot that has been stripped of its value, when the alternative is paradise that is perpetually productive.
- if the Costa Rican government can simultaneously profit and preserve the environment, it will. There is significant national and international pressure to be ecologically aware.
- ecotourism can only provide the financial incentive to preserve the environment if money stays in the local community, or at least in the country. If the money that tourists spend getting to, staying in or near, and experiencing a Costa Rican national park ends up in the pockets of a US or European resort corporation, local pressure to convert the park to something locally profitable will rise.

Make your visit count to preserve Costa Rica's unique ecosystems

Rainforest ecosystems require large areas of undisturbed land to preserve their incredible diversity. This makes preservation quite expensive in terms of lost revenue from other sources, so it is essential that you try to spend your money in ways that will keep it in the country.
- Think about where your money is going if you patronize foreign owned and operated resorts and restaurant chains: Out of the US$300 or more that a couple might spend in a day at a luxury resort, only a few dollars will benefit the local economy. The wages for waiters, busboys, drivers, maids, groundskeepers, cooks, and bartenders are around two dollars an hour. Guides, desk-clerks and accountants might make a little more. Another few dollars leaks into the local economy for the purchase of fruits and vegetables, but far more goes to imported wines and food. By far the majority of money spent at luxury resorts goes to service the debt (foreign held) for the purchase of the property and construction of the resort, to profits for the owners or investors (foreigners), and for large salaries for foreign administrators. All of this money heads across the border without benefiting the locals or Costa Rica as a whole.
- Patronize locally owned businesses: This includes, but is not limited to, businesses that are owned by Ticos. There are many people from all over the world who live in Costa Rica and run hotels, restaurants, and shops. A large percentage of the money spent at such businesses will benefit the local economy. The profits will be spent within Costa Rica, by people who live in Costa Rica, instead of exported.
- Tell people how you are spending your money, and why you are spending it that way: It is important that the people of Costa Rica know that tourists want to see areas in their natural state. Mining, logging and development interests spend billions of dollars every year publicizing and trying to popularize views that are in their best interest.
- Consider making a donation directly to a park, wildlife refuge, research station, botanical garden or other organization: Your money will have the largest impact if you give it to the people you are trying to support.
It is important that you are aware of the impact you are having on the environment.
- Follow the rules: Ecotourism damages the environment. It just damages the environment less than logging, conventional agriculture or building a resort. In order to minimize your impact, stay on established trails, don't drive off-road, stay out of closed areas etc.
- Sometimes it is more important that you don't see the wildlife: Seeing sea turtles nest on the beaches of Costa Rica is a moving experience, but the flash from your camera or glare of a video recording light can turn the turtles back to sea without ever depositing their eggs. Please use experienced guides and follow their recommendations.