Ecotourism in CR

Ecotourism is a broad term for activitites had by many tourists into CR. Activities can range from a day trip to a wildlife preserve to a week camping in a rainforest. Because ecotourism can encompass such a wide variety of activities, the potential for corruption and deception in the form of the greenwashing is considerable. In all, ecotourism can help protect a delicate ecosystem while providing economic benefits to locals.

While many Third World nations are focusing on rapid industrialization and urbanization, Costa Rica has turned to ecotourism as its key to economic development. Although only being about the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica has incredible biodiversity with scenic beaches, lush rain forest, impressive volcanoes, and exotic wildlife. CR´s diverse flora and fauna are protected in several national parks, covering almost a quarter of the country's territory. Costa Rica has since been able to distinguish itself from the rest of Central America, and its political stability, strong democratic institutions, and low violent crime rates are the nation's most important selling points to tourists.

Developing countries face tough choices in the race to join the modernized world and frequently environmental resources are seen more as tools of progress than treasures to be guarded. However, as Costa Rica's ecotourism industry has proven, conservation and economic growth can go hand in hand. The overhead costs of training, infrastructure development, and promotion can be a burden on poor nations, and the risks can be considerable; but the growth potential and environmental benefits of ecotourism make the investment worth the while in the long run.