Relationship between Protected Areas and Neighboring Communities: A Case Study from Costa Rica
Open Access
Author:
Montopoli, Lina Allegra
Area of Honors:
Community, Environment, and Development
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Ruth Marie Mendum, Thesis Supervisor Theodore Roberts Alter, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Costa Rica protected areas community development participatory approach
Abstract:
The relationship between protected areas and surrounding communities is very important to foster overall understanding and well-being between both entities. This study will discuss the perception of environmental and socio-economic benefits in relation to communities’ distance from the protected areas as well as compare the perceptions across communities adjacent to the three separate protected areas. In addition, this study will investigate management practices and the potential for improved relationships between protected areas and nearby communities. Over one year, interviews were conducted in nine communities. It was found that perception of environmental benefits is higher than perception of socio-economic benefits overall. Socio-economic benefits increased with geographical nearness of the communities to the protected areas. Protected area management and protected area employee relationships with nearby residents are lacking in many communities.
