Today Costa Rica is a world renowned ecotourist attraction; meaning, the country has found a way to economically flourish through the tourism draw that is its rich flora and fauna. Though locals and tourists understand that ecotourism implies that the countries touristy developments and changes are being done in a sustainable or eco-friendly fashion with the environment, they truly do not comprehend its relevance in the future of both Costa Rica’s economy and its natural habitat. For future and current investors it is important to understand what ecotourism means and implies, not only because its guidelines will affect your investments, but also because what made this country so popular—what is giving you a profit—is its wilderness and ravishing beauty, which if not treated properly can easily be spoiled amidst such rapid growth.
What exactly is ecotourism? Ecotourism is purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the culture and natural history of the environment; taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem; producing economic opportunities that make the conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people. The road to finding a balance between environmental conservation and tourism’s profit-seeking businesses is not an easy one to reach. Costa Rica has been juggling what to environmentalists seem opposite forces for quite a while now, more so, during the past few years as the country’s popularity increases. What has made this country’s ecotourism industry successful is its ability to recognize that as much as its economy may profit from tourism and its investors, this profitable sector would not exist were it not for the country’s unique ecosystems. Hence, both the government and ecological foundations recognize that in order for tourism to be profitable, Costa Rica’s environment must remain a priority. A significant factor that has allowed ecotourism to properly develop in Costa Rica is the fact that 21% of its territory is protected by natural parks, and biological reserves. These not only prove to educate and entertain tourists, but are profitable and serve as professional research centers.
Though ecotourism aims to set infrastructural demands these cannot always be met or developed in accordance to the speed with which the changes are happening. Thus, it is utterly IMPORTANT that awareness not only come from or be enforced by local institutions and regulations, but also practiced by those coming into the country. The government, foreign and local investors, and tourists are making a profit out of an ecosystem that is very fragile and needs protection now more than ever, granted everyone wants a slice of the same apple. During a time in which we are beginning to feel the repercussions of human activity through the effects of global warming, it is important to make sure that construction and current developments abide to what may seem unnecessary rules, and try to give back as much, if not more, of what is being taken.