When most people think of Costa Rica, they envision lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and a commitment to environmental sustainability that has made the country a global icon. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find that not everything in this eco-paradise is as idyllic as it seems. Costa Rica’s famed sustainable development narrative has another side—one where small-scale fishers, Indigenous communities, and local ecosystems are under pressure from policies and practices that prioritize tourism and commercial interests over traditional livelihoods.
The Fishermen’s Plight: When Sustainable Policies Go Awry
Take the case of Aaron Chacon, a young fisherman from Tárcoles, who is more than a little worried about the future. “We are worried that if the government extends marine protected areas, we will lose access to our fishing grounds,” he says, standing on a beach where his fellow fishers are hauling in their daily catch. The camaraderie is evident, but so is the anxiety. These fishers have been working these waters for generations without harming the ecosystem, yet now they face restrictions that could make their way of life illegal.
A similar story unfolds in Puerto Cortes, where Rufina Gomez, a mollusk collector or pianguero, expresses her frustration. “We have been collecting piangua for generations and have never harmed the ecosystem. But the government says only so many of us can be registered, and for the rest of us, our survival itself is illegal!” Gomez’s words echo the sentiments of many small-scale producers who feel sidelined by policies that, while well-intentioned, often overlook the needs and rights of local communities.
The Reality Behind Costa Rica’s Sustainable Image
Costa Rica has long been hailed for its commitment to both human welfare and environmental conservation. The country boasts an impressive track record: nearly 30% of its land is protected for wildlife, its forests have been regenerating since the 1980s, and it’s one of the first nations to pledge carbon neutrality by 2050. Add to this a nearly 100% reliance on renewable energy (though this includes controversial hydroelectric projects), and it’s no wonder Costa Rica is seen as a model for sustainable development.
However, the last few decades have revealed some cracks in this narrative. Public investment in welfare sectors like education has stagnated, leading to the privatization of many services. Inequality has been rising, with marginalized groups such as Afro-descendants, Indigenous peoples, and Nicaraguan migrants bearing the brunt. The current right-wing government seems more interested in reducing welfare budgets and encouraging privatization and gentrification—trends that are all too apparent across the country.
One of the more controversial aspects of Costa Rica’s environmental policies is the introduction of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes. These initiatives, while intended to encourage conservation, often benefit private landowners at the expense of local communities. Without secure tenure rights, Indigenous peoples and other local communities find themselves excluded from the very lands they’ve lived on for centuries. The commercialization of biodiversity through PES and carbon offset programs has distorted local economies, creating divisions within communities that previously lived in harmony with their environment.
The Consequences of Development: Displacement and Marginalization
The coastal regions of Costa Rica, once bustling with local fishing and farming communities, are now dotted with luxury homes, golf courses, and tourist resorts. This transformation is not just about real estate; it’s about the displacement of communities that have lived off the land and sea for generations. As land values soar, locals are pushed out, their traditional livelihoods replaced by tourism-driven economies that often exclude them from the benefits.
Even conservation efforts, which are crucial for preserving biodiversity, can have unintended consequences. Costa Rica’s protected areas have helped stem the decline of wildlife, but they’ve also led to the displacement of communities that have traditionally managed these lands. The exclusionary model of conservation, which prioritizes state and private control over local management, fails to recognize the value of Indigenous knowledge and practices in sustainable land use.
Take the case of the Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands reserve, where mollusk collectors have been marginalized despite their low-impact livelihoods. These piangueros, who practice sustainable harvesting techniques, find themselves criminalized if they aren’t formally registered or if they exceed government-imposed limits. Meanwhile, large-scale commercial activities, such as the introduction of African palm plantations, continue unchecked, causing significant ecological damage.
Is There a Way Forward? Small Victories and Big Challenges
Despite these challenges, there are some bright spots. Thanks to advocacy efforts by groups like CoopeSoliDar R.L., Costa Rica has recognized a category of community-based conservation areas known as Marine Areas of Responsible Fishing (AMPRs). These areas allow local communities to manage and conserve their marine resources, setting rules and norms that exclude outside fishers. AMPRs have been globally recognized as a successful model of community-based conservation.
However, these areas still lack collective tenure rights, leaving them vulnerable to external pressures. The inconsistency in government policy—where one department recognizes community rights while another ignores them—further complicates matters. Without formal status and secure access, younger generations find it increasingly difficult to sustain traditional livelihoods.
Yet, in places like Tárcoles, the power of cooperative organization offers hope. The Tarcoles fisher cooperative has successfully negotiated better returns for its members, secured financing for processing facilities, and even forced the government to ban destructive trawling practices in local waters. This collective approach not only improves livelihoods but also ensures that conservation efforts are sustainable and community-led.
The Need for a Balanced Approach
As Costa Rica continues to navigate its path toward sustainable development, it’s clear that the current model has its flaws. The country’s focus on conservation and tourism, while commendable, must be balanced with the needs and rights of local communities. Sustainable development cannot be achieved through exclusion and marginalization; it requires the active participation and empowerment of those who have lived in harmony with the land for generations.
Costa Rica’s future as a leader in sustainability depends on its ability to reconcile its environmental goals with social justice. By recognizing the value of traditional knowledge, securing tenure rights for local communities, and ensuring that economic development benefits all citizens, Costa Rica can continue to be a beacon of hope in a world where the pressures of modernity often threaten the very ecosystems we seek to protect.
