NATURE TOURISM AND RURAL-DEVELOPMENT IN TORTUGUERO

Costa Rica's national parks have profoundly affected local populations by causing rural economies to move from resource extraction to resource protection. This study focuses on the establishment of Tortuguero National Park and its impact on a neighboring population. Park-based tourism has become important to the local economy, yet few of the villagers are aware of the economic value of the park, nor is there any systematic attempt to promote nature-based tourism as a development strategy. Small-scale, community-based, and nature-oriented tourism development in similar Third World countries is presented as a model for Tortuguero. Ecotourism and its potential contribution to Costa Rica's overall economic development is also considered.