May 11, 2009

On January 8, 2009, the communities around Poas Volcano National Park suffered a 6.2 magnitude earthquake that ravaged Costa Rica, causing death and the loss of millions of dollars worth of materials. In a matter of seconds, hundreds of families lost their homes and businesses; along with severe damages to the infrastructure, including roads, water, and electricity services. Furthermore, nationals and foreign tourists stopped visiting the area. Businesses, which rely on tourism, now face immense challenges ahead.

For over eight years, the SFS Center for Sustainable Development Studies in Costa Rica has implemented research projects within and around the Park. Given the already established relationship with the Park Service, and with community businesses, a research project was designed to develop a base-line assessment of the socio-economic situation of tourism-related businesses. The project is strongly supported by the recently created Chamber of Tourism and Commerce of the Poas Volcano Region. The Chamber became our new client, and the Park strongly supported the initiative.

During six days in the field, the research team was able to interview 68 of the 84 potential businesses in the area, and surveyed over 200 tourists as well. Valuable information was collected on topics such as marketing, economics, sustainable development practices, community development, and planning. A week later, results were presented to businesses in the area, the Chamber, and the Park Service. During the presentation and discussion, it was noted that business owners in the area are eager for growth, but have little notion of sustainable business practices, despite the high importance that tourists place on them.  As one student expressed: “Businesses strongly support a rapid increase in tourism, but they ignore its full consequences”.

The community accepted the work and our insight we offered them. A Memo of Understanding (MOU) is being drafted in which opportunities for mutual collaboration are envisioned for the near future. While thanking the students in the public presentation of results, president of the Chamber, Isabel Vargas, mentioned: “This information you gathered is useful, it is timely. Your study works”.

By Dr. Sergio A. Molina, Professor of Environmental Economics, SFS Costa Rica

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