The Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve (ReBAMB), a pioneer case of shared governance in Costa Rica

Abstract

This article presents the relevant events in the history of conservation in Costa Rica, as a preamble to the creation of the biological reserve Alberto Manuel Brenes, Alajuela, Costa Rica, which was created in 1975 as a forest reserve, of the initiative of the Committee for University Development, in San Ramón, under a tripartite administration. In 1991, it goes to another category of management, Protective zone and since 1993 is a biological reserve. The main types of governance that exist in the management of protected areas are described. At the present, the shared governance of this reserve is in charge of the University of Costa Rica – Western headquarters and the Ministry of the Environment and energy – National system of Conservation Areas – (SINAC). Each of the two state agencies is responsible for different programs such as: Administrative and financial management, protection and control program, land tenure, research and restoration and monitoring of resources, teaching, community management, social action and environmental education.