Cahuita National Park: tensions, contributions and challenges for sustainable local development

Abstract

Introduction: Costa Rica has consolidated a comprehensive conservation system, within which Cahuita National Park (CNP) is a special case, bringing together marine and terrestrial ecosystems managed through a model of shared governance between the state and the community. Although it generates economic and environmental benefits, there is still a divergence with the socioeconomic conditions of the district, highlighting an analytical gap in how these benefits are linked to local development.

Objective: This article aims to identify the socioeconomic and environmental benefits generated by CNP and their relationship with socioeconomic development, analyzing strategies that benefit the community and the natural environment.

Method and techniques: The study adopts a mixed approach that integrates documentary review, analysis of institutional information, and even semi-structured interviews with local actors. The data were articulated through triangulation to contrast environmental, economic, and governance dimensions associated with the park.

Results: The analysis shows that the CNP contributes to ecosystem conservation and even generates employment and economic activity in the tourism sector. However, these benefits are not proportionally reflected in the district's conditions, particularly in terms of job opportunities, training, infrastructure, and local capacities to sustainably leverage the park's contributions.

Conclusions: The findings show that the challenging relationship between conservation and local development depends on institutional, socioeconomic, and territorial factors that influence the distribution of benefits. The study provides evidence for strengthening shared governance and community capacities that impact the district's development.