The study of tourism in Costa Rica from the perspective of Recreational Ecology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v17i1.5548Keywords:
ecotourism, recreational activities, protected areas, sustainable development, ecological impactsAbstract
Introduction: Tourism in protected areas has grown globally, boosting conservation and the economy but also generating negative ecological impacts. Recreational Ecology studies these effects, addressing challenges such as habitat degradation and carrying capacity to promote sustainable management strategies. Objective: To identify key themes in Costa Rica’s recreational ecology, including ecological impacts and sustainable management. Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature and carefully selected 15 out of 39 relevant documents, focusing specifically on experimental studies of ecological impacts. Results: Over the last decade, most research has examined the effects of tourism on wildlife. Our analysis reveals significant impacts, including alterations in animal behavior, intensified soil erosion, and elevated CO2 emissions, all driven by the increasing presence of tourists in natural habitats. Conclusion: As tourism grows, its ecological consequences become more severe, necessitating urgent strategies for sustainable tourism in protected areas of Costa Rica.
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