Sustainable Management of a Tropical Rainforest Case Study GEO P2

Question 1

What percentage of Costa Rica’s land area is protected?

Answer 1

Over 25 percent

This includes 26 national parks, 32 protected zones, and 19 forest and biological reserves.

Question 2

What is one positive impact of donations made by visitors in Costa Rica?

Answer 2

Improving living conditions for communities

Donations have contributed to reducing poverty in rainforest communities.

Question 3

How does ecotourism benefit residents in Costa Rica compared to other industries?

Answer 3

Provides almost double the monthly wage

This is compared to wages in agriculture.

Question 4

What is one argument against tourism in Costa Rica?

Answer 4

The population has not had a say in how it operates

This raises concerns about local involvement in tourism management.

Question 5

What environmental impacts can tourists have on the rainforest?

Answer 5

Habitat damage, littering, and noise pollution

These activities can harm plants and animals.

Question 6

What are signs of environmental degradation in Costa Rica’s rainforest?

Answer 6

Eroding and deteriorating trails

This indicates the impact of tourism on the landscape.

Question 7

What is a positive outcome of tourists seeing primary rainforest?

Answer 7

Increased awareness and desire to protect the environment

Many tourists return home motivated to promote conservation.

Question 8

What is a negative environmental factor associated with flights to Costa Rica?

Answer 8

Contributing to climate change

The carbon footprint of short- and long-haul flights is a concern.

Question 9

What is an example of ecotourism in Costa Rica?

Answer 9

Monteverde Cloud Forest

It is known for its sustainable practices.

Question 10

What is the maximum number of people allowed in the Monteverde reserve at one time?

Answer 10

200 people

This limit helps manage visitor impact.

Question 11

What type of energy do the remote lodges in Monteverde use?

Answer 11

Solar and hydro plants

This is part of their environmentally sustainable practices.

Question 12

What negative impact have hotels had in the Monteverde area?

Answer 12

Increased waste and litter

This contributes to pollution and environmental degradation.

Question 13

How do vehicles carrying tourists affect the environment?

Answer 13

Add to air and noise pollution

This is considered not environmentally sustainable.

Question 14

What is a consequence of monkeys relying on being fed by tourists?

Answer 14

Affects the food chain

This dependency can disrupt natural behaviors and ecosystems.

Question 15

What challenge do traditional dairy farmers face in the Monteverde area?

Answer 15

Struggling to afford to buy land

Increasing land prices make it difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods.

Question 16

What aspect of tourism in Costa Rica raises concerns about social and economic sustainability?

Answer 16

Increasing land prices

This impacts local farmers and their ability to maintain their businesses.