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How to solve the growing problem in Corcovado National Park
From 1993 to 1995, the Parks in Peril program (PiP) worked with the leading conservation organization in Costa Rica, Fundación Neotrópica, to consolidate the management at Corcovado. PiP and Neotrópica worked to direct the government’s attention to the potential of Corcovado as an important protected area as well to the importance of addressing problems in the park. Upon site consolidation, Corcovado had an adequate system of protection consisting of 15 trained park rangers, several trained volunteers, a network of nine control posts, several field camps, and sufficient communications and transportation equipment.
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Local participation was also enhanced, with communities contributing to patrols, field trips, and environmental education, all while expanding their awareness of the threats to critical natural areas. A local council was created which increased the involvement of surrounding farmer communities.
Sustainable development activities were also promoted among local communities in the forms of sustainable agriculture, forest management, ecotourism, reforestation, and handicraft production. Local communities embraced environmental education and activities ranged from school presentations to field trips to cultural festivals. Local communities also became involved in the long term planning, decision-making, and management of the area, not just as representatives but also through direct involvement in sustainable development projects.
PiP also worked to improve the relationship between Neotrópica and the governmental organization, Conservation Area of Osa, demonstrating the feasibility of collaboration among governmental and non-governmental organizations. Beginning in 2000, after the conclusion of the PiP program, The Nature Conservancy began leading more conservation efforts in the Osa Peninsula.
