costaricaqa

costa rica / Costa Rica Questions
related: definitions, ecotourism editing: [|Costa Rica]


 * If the media and current travel trends are to be believed, tourists are becoming more environmentally aware, and the number of travellers partaking in both ecotourism activities and holidays is on the increase. To what extent to do you feel that it is only a matter of time before ecotourism degenerates in to mass tourism, and what impact do you think this would have on both the host communities and ecosystems of ecotourism destinations?**


 * Ron Mader:** Costa Rica is a good example of the interaction between mass tourism and small-scale ecotourism. I haven't been to Costa Rica myself for more a few years, so I cannot tell you what is taking place on the ground today. However, in terms of reputation, I think we have seen the country slide a bit in terms of environmental prestige an reputation.


 * Without a global ecotourism accreditation system, do you feel the industry is at risk of green washing and what kind of impact do you feel this would have on the credibility of genuine ecotourism?**


 * Ron Mader:** Until ecotourism certification programs include a review and audit of consultants, academia and government officials, I find the offer little assistance to travelers or to the small and medium-sized businesses. Costa Rica's 5-leaf program has been a disappointment. Check the history on [|why some consider the CST itself to be a greenwasher].


 * One of the greatest paradoxes within ecotourism appears to be the need to use air travel to reach popular places such as Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands. How could this be addressed and is carbon offsetting making a difference?**


 * Ron Mader:** Personally, I take a dim view of personal carbon offsetting. The issue requires a larger approach and we review this and other issues in our current e-conference on Tourism and Climate Change.


 * Does Costa Rican ecotourism have a sustainable future?**


 * Ron Mader:** The future is definitely green. I bet that Costa Rica finds a way to balance ecotourism, community tourism and traditional tourism in a way that protects and conserves its remarkable cultural and environmental diversity.