Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica: Supporting Local Entrepreneurs through Study Abroad
Linda Heyne
Ithaca College
Dr. Linda Heyne, CTRS is a professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Ithaca College in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Her master’s and doctoral degrees are both in therapeutic recreation from the University of Minnesota. She has taught in therapeutic recreation for over 25 years and has practiced as an inclusion coordinator. Her professional interests include strengths-based therapeutic recreation practice, inclusive recreation, sustainable tourism, and the international therapeutic use of recreation. Dr. Heyne has delivered many presentations and authored many publications on these topics, including the recent textbook Therapeutic Recreation Practice: A Strengths Approach with Dr. Lynn Anderson. She helped found the inclusive recreation program at the Jewish Community Center of the St. Paul Area, which won several awards for its early inclusionary practices. Throughout her career, Dr. Heyne has been an associate editor for the Therapeutic Recreation Journal. She is also a Fulbright Specialist and frequent instructor at the International Wellbeing Week at HAMK University in Hämeenlinna, Finland. Sustainable tourism is a fairly recent interest of hers, stemming from a passion to educate herself and students about sustainable practices and a love for Costa Rica. Her presentation at the Tourism Naturally conference focuses on how her study abroad course on sustainable tourism supports local entrepreneurs in Costa Rica and the environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural well-being of community members.
Abstract
This abstract discusses a collaboration between tourism entrepreneurs in Costa Rica and a U.S. college that provides study abroad for students interested in sustainable tourism. In recent years Costa Rica has received... [ view full abstract ]
This abstract discusses a collaboration between tourism entrepreneurs in Costa Rica and a U.S. college that provides study abroad for students interested in sustainable tourism.
In recent years Costa Rica has received international recognition for its sustainability policies and practices. After widespread rain forest deforestation in the 1970s, and exploitation of natural and social resources by foreign tourism developers, Costa Ricans have grown increasingly aware of the importance of protecting natural areas and supporting local communities through sustainable practices. National policies and mandates support sustainability in several ways. Ley de Biodiversidad, or Biodiversity Law, passed in 1998, conserves biodiversity and natural resources. The Certificación para la Sostenibilidad Turística, or Certification for Sustainable Tourism, supports sustainable tourism businesses by awarding “leaves” instead of “stars” for meeting sustainability standards (http://www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr/). The Programa Bandera Azul Ecologica, or Blue Flag Ecological Program, is desinged to improve and protect water quality of beaches, coastal areas, and accommodations (http://banderaazulecologica.org/).
A crucial dimension of these sustainable tourism measures has been consideration for the social, economic, and cultural wellbeing of communities. In this presentation, the work of José Vargas and Susana Matamoros Mendoza to support small-scale rural entrepreneurs over the past ten years will be shared. These programs include Fundación AVINA, The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, and Proyecto Caminos de Osa. With their assistance, people who live near protected areas have developed workable sustainable tourism ventures (lodges, restaurants, outdoor recreation, cultural arts). With a focus on empowerment, their projects aim to improve the quality of life and economic viability of local residents and to strengthen conservation of surrounding natural areas.
The presentation will also feature a sustainable tourism undergraduate course at Ithaca College in New York, which offers study abroad that supports local Costa Rican entrepreneurs. Students learn about sustainable tourism by talking with local tour operators and participating in the experiences they offer. Students stay in ecolodges run by Costa Ricans, eat locally grown food, and engage in recreational activities led by local guides (hiking, kayaking, chocolate tour). Students also study the green practices entrepreneurs use in their business operations (alternative energy, recycling, conservation, community partnerships).
Authors
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Linda Heyne
(Ithaca College)
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Jose Vargas
(Ruta Verde Nature Tours)
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Susana Matamoros Mendoza
(Proyecto Caminos de Osa)
Topic Area
Topics: Symposium
Session
OS-B1 » Wellness Tourism and Sustainable Tourism: A Symbiotic Relationship? Part II (11:30 - Monday, 3rd October, Tavolara Room, Santa Chiara Complex)
Presentation Files
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