The integration of economics and the environment through incentives : an overview of the Costa Rican success story

Abstract

Conservation is often perceived as the responsibility of the landowners. If landowners fail to benefit from conservation, they inevitably view it as profiteroding and it becomes less attractive than alternative land-use practices. Costa Rica has successfully internalised the benefits provided by forestry environmental services. Valuable lessons could be learnt from the Costa Rican experience in using economic incentives for environmental management.