Management aspects of water and land resources in the Reventazon river basin - Costa Rica

Abstract

The Reventazon River Basin of Costa Rica is a wet area with high potential for both hydroelectric power and clear water production. The pressure for the utilization of natural resources, the increasing demand for agricultural and urban lands and recent hydrological imbalances manifested by seasonal overland flows, floods and accelerated erosion can be seen as direct and indirect responses to the 3.5 per cent rate of the population growth sustained by the region. Although a land use classification scheme could be made based on general topographic and climatic considerations, it is suggested that in such classification not be initiated until a better understanding of the hydrological phenomena is obtained. In considering the phisiographic and climatic characteristics of the area, the water resources management of the Reventazon Basin can be technically improved. Conservation practices and the control of human activities could be considered in the management of the area. However, the social and economical aspects raise a series of questions bearing on the management practices. Research in both the natural and social science is essential to the solution of the actual problem we are facing in the area