Planning guidelines for a model forest in Costa Rica

Abstract

Este estudio aporta lineamientos para la planificación de un bosque modelo en la cuenca del río Reventazón, Costa Rica, considerando los principios del enfoque ecosistémico de la Convención sobre Diversidad Biológica. Como resultados del componente de identificación y selección de actores sociales se obtuvo una propuesta de actores relevantes de la cuenca, así como opiniones y aportes acerca de la iniciativa, como sus fortalezas y debilidades, posibles estrategias para llevarla a cabo, una propuesta de conformación del grupo coordinador, y la identificación de vacíos en el proceso. The present study has developed planning guidelines for the establishment of a Model Forest in the Reventazón River watershed, Costa Rica, in line with the ecosystem approach principles established by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. It is suggested that an educational campaign is developed from the outset to raise consciousness regarding improved management of natural resources and the initiative itself. This would also provide a forum to enable participation in the planning and decision making processes. A proposal was developed of the relevant stakeholders on the watershed level, and feedback on the initiative was received through the consultation process. The initiative's strengths and weaknesses, possible strategies in order to put the initiative into practice, a proposal for the establishment of the coordination group, and the identification of shortcomings in the process were some of the issues raised.