ABSTRACT
Among the plethora of models and theories addressing the relationships between biodiversity conservation and economic development, Biot et al. (1995) recognize three dominant conservation paradigms: 1) the classic approach with strict separation of humans and nature; 2) the populist approach stressing the virtues and wisdom of local and community-based management; and 3) the neo-liberal approach advocating economic solutions and proper valuation of natural resources. All three approaches have been advocated by various stakeholders in Costa Rica at the national scale and in Cahuita at the local level. While many organizational and project policies are a combination of such approaches, these three categories serve as a useful point of departure for a discussion of the various interest groups involved in the development of Cahuita and the management of Cahuita National Park (CNP). The park was established under the assumptions of the first paradigm, and continues to draw support as conservation space protecting biodiversity. At the same time, CNP is rationalized at the national and international level under paradigm 3 whereby the Cahuita area is commodified as ecotourism space generating income for local development, the national economy and the protection of nature. Finally, residents of the area, increasingly aware of the openings implied by the participatory conservation rhetoric of international organizations and their own government, struggle to interject their often-disparate voices through collective and individual actions. They remind all parties that the Cahuita area was, and continues to be, community space supporting the livelihood activities of local residents. This history of the park reflects the changing dominance of the different planning paradigms.
