Introduction. What is Ecotourism?
Chapter 1. Ecotourism as a Development Strategy
Chapter 2. Politics, Economics, and Exceptionalism in Costa
Rica
Chapter 3. Ecotourism in Costa Rica
Chapter 4. Ecotourism, Foreign Direct Investment, and the Costa
Rican Model
Chapter 5. Conclusion: Lessons from Costa Rica
Andrew P. Miller is assistant professor of comparative politics and international relations at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, specializing in economic development issues in Central America.
Ecotourism Development in Costa Rica is a concise, clearly-written,
and balanced portrait of ecotourism as a development strategy in
Costa Rica. The discussions about the management of ecotourism as a
resource, including the development of national parks, control over
foreign investment, provision of business incentives, and
regulation of certification programs are particularly useful. This
book raises fascinating questions about the transferability of the
Costa Rican model to the rest of the region.
*Mary A. Clark, Tulane University*
Andrew Miller has written a fine book on Costa Rican ecotourism. He
reviews the country’s political and economic development, then
explains ecotourism and how it fits into Costa Rica’s development
strategy. Miller’s readable and balanced work avoids mystification
of both Costa Rica and ecotourism by also highlighting risks and
some of the flaws in ecotourism and the country’s environmental
performance. I highly recommend this book.
*John Booth, University of North Texas*
Miller (Wilkes Univ.) shows how Costa Rica's cultivation of a
societal environmental ethic has led to its leadership in
ecotourism and economic development. Miller establishes the value
of ecotourism: it decreases risks from agricultural export-led
growth by creating jobs and entrepreneurship, creating investments
in human capital, providing a bulwark against outsourcing, and
empowering environmental preservation through placing value on
natural assets. The next sections demonstrate the unique political
and economic development trajectory of Costa Rica, one that has
enabled it to enact policies conducive to the growth of both
foreign direct investment and ecotourism. The final sections
explain the factors necessary for other countries to replicate
Costa Rica's success. The volume is well organized and clearly
written, with detailed yet well-summarized definitions of key
terms, and relevant historical developments. Summing Up:
Recommended. All readership levels.
*CHOICE*
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
