The Savegre Biosphere Reserve in Costa Rica is an example of sustainable development on a regional scale. It aims to promote biodiversity within the reserve. The 50,000 people who live there have to live alongside 20% of all flora and 54% of all fauna within Costa Rica.
There are many ways in which the reserve is being sustainably managed. One method of sustainable management is by protecting the land within the reserve. Within the reserve are 7 protected areas, and dams have been banned from being constructed for 25 years. The reserve also contributes to the development of the region by being an ecotourist attraction, and therefore is a source of socio-economic development within the region. Additionally, there are many fruit plantations, including plums, avocados, blackberries, strawberries and apples. Crop production is also significant in areas with high altitudes.
However, the reserve is not fully being sustainably managed. People who live in the area have no restrictions regarding the use of their land, or the use of their resources. Hence, there are no substantial changes for communities located within the reserve.
Overall, despite the lack of restrictions placed on people’s behaviours, significant actions have been made to preserve biodiversity, and the economic growth of the region is achieved through sustainable means. Therefore, the reserve is quite effective in managing the rainforest sustainably.