DOCSLIB.ORG

“We Never Know the Value of Water Till the Well Is Dry”

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
“We Never Know the Value of Water Till the Well Is Dry” “We never know the value of water till the well is dry” A research to investigate solutions for water shortages in the district of Nosara, Costa Rica. Research Report Name: Remona van der Zon E-mail: [email protected] Date: 15/07/2016 Supervisor: Dr. Femke van Noorloos 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The impressive growth in tourism and real estate in Guanacaste has consequences for natural resources. The tourism industry is known as a substantial contributor to local water demand and this additional demand may lead to water stress. In addition to that, the province of Guanacaste has more dry summer seasons with little or no rain. This resulted in the situation that Guanacaste is facing increasing water scarcity. In order to expand the knowledge about the relation between governing water and tourism, this research aims to identify different solutions for water shortages in the district Nosara to sustain water supply in times of water scarcity and in the future. The case of Nosara is interesting because it traditionally has a community that is committed to protect the environment. However, they have been unable to sustain the water resources. This case is interesting because of the specific water governance structure of Costa Rica in which the community controls the water supply. The outcomes of this research could be relevant for institutions that are involved in the governance of water in the district of Nosara. The aim of identifying different solutions for water shortages leads to the following research question: “What could be, in times of water scarcity and in the future, solutions for the water shortages in the district of Nosara, Guanacaste?” To address on this question, a stakeholder analysis is conducted by using a mixed- method design of surveys and interviews with different actors involved in the water problem. Relevant theories to explain the circumstances in Nosara are those of the common pool resources theory, social-ecological systems theory and the approach of political ecology. The current research shows that the ASADAs, residents, tourism-sector, NCA and AyA are the most important stakeholders in the water problem. The majority of the residents indicated that there was no or slightly a water problem in the past and that the situation got worse in the last couple of years. Natural circumstances, deforestation, over usage, poor infrastructure and lack of collaboration are main causes of the water shortages that have underlying causes as climate change, community growth, land use change, lack of investments and mismanagement. According to the most residents of the district of Nosara, the ASADAs and residents themselves are responsible for fixing the water problems. Effects of tourism are not specifically included in local policies of the district Nosara. It was found that additional wells, improving infrastructure and “smart homes” are the best technical solutions. More collaboration, education and increase or differentiate water rates are the best policy solutions. Besides, residents should contribute themselves to improve the water situation. To conclude: short term solutions done by residents themselves are currently the most realistic ones, but policy solutions are important as well, although these depend on the cooperation of several institutions. 3 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Slightly more than half a year ago I started preparations for my first field research abroad. This policy-oriented report presents the research on water shortages in the district of Nosara, Costa Rica. Here, I would like to thank all of those taking their time to contribute to this process. First of all, I am very grateful to all the residents that were willing to participate in the survey. Unfortunately it is not possible to name everyone here, but I would like to thank all the people who gave their time and opinions during the interviews. I had never expected that people were so helpful to bring me in contact with other people who could be relevant for the research. In addition, I would like to thank those people who gave me a ride to locations for interviews and surveys where I was not able to go to by bike. Moreover, I have really appreciated the advice, support and visits from my family and friends while staying in Nosara for over three months. Additionally, I would like to give thanks to my supervisor Dr. Femke van Noorloos for her guidance and feedback throughout the process. Remona van der Zon Hoofddorp, The Netherlands July, 2016 5 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 3 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................. 5 Table of contents ..................................................................................................................................... 7 Table of figures ........................................................................................................................................ 9 List of boxes ............................................................................................................................................. 9 List of tables ............................................................................................................................................ 9 List of abbreviations .............................................................................................................................. 10 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 11 2 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................................. 13 Major theories ....................................................................................................................... 13 Literature review ................................................................................................................... 17 3 Regional Thematic Framework ...................................................................................................... 21 Background ............................................................................................................................ 21 Water problems..................................................................................................................... 22 Policies on water ................................................................................................................... 24 4 Methodology ................................................................................................................................. 26 Research questions................................................................................................................ 26 Operationalization ................................................................................................................. 26 Research instruments ............................................................................................................ 28 Limitations and ethical issues ................................................................................................ 30 Empirical Chapters (5, 6, 7) ................................................................................................................... 31 5 Mapping the situation ................................................................................................................... 32 Who’s in? ............................................................................................................................... 32 Does everybody know? ......................................................................................................... 33 Situation in the past and in the future .................................................................................. 34 Experiences with water shortages ........................................................................................ 36 7 The cause of the water shortages ......................................................................................... 37 Lack of knowledge ................................................................................................................. 42 6 The “Who” question ...................................................................................................................... 43 Who is responsible for fixing of the problem? ...................................................................... 43 Who can make a difference? ................................................................................................. 44 Who should implement solutions? ....................................................................................... 44 Which scale? .......................................................................................................................... 45 Changes in water governance ............................................................................................... 45 Who is going to pay? ............................................................................................................. 46 7 Finding solutions............................................................................................................................ 48 Technical solutions ...............................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Municipality of Nicoya the Municipal Council of Nicoya, Approves: As
    Date: 30 de diciembre, 2019 This translation was prepared by NCA staff for informational purposes- The NCA assumes no responsibility for any misunderstanding that may occur as a result of this translation. The original document is available upon request. Municipality of Nicoya The Municipal Council of Nicoya, Approves: As established in article 43 of the Municipal Code, publish in the Official Gazette the Draft Regulation for the granting of building permits in the buffer zone of the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge to initiate non-binding public consultation for a period of ten business days, starting the day after the publication in the official Gazette, comments will be received at the email address [email protected]. ​ In exercise of the powers conferred on us by article 50, 89 and 169 of the Political Constitution; the Inter-American Convention for the Protection of Sea Turtles, approved by Law No. 7906 of August 23, 1999, articles 3, 4 subsection 1) and 13 subsection a), c) and p) and 43 of the Municipal Code, Law No. 7794; Articles 15, 19, 20 subsection g) and 21 subsection e) of the Urban Planning Law, Law No. 4240; Articles 28 and 46 of the Organic Law of the Environment, Law No. 7554; and article 11.1, 16 and 113 of the General Law of Public Administration, Law No. 6227, 11 22 and 27 subsection a) of the Biodiversity Law No. 7788, Wildlife Conservation Law, No. 6919, Law of Ostional Wildlife Refuge, No. 9348, Executive Decrees No. 16531-MAG, No. 22551-MIRENEM, and No. 34433-MINAE. Considering: 1º-That Article 50 of the Political Constitution of Costa Rica establishes that the State must guarantee the right of every person to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment.
    [Show full text]
  • Casa Ashaya and Playa Guiones!
    Welcome to Casa Ashaya and Playa Guiones! You have chosen to spend your vacation at one of the very best places in the world. We know, we visited many and chose to build our house in this community and we look forward to spending many months here in the future. In the meantime, we want our home to feel appreciated and full of good karma brought on by people from all over the world enjoying the beauty of Nosara. Ashaya is Sanskrit for “refuge of the heart”. In designing our home we wanted to appreciate the jungle and be respectful of the environment. This was behind our choice to have solar power, recycle water, build lots of windows and minimize air conditioning. We hope that you appreciate the warm- hearted zen vibe we are aiming for. We understand that you’ve spent a fair amount to enjoy the house and it’s important to us that you feel at home and comfortable during your stay. Your enjoyment of your holiday is our #1 priority so please don’t hesitate to ask for help if anything isn’t working well. Beach Management does a splendid job in maintaining our home and helping our guests. IMPORTANT INFORMATION The internet comes from Cable Tica and the cabling is top notch so when lightning speed internet comes to Nosara we’ll be ready. Right now, 2mbbs is the best you’ll get. ICE 4G LTE recently installed is actually faster (we’ve recorded up to 7 mbbs) so if you have an unlocked phone, you may want to get a local SIM card and hotspot from the phone if you get a bit frustrated by the slower speeds.
    [Show full text]
  • The Lure of Costa Rica's Central Pacific
    2018 SPECIAL PRINT EDITION www.ticotimes.net Surf, art and vibrant towns THE LURE OF COSTA RICA'S CENTRAL PACIFIC Granada (Nicaragua) LA CRUZ PUNTA SALINAS Garita LAGO DE Isla Bolaños Santa Cecilia NICARAGUA PUNTA DESCARTES Río Hacienda LOS CHILES PUNTA DE SAN ELENA Brasilia Volcán Orosí Birmania Santa Rita San José Playa Guajiniquil Medio Queso Boca del PUNTA río San Juan BLANCA Cuaniquil Delicias Dos Ríos Cuatro Bocas NICARAGUA PUNTA UPALA Playuelitas CASTILLA P.N. Santa Rosa Volcán Rincón de la Vieja Pavón Isla Murciélagos Río Negro García Flamenco Laguna Amparo Santa Rosa P.N. Rincón Canaleta Caño Negro Playa Nancite de la Vieja R.V.S. Playa Naranjo Aguas Claras Bijagua Caño Negro Río Pocosol Cañas Río Colorado Dulces Caño Ciego GOLFO DE Estación Volcán Miravalles Volcán Tenorio río Boca del Horizontes Guayaba F PAPAGAYO P.N. Volcán Buenavista San Jorge río Colorado Miravalles P.N. Volcán Río Barra del Colorado Pto. Culebra Fortuna SAN RAFAEL Isla Huevos Tenorio Río San Carlos DE GUATUZO Laurel Boca Tapada Río Colorado Canal LIBERIA Tenorio Sta Galán R.V.S. Panamá Medias Barra del Colorado Playa Panamá Salitral Laguna Cabanga Sto. Rosa Providencia Río Toro Playa Hermosa Tierras Cole Domingo Guardia Morenas San Gerardo Playa del Coco Venado Chambacú El Coco Chirripó Playa Ocotal Comunidad Río Tenorio Pangola Arenal Boca de Arenal Chaparrón o Boca del ria PUNTA GORDA BAGACES Rí río Tortuguero Ocotal ibe Caño Negro Boca Río Sucio Playa Pan de Azúcar Sardinal TILARÁN Veracruz San Rafael Playa Potrero Potrero L Río Tortuguero Laguna Muelle Altamira Muelle Playa Flamingo Río Corobici Volcán FILADELFIA R.B.
    [Show full text]
  • Application for Admission 2021-2022 School Year
    Signed financial and special support forms ___ Application for Admission 2021-2022 School Year From____________to _____________ (please fill out dates) Del Mar Academy has a non-discriminatory policy with respect to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, and national origin. Del Mar Academy considers the records of all individual students to be confidential information, available to a child’s parent/guardian only upon request. 1 Application Checklist Please ensure that the following information is included along with this fully completed and signed Application Form: ❏ Non-refundable application administration fee of $100 US per child ❏ Last two years of School Records (if applicable) for each student ❏ Any evaluations (if applicable, submit individual education plans; academic, behavioral, and/or psychological evaluations) ❏ For 4th to 11th Grade: Scheduled admission test interview (via Skype if possible) ❏ Signed Financial contract responsibilities agreement. Please note that tuition and fees are NOT refundable, except under extraordinary circumstances. Please note that this application does not guarantee a position for your child at Del Mar Academy, nor is the fee applied towards the tuition if your child is accepted. It will be kept on file and you will be contacted should a position become available. Del Mar Academy reserves the right to place children in the appropriate learning environment in order to maintain balanced classrooms with regards to quantity, age, sex, individual needs, and compatibility with our operational philosophy
    [Show full text]
  • Download The
    FOR LOVE OR MONEY: HARNESSING ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES AND FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO PROMOTE CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP by Paige Olmsted B.Sc.H. Queen’s University, 2006 M.P.A. Columbia University, 2008 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE AND POSTDOCTORAL STUDIES (Resources, Environment and Sustainability) THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Vancouver) April 2017 © Paige Olmsted, 2017 Abstract Despite broad agreement that large scale funding is needed to address the severe risks associated with habitat loss and ecosystem service degradation, financial and market-based interventions have brought substantial division in the conservation sector. This dissertation examines the values and attitudes associated with financial mechanisms and incentives, considering diverse groups with different relationships to natural landscapes: Costa Rican farmers, North American tourists in Costa Rica, and potential conservation donors. Despite diverse barriers and motives for participation, this dissertation investigates the opportunity for financial mechanisms to bolster and support values associated with environmental responsibility. The first study pilots methods for assessing ‘relational values’, a concept that transcends traditional instrumental/intrinsic value divisions in linking people to ecosystems. Results suggest that relational values are distinct from standard methods of measuring ecological worldview and are predictive of farmer attitudes at the landscape level. The second study assesses environmental values and attitudes of Costa Rican farmers regarding their national payment for ecosystem services program. The study investigates a set of claims regarding the negative effects of monetary incentives associated with the idea of “motivational crowding out”. Results indicate strong environmental concern across both participants and non- participants, and finds strong correlations between relational values and a series of farming attitudes associated with lifestyle and conservation.
    [Show full text]
  • LA GACETA N° 92 De La Fecha 20 05 2019
    La Uruca, San José, Costa Rica, lunes 20 de mayo del 2019 AÑO CXLI Nº 92 88 páginas ¡YA ESTÁ A LA VENTA! Adquiera ambos tomos por ₡6.000 Para mayor información comuníquese al 2296-9570, extensión 301 o al correo electrónico [email protected] www.imprentanacional.go.cr Pág 2 La Gaceta Nº 92 — Lunes 20 de mayo del 2019 Partes, que traerá benefcios a sus nacionales al momento de CONTENIDO presentar sus atestados académicos tanto en Costa Rica como en Brasil. Pág Finalmente, cabe destacar que el presente acuerdo constituye N° una iniciativa importante para el desarrollo económico y social PODER LEGISLATIVO de nuestro país, acorde con los principios de la política exterior Proyectos .................................................................. 2 costarricense y es el resultado de un proceso de consulta y análisis entre los organismos competentes de ambos países en esta materia, PODER EJECUTIVO y constituye la expresión de la consolidación e intensifcación de Decretos ................................................................... 3 nuestras relaciones bilaterales con la República Federativa del Brasil. Resoluciones ............................................................ 4 En virtud de lo anterior, sometemos a conocimiento de Edictos ...................................................................... 6 la Asamblea Legislativa el proyecto de ley adjunto relativo a DOCUMENTOS VARIOS........................................ 6 la Aprobación del Protocolo de Enmienda al Convenio de Intercambio Cultural entre el Gobierno
    [Show full text]
  • View of Nosara from the Mountains Four Wheeler My Purpose Was To
    Vitalizing the forgotten school –Nosara, Costa Rica Project Report Summer 2008 Mariko Nakayama La Esperanza Garcia de Nosara, hidden in the mountains in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, could only be reached after 40 minutes of adventurous four-wheeler drive from the neighboring town. The only teacher of this elementary school Alan Ruiz takes this trip every day twice with his motorbike. The rainy season (June-October) only makes the trip harder, taking him up to two hours each way. View of Nosara from the mountains Four wheeler There are 12 students in this public elementary school, from age 6 to 12. They are the children of farmers, hotel workers and maids. Most children in this school follow their parents’ footsteps in the future. The school was founded in 1975; however the population in the nearby mountain areas decreased drastically in the past decade, consequently shrinking the student size by half. The church on top of the mountain is their classroom, without proper bathroom and lacking majority of basic school supplies. After graduation, students who can afford going to the local high school in Nosara will continue their education, but most of them will work. I was determined to expand their future vision by improving their educational environment and opportunity. My purpose was to vitalize this school in every possible way. They had to be recognized from their ‘municipio’, the city council for more funding and support. They needed basic school supplies. They needed textbooks. They needed proper school kitchen to feed the students' hungry stomach. (Lunch budget/student/meal was 40 cents, a third of that of the other schools.) The teacher needed English education to fill in the wide gap between other schools in Costa Rica.
    [Show full text]
  • Seeking Trip Participants: Mission Trip to Nosara, Costa Rica February 22- March 2, 2020 Trip Sponsored by Richmond Congregational Church, UCC – Richmond, VT
    Seeking Trip Participants: Mission Trip to Nosara, Costa Rica February 22- March 2, 2020 Trip sponsored by Richmond Congregational Church, UCC – Richmond, VT In February 2020, we will return to Nosara, Costa Rica to work with Mercy Home Ministries to build one or two homes for families in need. The trip is open to high school aged youth (with a parent chaperone) and adults from Richmond, VT and beyond! Rev. Neal Sadler will be leading this year’s trip. If you are interested in learning more about the trip, please contact Neal at [email protected] About the Trip: Mercy Home Ministries works to empower families in need by providing them with new housing and an improved quality of life. Currently they have a waiting list of more than 75 families in Nosara. Each trip participant pays for their own travel, room and board. As a group we will also fundraise $6,000/house to pay for building materials and skilled labor (electrician, roofing, plumbing). Before we arrive, MHM staff will pour a concrete pad. During the week workdays we build and paint wall panels, install windows and doors, and work together with the MHM staff to assemble the houses on site. MHM staff will install the roof, wiring and plumbing. These homes are simple in construction – a cement foundation, cement board walls and a corrugated metal roof, but life changing for the families who receive them. At the end of the week we celebrate by dedicating each house and gifting it to the family. In addition to work, we will also have time at the end of the work week for recreation to enjoy the natural beauty and beaches of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.
    [Show full text]
  • Impact of Tourism Related Development on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica Summary Report
    Impact of Tourism Related Development on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica Summary Report By: Martha Honey Erick Vargas William H. Durham Center for Responsible Travel A Nonprofit Research Organization Stanford University and Washington, DC www.responsibletravel.org April 2010 1 Foreword The following Summary Report, based on two years of research and some two dozen individual studies by a team of Costa Rican and U.S. experts, offers the first multidimensional analysis of the phenomena that Costa Ricans have dubbed “residential tourism.” While this term has become popular, most Costa Ricans have had little understanding of its dimensions and implications for the country, the country’s Pacific coast, or Costa Rica’s tourism industry. The study traces the origins of this coastal transformation from the 1970s to the present, with particular focus on the real estate and construction boom and bust (caused by the global economic crisis) from 2002 through 2009. As members of the Advisory Committee that has assisted the research team, we believe that the study’s findings and recommendations can play a constructive role in helping to foment public discussion, civic engagement, and policy reforms to ensure a sustainable economy in coastal and marine tourism. Over the last decade, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast has become one of the epicenters in the Americas for rapid beach resort and vacation home development closely tied to the U.S. market. Together with cruise ship tourism, residential tourism is transforming swaths of the physical landscape and displacing or competing for resources with many fishing, farming, and ranching communities in the coastal zone.
    [Show full text]
  • CRIA Family Resources Guide
    2018 - 2019 FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE CRIA Family Resource Guide: a guide to moving to and living in Costa Rica Bienvenidos to Costa Rica and the CRIA family! To help you make the most of life in Costa Rica the CRIA Parent Association, teachers and local experts from Family Freedom Project, KRAIN Realty and the Cabo Vida Group, have contributed to this Guide to provide a comprehensive resource on living in Costa Rica. Part 1: Relocating to Guanacaste, Costa Rica • Booking flights • What to bring • Shipping belongings • Traveling with pets • Moving assistance • Finding a place to live • Real estate resources • Car buying, renting and car maintenance • Setting up a bank account • Securing insurance • Getting a Costa Rican phone / unlocking your phone • Visas / Residency • Sample Budget Part 2: Useful Information for Living • Emergency information • Medical, Dental & Pharmacies • Urgent Care • Chiropractors & Acupuncture • Utilities • Veterinarians • Salons • Churches • Computer Repair • Shopping (all types) • Spanish language resources • Connect with Community Part 3: Activities • Water sports (surfing, scuba, fishing, sailing, etc.) • Area activities (things to do) • Family adventures (places to go / things to do) • Taste of the town (dining out) Part 4: Life at CRIA • CRIA guidelines • School communication • Annual events • Get involved in CRIA community Part 5: CRIA Business Directory • A listing of CRIA parent-owned businesses you can enjoy and support our CRIA community 3 Academic Calendar 2018 - 2019 For a detailed CRIA calendar, visit
    [Show full text]
  • Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua: Floods
    COSTA RICA, HONDURAS, 12 November 2001 NICARAGUA: FLOODS Information Bulletin N° 01/01 Disaster relief emergency fund (DREF) Allocated: CHF 50,000 This Information Bulletin is being issued based on the needs described below. A DREF allocation of CHF 50,000 has been released, and the Federation does not anticipate further needs. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are needed. This operation will be reported on through the quarterly DREF update. On-line donations can be made at: www.ifrc.org. $ The Situation A tropical depression over Central America at the end of October and early November resulted in heavy rainfall and severe flood damage in areas already affected by drought earlier in the year. The depression seriously affected Honduras (see information bulletin issued on 2 November), Costa Rica and Nicaragua. A tropical storm gradually developed to hurricane 4 force, taking the name of hurricane Michelle as it continued towards Jamaica and Cuba. Costa Rica w On 19 October, the Costa Rican Red Cross issued a green alert in its branches along the country’s southern coast because of heavy rainfall caused by the depression/tropical storm. The government declared a state of emergency on the northern, central and southern Pacific coast and, as of 31 October, the National Society began to assist in the evacuation of populations in danger from potential flooding, as rain continued. The effects of the storm were felt throughout most of the country. However, the most affected regions were the Provinces of Guanacaste and Puntarenas where the districts of Cartagena, Sardinal, Filadelfia, Santa Cruz, Nandayure, Nosara, Parrita, San Blas, Moravia, El Coto, Río Arío, Lepanto, Ciudad Neily, Palmar Norte and Ciudad Cortes experienced flooding and mudslides as major rivers burst their banks.
    [Show full text]
  • 2010 Death Register
    Costa Rica National Institute of Statistics and Censuses Department of Continuous Statistics Demographic Statistics Unit 2010 Death Register Study Documentation July 28, 2015 Metadata Production Metadata Producer(s) Olga Martha Araya Umaña (OMAU), INEC, Demographic Statistics Unit Coordinator Production Date July 28, 2012 Version Identification CRI-INEC-DEF 2010 Table of Contents Overview............................................................................................................................................................. 4 Scope & Coverage.............................................................................................................................................. 4 Producers & Sponsors.........................................................................................................................................5 Data Collection....................................................................................................................................................5 Data Processing & Appraisal..............................................................................................................................6 Accessibility........................................................................................................................................................ 7 Rights & Disclaimer........................................................................................................................................... 8 Files Description................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]