“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 ...............................................................................................................