The Transition of Costa Rica to a Blue Economy: Linkages between Natural Resource Management & Eco-Innovation

B.A. Luisa SCHILLINGER

Master's thesis

The transition of Costa Rica to a Blue Economy: linkages between natural resource management and eco-innovation

Abstract:

In past decades, Costa Rica achieved impressive developments in terms of conserving its environment and integrating into global markets, which both spurred economic growth. However, in view of stagnating poverty and increasing inequality, the country's current sustainability strategy seriously neglects the social dimension. This prosperity paradox could be solved through embracing the Blue Economy concept that provides a new business model which incorporates all three dimensions of sustainability. The research explores the potential of this approach in the context of Costa Rica through reflecting the opinions of key experts on its relevance and feasibility. Implementing the Blue Economy as a piece of the national sustainability puzzle, by complementing movements in place, is the main recommendation drawn from the research. In this sense, the concept serves as a paradigm shift. Instead of contradicting socio-economic development with conservation efforts, it rather counts on the symbiosis of humans with nature through innovation. The work thus provides clues on how to seize "blue innovation" in Costa Rica and further gives specific recommendations for the environmental NGO Fundecor. Based on its previous endeavors, Fundecor represents an important changemaker that could continue its creative path through harnessing the blue essence as facilitator, catalyst, agenda-setter and synthesizer.

Abstract:

In past decades, Costa Rica achieved impressive developments in terms of conserving its environment and integrating into global markets, which both spurred economic growth. However, in view of stagnating poverty and increasing inequality, the country's current sustainability strategy seriously neglects the social dimension. This prosperity paradox could be solved through embracing the Blue Economy concept that provides a new business model which incorporates all three dimensions of sustainability. The research explores the potential of this approach in the context of Costa Rica through reflecting the opinions of key experts on its relevance and feasibility. Implementing the Blue Economy as a piece of the national sustainability puzzle, by complementing movements in place, is the main recommendation drawn from the research. In this sense, the concept serves as a paradigm shift. Instead of contradicting socio-economic development with conservation efforts, it rather counts on the symbiosis of humans with nature through innovation. The work thus provides clues on how to seize "blue innovation" in Costa Rica and further gives specific recommendations for the environmental NGO Fundecor. Based on its previous endeavors, Fundecor represents an important changemaker that could continue its creative path through harnessing the blue essence as facilitator, catalyst, agenda-setter and synthesizer.

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 5. 2023

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Zdeněk Opršal, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Science

Master programme / field:
Global Development Policy / Global Development Policy