COSTA RICA ECOTOURISM AT HACIENDA BARU

A Fascinating Story of Change from Cattle Ranching to
Conservation, Wildlife Observation and Bird Watching

A history of Ecotourism and Conservation in Costa Rica.
One hundred years ago southern Costa Rica, where Hacienda Barú is located, was covered with virgin forest. As people settled the region, much of the forest was cleared, and pasture was planted. Only a few scattered parcels of primary rainforest were left untouched, one of which was the highlands of Hacienda Barú. The lowlands of the hacienda were completely deforested and the land used for cattle ranching. Ecotourism in Costa Rica did not exist at that time. In 1972 when the aerial photo shown below was taken only three people were employed on the hacienda

In 1979 the owners of Hacienda Barú decided that the ecology of the rainforest was extremely important, and that Ecotourism had great potential as an economic alternative. They began taking steps to conserve and restore several areas of the property. In the late 1980s Costa Rica became a popular destination for Ecotourism and bird watching, and the decision was made to restore all of the land to natural habitat. This created a haven for wildlife and birds for the enjoyment and education of ecotourists. In 1995 the President of Costa Rica signed a decree creating Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge. The aerial photo shown below was taken in 1997.