Water Resources And Regional Land Cover Change In Costa Rica: Impacts And Economics

This paper evaluates the relationships between sediment production, economic losses and land cover change in Costa Rica. Results suggest that the relationship between sediment production and the deterioration of land resources in Costa Rica is less understood than expected, and that new sediment monitoring systems must be implemented in order to be able to detect the overall impact of tropical deforestation and habitat fragmentation on sediment production. The results also indicate that the correlation between economic losses due to flooding and landscape fragmentation can be counteracted by promoting 'payment for environmental services' initiatives; a new concept that takes into consideration the role that tropical ecosystems play in protecting the environment.