Geothermal Development in Protected Areas. Case History from Costa Rica

Abstract

Costa Rica is recognized worldwide as a leader in environmental protection, 25% of their extension is under different levels of natural conservation. This characteristic constitutes an important challenge for developing geothermal energy due to as a great part of the recognized geothermal resources is associated with areas with different degrees of environmental protection including national parks. This document discusses the different environmental aspects related to the effort to develop geothermal fields in national parks in Costa Rica, the law proposal, the environmental management carried out in geothermal projects and the new conceptual management implemented so far. As a conclusion the sustainable development of geothermal projects in protected areas is feasible and necessary to ensure the population well being without significant impacts on the natural resources.