Today’s visit to the cloud forest reserve in Monteverde and discussion with Evelyn Herrera speaking about the economics of conservation, made it clear that conservation, productivity, and sustainability do not always work in harmony. Oftentimes, communities are trying to make a living off the land while also protecting it for future generations, creating competing forces.
An example of the competing forces can be found through climate change and how it is changing the incredibly fragile ecosystem of Monteverde. The rising temperatures are shifting cloud patterns, affecting everything from the plants that grow here to the animals that depend on them. Yet, people in the area still need jobs and income, often through agriculture or tourism. Each of these can put stress on the environment if not done carefully and consciously. The discussion at the reserve helped me realize to properly preserve the environment, a balance must be found.
If I had to prioritize just one, productivity, conservation, or sustainability, I would choose sustainability since it is the only one that truly considers both the present and the future. Productivity might bring short-term gains, and conservation can sometimes ignore the needs of local people. But sustainability considers how to make choices that allow both nature and communities to thrive in the long run? This mindset built Monteverde’s reserve in the first place, and it’s the one we’ll need moving forward.