Evaluación de atributos de alto valor de conservación en bosques naturales propiedad de maderas preciosas (Costa Rica) S.A Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Abstract

Ecological Dimension The high value conservation features were identified that are present in the forests on the five properties belonging to Maderas Preciosas (Costa Rica) S.A. located in the Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The ecologic dimension was evaluated using 0.1 hectare plots (20 x 50 meters) where each individual whose d ≥ 10 cm was identified and had the diameter at breast height (d) and height measured. The flora species found on these parcels, added to the fauna seen in the field observations and previous studies were categorized based on how well conserved they were. What was found is that all the forests that were sampled have flora species whose conservation is threatened, either locally, nationally, or regionally. In addition, the Santa Cecilia, Garza and Peñas Blancas properties only have four fauna species in danger of extinction and 20 species of migratory birds. Given the number of flora species in danger and the structure of the populations, the conclusion was drawn that all of this company’s properties have forests with a high conservation value. Social Dimension The high value conservation features were identified that are present in the forests on the five properties belonging to Maderas Preciosas (Costa Rica) S.A. located in the Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The social dimension evaluation was done through interviews with different residents in the communities and company employees. The interviews targeted identifying goods and service provided by the forest and the significant cultural values held by the neighboring communities close to the company reforestation projects. What was found is that, due to a lack of an immediate water storage alternative and the dependence that the communities of Peñas Blancas, Las Delicias, and Río Tabaco have on the water wells existing on the company properties, and the underlying role that these forests play in improving the quality of life and the climate in the neighboring communities close to on the properties belonging to Maderas Preciosas (Costa Rica) S.A., the forests on the properties are forests with a high conservation value.