SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON: LESSONS LEARNED FROM COSTA RICA

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Volume Title

School of Business | Bachelor's thesis

Date

2021

Department

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

(Mikkeli) Bachelor’s Program in International Business

Language

en

Pages

107

Series

Abstract

Objectives The main objective of this study was to analyze whether a long-term approach to managing forests and other natural resources can be more beneficial to a nation’s economy than a short-term unsustainable development model, such as that currently being practiced in the Brazilian Amazon. It also looked to provide recommendations on how Brazil can embrace sustainable development in the Amazon. Summary The research consisted of developing a case study of the policies, initiatives, and measures taken by a sustainable development success story, as is Costa Rica. With the case study, the intention was to showcase how this country has managed to balance environmental and economic objectives, thereby demonstrating that safeguarding nature does not inhibit economic growth. Rather, the two can go hand in hand. The case study involved an interdisciplinary approach; secondary literature and some expert interviews to provide new and better insights. Conclusions A sustainable development paradigm in the Amazon has significant potential and should be undertaken. The short-term development model in the Amazon involves adverse environmental, economic, and social repercussions in the long term. Conversely, Costa Rica’s experience proves that under certain conditions, the protection of natural resources may have greater economic benefits than those of deforestation. It can be concluded that sustainable development is a complex, continuous, and long-term process that requires a holistic approach and various initiatives and measures. There are several policies, initiatives, and measures from Costa Rica’s experience which could prove beneficial for supporting a sustainable development approach in the Brazilian Amazon. There are differences between both countries, hence the recommendations should be adjusted to the reality and characteristics of Brazil and the Amazon.

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Thesis advisor

Decker, Christopher

Keywords

Sustainable development, Amazon rainforest, Brazil, Costa Rica, Deforestation, Economic growth, Conservation, Natural resources

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