Conservation in context: conflicting social values and marine turtle conservation efforts in Ostional, Costa Rica, and Palm Beach County, Florida

Author

• Rosaly Byrd

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

O’Brien, William

Abstract

The legal egg harvesting of olive ridley marine turtles in Ostional, Costa Rica, has warranted much attention in the United States. Despite the evident ecological sustainability of the project and positive economic and social benefits for local residents in Ostional, observers in the U.S. have expressed criticism of this community-based conservation program. Such critics often express a preference for a "hands off' approach to turtle eggs as key to species' survival. This study assesses this geographic contrast in perception between two key factions in environmental thought--conservationism and preservationism--as they apply to such biodiversity conservation efforts. These points of view result in varying policies in different parts of the world, shaped by economic and cultural circumstances: Ostional's residents prioritize economic growth while Palm Beach County, Florida, highly values marine turtles. Depending on the socioeconomic context, different conservation approaches will be considered appropriate in different places.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Recommended Citation

Byrd, Rosaly, "Conservation in context: conflicting social values and marine turtle conservation efforts in Ostional, Costa Rica, and Palm Beach County, Florida" (2011). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 44.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/44

Extent

54 p.

Identifier

FA00003565