Abstract

VILLALOBOS, Verónica Bonilla. Neighbors’ opinion on the use of a farm acquired by a public university for socio-environmental purposes: the case of Los Llanos, Costa Rica. Cuadernos de Investigación UNED [online]. 2018, vol.10, n.2, pp.447-454. ISSN 1659-4266.  http://dx.doi.org/10.22458/urj.v10i2.2174.

ABSTRACT: Social participation is a significant element in ecosystem restoration; and sustainability and acceptance depend on the participatory work of the surrounding communities. The principal goal of this study is to know neighbor opinion on the use of a 9 ha farm acquired by Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED) for socio-environmental purposes (Los Llanos, Alajuela, Costa Rica). I surveyed 41 of the 82 houses that adjoin the farm. 70 % of the population has lived there for more than 15 years, only 4,3% finished university education; unemployment is 12% in men and 14% in women; around 9% lack access to drinking water. They reported that 54% use the farm for recreational and communal activities. Therefore, with adequate motivation, an additional third of the population could be incorporated into socio-environmental activities developed by the UNED, including restoration; and generating opportunities for work, training, entertainment, and reflection.

Keywords : Los Llanos; ecological restoration; development socio-environmental; UNED; perception.

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