Implications for hydropower development in Costa Rica: A spatial visualization and analysis of the implications for hydroelectric dams in the Chirripo Valley

Abstract

The hydro electrification of Costa Rica both has a positive and negative theme for the province. At one point the use and shift towards hydroelectricity and ‘clean energy’ is seen as beneficial since they are moving away from traditional ‘dirty’ energy. Moreover, the country is known for its commitment towards renewable energy (United National Industrial Development Organization, 2014, p.). On the other side, hydroelectricity is costly both towards the actual construction of it and the cost it has to the environment and the people living in the proposed areas.We will be exploring the proposal of hydroelectric dams in Costa Rica and their negative effects on the environment and the local community. We will explore the area of the Chirripo Valley. We will be looking at a number of proposed dams in the area and how they could potentially impact the environment, cultural, and the communities. Our goal with this project is to create visual, accessible assessments of hydropower development in Costa Rica that can be used as a powerful educational medium in order to engage and involve local communities for more active and participatory management.