Terrestrial resources of the Nicaraguan Caribbean

Towards a philosophy of sustainability

Abstract

This article discusses the difficulties in implementing a sustainable natural resource utilization model in regions such as the RAAS. In general terms, the factors that limit sustainable development can be summarized in three: greed, ignorance and poverty.  These three factors almost always obstruct any intentions to implement a sustainable development philosophy, and Nicaragua's Atlantic Coast is no exception.  A fatal cycle of destruction of the immensely rich tropical forests of the RAAS is continually repeating itself:  Timber extraction, migratory slash-and-burn agriculture, use of abandoned agricultural land for pasture. To stop the three factors that oppose sustainable development greed, ignorance and poverty we propose an alternative way of relating to natural ecosystems: Preservation, Utilization and Restoration. To observe the effect that various human actions have on the forest we can compare several types of disturbances. Studying the damage caused by natural catastrophes, such as hurricanes of the intensity of Hurricane Joan, allows us to better understand forest dynamics and regeneration mechanisms. We must preserve resources as intact as possible, so that we are able to pass them on to future generations.