Sustainable Coffee in Costa Rica: Solutions for People, Economic Development, and Biodiversity

The book examines the intersection of politics, economic development, and environmental sustainability of the coffee industry in Costa Rica. Ecological impacts of coffee production are analyzed through the lens of mitigating damage to the region’s biodiversity.

Sustainable Coffee in Costa Rica: Solutions for People, Economic Development, and Biodiversity analyzes the intersection of politics, economic development, and environmental sustainability in coffee production. Coffee has long been central to understanding Costa Rican politics and society. From the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, coffee was the most important economic engine for the country and coffee growers held a great deal of political power. Beginning with the historical and socio-economic importance of coffee in Costa Rica as well as the broader region, this book argues that long-term economic success for the Costa Rican coffee industry is enhanced and catalyzed by economic, social, political, and especially ecological sustainability. This book also explores the ecological effects of coffee growing, from creating plantations to the disposal of waste products, to examine how these effects can be mitigated to lessen the impact on the region’s incredible biodiversity.

Andrew P. Miller is professor of political science at Wilkes University.

Jeffrey A. Stratford is chair of the Biology and Earth System Sciences Department at Wilkes University.