The Rise of Militarized Conservation in Corcovado National Park and La Amistad International Peace Park in Costa Rica: An Ecofeminist Perspective

Emily Kenward, (United States)

Militarized conservation is a popular antidote to illegal wildlife trade and poaching of endangered charismatic megafauna, often in countries experiencing (post-)conflict instability, despite human rights abuses. Costa Rica considers itself a global leader in conservation and one of the most peaceful countries, having abolished its military in 1949. However, an uptick in illegal mining, logging, and drug trafficking combined with understaffed and underfunded national parks have convinced park rangers in Corcovado National Park and La Amistad International Peace Park that militarization may increase personal safety and conservation success. Is Costa Rica’s national ethic of peace strong enough to deter the militarization of its conservation policy and practice? In my presentation, I will employ an intersectional ecofeminist framework to explain the power relations influencing Costa Rica’s conservation trajectory, as well as to emphasize the importance of Indigenous-led and community-based conservation as a means of promoting environmental peacebuilding.