Genetically modified crops for biodiversity conservation?: reflections from the GM debate in Costa Rica

Alexandra Tuinstra Gomez

ISS Working Papers - General Series from International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS), The Hague

Abstract: A series of events in Costa Rica over the past months – from the departure of Monsanto to the issuing of a request by the national president’s son that all transgenic crops be destroyed – has attracted attention to the debate about whether or not to continue permitting the cultivation of genetically modified seeds in the country. Proponents of GM cultivation have relied heavily on the argument that using GM food production can increase yields, thereby freeing more land for biodiversity conservation in national parks and protected areas. What do these proposals entail, who are their proponents, and why does biodiversity play an important role? This paper uses the current debate to understand the various interests in preserving Costa Rica’s biodiversity, and the driving forces behind the promotion of GMOs as a catalyst for its conservation.

Keywords: biodiversity; national parks; protected areas; food production; crops; Costa Rica (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2005-04-01
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ems:euriss:19168

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