Introduction

Abstract

This introduction first describes the context of La Amistad Biosphere Reserve and surrounding areas. Secondly, it examines natural resource problems present in the region and the concepts of sustainability, the common interest, and innovation through prototyping briefly. Third, it briefly describes our Yale University course, our analytic approach, and the field trip itself. The eleven papers in this volume, including the introduction and synthesis, describe results of our course and field trip in 2002. Combined, these papers are descriptive, analytical, and offer practical recommendations to improve decision making and management policy in regards to sustainability efforts in La Amistad, Bocas del Toro, Panama and Talamanca, Costa Rica regions.