The Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve, like many other forest reserves within Costa Rica, is inhabited by a significant number of people. Law restricts the activities of those living in the forest reserve, therefore reserve residents must follow different pathways to development than neighbors outside of the reserve. This case study aims to explore the options available to people living in the forest reserve under the existing Costa Rican law. The analysis will be undertaken with the goal of making recommendations to facilitate increased access to economic opportunities for those living in the reserve.