General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHow A Tiny Central American Country Is Getting Richer And Saving The Environment
http://occupysydney.visibli.com/share/Apec4FIts not a trick question. Its Costa Rica. Amid news of global environmental degradation, the country has shone a spotlight on how certain economic policies and favorable governance can turn a country (at least, a small country in Central America) into a relatively sustainable, modern democracy within a few decades. A review published by the United Nations University suggests Costa Ricas example can pave the way elsewhere for initiatives such as payments for environmental services (PES) as a tool for poverty reduction, achieving carbon neutrality by 2021, and the Pax Natura (peace with nature) Initiative announced by Costa Ricas President in 2007 as a basis for ethical environmental commitment.
So how did Costa Rica do it? "The answer seems to lie in a combination of ethics, environmentalism and effective policymaking," writes Robert Blasiak, who cites the decision to redirect funds from the military in 1948 as a turning point. "After 63 years without a military, such a seemingly unconventional decision has proven both brave and useful in channeling additional investment into the countrys social and environmental programs."
xchrom
(108,903 posts)Uncle Joe
(58,370 posts)Thanks for the thread, Luminous Animal.
Blue_In_AK
(46,436 posts)My daughter and son-in-law spent a year in Costa Rica a couple of years ago and we visited them for two weeks while they were there. It was fabulous. Their daughter was born down there for a fraction of the cost of their son's delivery in Los Angeles. My son-in-law also had some dental work done very cheaply, and health care for the kids didn't cost anything.
I have a set of photos here: http://northernvisions.smugmug.com/Travel/Costa-Rica-January-2011/15666871_vpjKst#!i=1174256978&k=ranwT
snappyturtle
(14,656 posts)Blue_In_AK
(46,436 posts)especially over in Montezuma where the kids were staying. They rented an open-air house (only the bedrooms and bathrooms were enclosed within walls) on a mango plantation and were no more than 100 yards from the beach. They had no TV or radio, and is was SO peaceful.
Egalitarian Thug
(12,448 posts)5% of all the plant species, IIRC. Beautiful beaches and low cost of living a much simpler life.
OffWithTheirHeads
(10,337 posts)on the entire West coast to conserve energy. From 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. You could set your watch by it. Everybody knew it was coming and prepared for it in advance. It was soooo cool and didn't affect anyones life. You could still get a cold beer, it was just on 9ice for a few hours. I love Costa Rica!
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)meeksgeek
(1,214 posts)Amazing place. I went there in grad school. I found the people there so friendly! I speak very little Spanish and I learned something different from the Costa Rican dialect, but everyone was very helpful and patient. I could write so much about this country... We did not just see the resorts, either; went to some very rural areas, the trip included a bit of teaching at a primary school in Sarapiqui. Anyway, I have traveled a lot but this is the best place I have been, in countless ways.
Gumboot
(531 posts)... and not having to shoulder the costs of militarism.
Sounds like paradise to me, I'm very envious of you DU-ers who have been there.
Mira
(22,380 posts)Most of these are in the area of Monteverde. There is a glimpse or two of Arenal Volcano, folks on a Zip line, and in general the amazing lush green of Costa Rica, and I'll throw in a howler Monkey
This was 2 months ago
Odin2005
(53,521 posts)Gorgeous place
Odin2005
(53,521 posts)ThomThom
(1,486 posts)friendly people, beaches, mountains, forests ..... sounds good to me
greytdemocrat
(3,299 posts)Koch Industries just bought it.
Just kidding.