Costa Rica: Environmental & Political Inspiration
In England, our MPs are absolutely obsessed (obsessed!) with economic growth. Which all modern environmental economists say is no longer feasible. You can’t ‘fix the economy’ by making trash to throw away, as our planet is running out of space.
Many prefer The Happiness Index, an alternative to GDP that rips up the rule book and places emphasis on quality of life, the planet, animal welfare, public health, mental health, walkable communities, zero waste and world peace.
When you look at GDP charts, the UK and USA are near the top. But on The Happiness Index, both countries slide down the ladder, being replaced by many other countries (including New Zealand and most of Scandinavia). Top of the list is beautiful Costa Rica, one of South America’s smallest countries, and home to gorgeous rainforest and happy toucans!
So what does Costa Rica do differently?
Costa Rica Abolished its Army (in 1949)
Costa Rica removed its army back in 1949 (after a violent 44-day civil war) and used the money to protect rainforests and fund healthcare, schools and pensions. And despite conflicts in neighbouring countries since, it’s remained at peace.
Costa Rica Protects Its Endangered Wildlife
Unlike countries like Brazil (that sells rainforest land to beef cattle farming and unsustainable soy production), Costa Rica is known for being one of the most stringent places for wildlife protection. This country has an incredible 500,000 species making it the most biodiverse nation on earth.
But still many of these species are rare and endangered, so the country is very focused on protecting what’s left. No trophy hunting here (all hunting is banned). It’s all about eco-tourism to bring in income from travellers.
Costa Rica Looks After Its Sea Turtles
Although England has sea turtles too (‘ocean lawnmowers’, seagrass habitats have been destroyed by anchors, turtles are confused with light pollution.
And killed by releasing balloons (which they eat, believing they are jellyfish). Costa Rica has implemented strict rules to stop over-tourism to protect its sea turtles (sometimes over 100,000 can take over beaches in a single day!) This way they are left alone to breed and lay their eggs.
Costa Rica Does Not Cage Animals
Unlike England where charities still have to campaign to educate that we can conserve endangered species without zoos, Costa Rica is one of the fist nations to make it illegal to keep animals in cages. There have been a few welfare issues but overall things have improved.
Kivu the lion who lived in a cage of cement and steel with poor diet was moved to a rescue centre, where the country roared with joy. As he spent his final days amid trees and grass, basking in the sunshine (when not tearing apart logs).
Home to 10% of the World’s Butterflies
Yet in England it’s rare to see butterflies due to disappearing habitats. A study by Butterfly Conservation found 90% of semi-natural lowland meadows and pastures have been lost in the last 75 years, which has had major effects on populations.
Costa Rica Looks After Its Farmers
Whereas there are welfare issues elsewhere with farmers who grow coffee beans, in Costa Rica ‘the golden grain’ (responsible for much of the country’s income) farmers are looked after, some even receive free land if they plan to grow and sell coffee.
Costa Rica also protects its indigenous peoples, all recognised by government who respect their rights, land, language and cultural heritage.
The Capital City is a Safe City
Costa Rica’s capital city of San José is considered to be one of the safest cities in the whole of Latin America (according to Global Peace Index).
Despite having around 2 million people, in daytime most crimes are petty (violent crime is rare in the country). Rates have increased in recent years, but this is mostly gang-related due to drug trafficking, not for residents or tourists.
Costa Rica Has Simple Fair Elections
In Costa Rica, the president is elected every four years, with people voting in their home town (postal votes are not the norm and it’s not usual for expatriates to vote either). Obviously disabled people can presumably vote by proxy, the ban on postal voting is mostly to avoid electoral fraud.
