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The Current Challenges that the Indigenous People of Costa Rica Face

Published

2 weeks ago

November 18, 2023

The indigenous people of Costa Rica, also known as the “pueblos indígenas,” face numerous challenges in the present day. These challenges are rooted in a long history of colonization, discrimination, and marginalization that continues to impact their daily lives.

Here are some of the main challenges faced by the indigenous communities in Costa Rica:

Land and territorial rights:

One of the most significant challenges indigenous people face in Costa Rica is the ongoing struggle for land and territorial rights. Many indigenous communities have been displaced from their ancestral lands due to agricultural expansion, logging, tourism development, and other economic activities. This has led to conflicts over land ownership and the loss of cultural heritage tied to their traditional territories.

Poverty and socio-economic inequality:

Indigenous communities in Costa Rica often face higher poverty rates and lower living standards compared to the general population. Limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities exacerbate these inequalities. Many indigenous people rely on subsistence agriculture or low-wage jobs, making it challenging to break the cycle of poverty and improve their living conditions.

Lack of recognition and cultural preservation:

Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions are essential aspects of Costa Rica’s cultural diversity. However, the indigenous communities struggle to maintain and revitalize their unique identities in the face of assimilation pressures. There is a need for increased recognition and respect for their cultural heritage, as well as support for initiatives that preserve and promote indigenous languages, crafts, customs, and traditional knowledge.

Limited access to basic services:

Indigenous communities often face inadequate access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education. This lack of infrastructure disproportionately affects rural and remote areas where many indigenous communities reside. The government needs to prioritize investments in these areas, ensuring equitable access to essential services for indigenous populations.

Discrimination and social exclusion:

Indigenous people in Costa Rica frequently experience discrimination and social exclusion, which further perpetuates their marginalization. Stereotyping, unequal treatment, and limited political representation are issues that hinder their ability to fully participate in society. Promoting inclusivity, raising awareness, and fighting against discrimination are crucial steps toward achieving social justice for indigenous communities.

Environmental threats:

Indigenous communities in Costa Rica, like else where, are deeply connected to their natural surroundings and depend on them for their sustenance and cultural practices. However, environmental threats, including deforestation, climate change, pollution, and extractive industries, directly impact their livelihoods and traditional way of life. Protecting their ancestral territories and involving indigenous people in environmental decision-making processes is vital to ensure sustainable development and safeguard their rights.

Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from the government, civil society organizations, and the wider population to promote indigenous rights, inclusion, and equal opportunities. Recognizing the importance of indigenous cultures, land rights, and self-determination is essential for creating a more just and equitable society where all individuals can thrive, regardless of their ethnic background.

At Resonance, we aspire to live in harmony with the natural world as a reflection of our gratitude for life. Visit and subscribe at Resonance Costa Rica Youtube Channel https://youtube.com/@resonanceCR

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Costa Rican Romance: A Guide to Finding Love in the Land of Pura Vida

Published

6 hours ago

December 4, 2023

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You’re strolling through the vibrant streets of San Jose, Costa Rica, surrounded by the tropical beauty and the rhythmic sounds of life. You’re not just there for the coffee or the stunning vistas; you’re on a quest for love. Costa Rican women, renowned for their natural beauty and charm, have captured your heart. But where to begin? Whether you’re packing your bags or logging into a dating site, let’s explore how you can meet the Tica of your dreams.

Costa Rica’s Beauties: More Than Just a Pretty Face

Costa Rican women are the epitome of grace and beauty, but they’re not just eye candy. These ladies are known for their strong family values, spirituality, manners, and class. It’s no surprise that men from around the globe are flocking to this Central American paradise in search of a life partner.

Where to Find Your Costa Rican Love

In the Heart of San Jose:

San Jose, the capital city, is buzzing with potential. This metropolitan hub is teeming with life and is the perfect playground for love-seekers. With numerous malls, coffee shops, and cultural hotspots like theaters and museums, you’re never short of places to meet someone special. Remember, showing interest in their culture can be your golden ticket.

Costa Rican Bars and Nightclubs:

If nightlife is more your scene, then the local bars and nightclubs are your battlefield. Places like El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte and Stiefel Pub are just a few hotspots where you can mingle with the locals. Be bold, buy a drink, and who knows, you might just dance your way into someone’s heart.

Beaches: Where Love and Waves Collide:

Costa Rica’s beaches are not just for sunbathing and surfing. They’re also prime spots for meeting laid-back, beach-loving beauties. From Guanacaste Province to Puerto Viejo, the coastline is dotted with resorts and beach bars brimming with potential love interests.

Malls and Supermarkets: The Unexpected Cupid:

Don’t overlook malls and supermarkets. These everyday spots are teeming with stunning women, both shoppers and staff. Strike up a conversation at a stall; it’s a great way to meet someone in a relaxed setting.

Parks and Coffee Shops: Where Romance Brews:

Take a leisurely stroll in one of San Jose’s parks or grab a cup of the world’s best coffee. Costa Rica takes its coffee seriously, and so do its women. A casual chat in a coffee shop could lead to something more.

Online Dating: Love in the Digital Age

If a trip to Costa Rica isn’t on your agenda, don’t fret. The digital world brings Costa Rican beauties right to your screen. With online dating platforms, you can start your romantic journey from afar. It’s convenient, effective, and who knows, your perfect match might just be a click away.

Finding love in Costa Rica is an adventure in itself. Whether you’re exploring the lively streets of San Jose, dancing the night away in a local club, lounging on the beach, or browsing profiles online, the journey is as thrilling as the destination. So, pack your bags or power up your laptop; your Costa Rican romance awaits in the land of pura vida!

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Costa Rica’s Forests: Not Quite the Climate Change Superheroes We Hoped For

Published

7 hours ago

December 3, 2023

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In a twist that might make a sloth sprint, Costa Rica’s lush forests, while impressive, are falling short in the battle against climate change. The 2023 State of the Nation Report reveals a hard truth: Costa Rica’s forests, though expanding, can’t shoulder the burden of climate change alone. It’s like expecting a single umbrella to keep an entire soccer team dry during a downpour.

Forests: The Green Crusaders with Limitations

Costa Rica’s forests are like natural air purifiers, but they’re struggling to keep up with the greenhouse gases we’re pumping out. The report points out that forest degradation is reducing their ability to gobble up carbon emissions. The energy sector, agriculture, industrial processes, and solid waste are throwing more at the forests than they can handle.

More Than Just a Tree Hugger’s Problem

The issue isn’t just about loving trees; it’s about revamping our energy habits. The transportation sector, still cozy with fossil fuels, needs an electric shock of change. The report nudges towards a shift in energy and agricultural practices and pokes at the sluggish adoption of electric vehicles.

Positive Green Strides

But it’s not all gloom and doom. The report applauds Costa Rica’s green cover, covering 57% of the national territory in 2022, and the consistency of protected wild areas. The expansion of payment schemes for environmental services also gets a nod, marking a 760% increase after a two-year slump.

Karen Chacón Araya’s Environmental Insights

Karen Chacón Araya, the environmental chapter researcher, reminisces about Costa Rica’s long-standing conservation efforts. The rebound from the deforestation spikes of the 1950s and 60s is a tale of triumph. Yet, she points out, the forests, though carbon positive, are not enough to tackle the entire climate crisis.

The Forest Degradation Conundrum

The report dives into forest degradation, an unseen villain causing a dip in carbon storage capabilities. Chacón emphasizes that to truly aim for decarbonization, Costa Rica must tackle energy and agriculture sectors head-on.

Wildfires: The Unseen Enemy

Adding fuel to the fire, literally, are the increasing forest wildfires. In 2022, these blazes affected over 43,000 hectares, nearly doubling from 2021, further hampering the forests’ ability to combat carbon emissions.

A Call for Wider Action

The report is clear: leaning on forests alone is like trying to bail out a boat with a teaspoon. It’s time to rethink energy usage, water resources, and agricultural land use. Stagnation in these areas is essentially backpedaling on environmental progress.

The Threat to Marine Life and Species

The increase in protected areas doesn’t shield the growing number of threatened species or the deteriorating health of the oceans. The report warns of a rise in total fishing hauls, further stressing marine ecosystems.

Franz Tattenbach Capra’s Reality Check

Minister of Environment and Energy, Franz Tattenbach Capra, admits the forests’ limitations. But he’s quick to defend their value, arguing that if the world followed Costa Rica’s lead in taxing fossil fuels for reforestation, we’d be in a greener place. He points to sustainable agro-landscapes and energy initiatives as part of the solution.

Budget Constraints

The conservation efforts are like a car running on fumes – there’s just not enough budget. Sinac’s budget cuts have led to a 70% decrease in hours dedicated to protecting natural assets.

A Collaborative Future

The solution may lie in a joint effort involving international funding, private enterprise, and civil society. It’s about getting everyone on board, from big corporations to the average Joe.

So, Costa Rica’s forests, while doing their best, need a bit of help from their friends – us. It’s about making changes in how we use energy, get around, and grow our food. With a collective push, maybe we can turn Costa Rica’s forests from climate change sidekicks into superheroes.

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Costa Rica Seizes 1.7 Tons of Marijuana in Boat Bust :

Published

8 hours ago

December 3, 2023

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In a significant operation conducted by the Costa Rican Coast Guard in collaboration with US authorities, a boat named “Lexus” was intercepted in the South Pacific region, 24 kilometers off Cape Matapalo. The vessel, spotted by a US Maritime Patrol Air Patrol (MPA) on Thursday afternoon, was carrying a substantial illicit cargo.

The 38-foot-long boat, with foreign registration CP-01-3333, was equipped with two powerful outboard engines of 250Hp each. The interception, which took place at 1:36 in the afternoon and lasted 12 hours, resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,724 kilos of marijuana and 36 kilos of cocaine.

Costa Rica strictly prohibits the consumption of marijuana for recreational purposes; only medicinal use is allowed. The intercepted vessel was manned by two Nicaraguan nationals, a 44-year-old captain named Wilson and a 27-year-old sailor named Julias.

Both individuals, found to have irregular status in Costa Rica, were residents of Laguna Perla.

The Costa Rican authorities, alerted by the US MPA, initiated a chase, successfully capturing the vessel and detaining the crew members. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

This operation comes on the heels of another recent success for the Costa Rican coast guard, which seized almost two tons of cocaine two weeks prior after chasing a boat in the Caribbean. The country has been actively combating drug trafficking, with data from the Costa Rican Drug Institute revealing that 24.7 tons of cocaine were seized in 2022.

The intercepted vessel, “Lexus,” was not only carrying a significant quantity of drugs but also had 17 tin cans containing approximately 500 liters of fuel and unspecified illicit substances. The successful coordination between the Costa Rican Coast Guard and US authorities highlights the importance of international collaboration in tackling transnational criminal activities.

The detained crew members, facing charges related to drug trafficking, are now under the jurisdiction of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, emphasizing the commitment of Costa Rica to combatting drug-related crimes and ensuring maritime security in the region.

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