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Costa Rica : Ecotourism and Sustainability on the Caribbean Coast
July 21, 2009
- July 30, 2009
Costa Rica is a study in contrasts. In the last decade Costa Rica has become an immensely popular tourism destination, known for its stunning scenery, abundant natural resources and diverse wildlife. With its extensive network of national parks, Costa Rica is at the forefront of the international conservation movement and has become synonymous with "ecotourism": socially responsible travel that theoretically conserves the environment while improving the welfare of local people. With this reputation, it is not surprising that tourism has become Costa Rica's most important source of revenue.
Unfortunately, the country's heavy reliance on tourism has resulted in serious social and environmental problems; the extensive development of natural areas for tourism has caused the destruction of ecosystems and the displacement of local people whose livelihood depended on those natural resources. The government's insistence on attracting foreign investors has promoted unrestrained development of beach resorts and real estate projects. This, in turn, has produced conflicts over land and water resources with peasants and local communities. The sexual exploitation of local women and children constitutes yet another distressing repercussion of Costa Rica's unregulated tourist industry. This county's natural wealth, ironically, has also led to other environmentally destructive ventures. Oil exploration threatens to destroy fragile coastal ecosystems. Multinational fruit companies and US corporate backed cattle industries are responsible for a deforestation rate in Costa Rica second to none. The government's open doors policy to foreign investors promotes bioprospecting and the spread of genetically modified crops, activities that not only place the country's biodiversity in danger but also affect the local communities' health.
Join Global Exchange as we explore the advantages and disadvantages of a tourism-based economy. As we travel across this naturally rich and strikingly beautiful country, we will examine the social and environmental problems facing Costa Ricans and meet the important players who are creating sustainable solutions. The local solutions to these challenges will inspire our action and involvement with these issues.
Program Highlights:
- Listen to different experts' views concerning development, ecotourism and sustainability in a vulnerable area such as the Caribbean.
- Enjoy a canopy tour in the Braulio Carrillo National Park.
- Witness the Green Turtle's arrival, egg laying, and hatching in Tortuguero National Park.
- Meet with community leaders and small entrepreneurs whose activities are deeply affected by massive pineapple plantations.
- Enjoy the beaches of Cahuita National Park, Punta Uva and Manzanillo in Talamanca, in the Southern Caribbean Coast.
- Meet with local leaders committed to preserving their coastal resources against oil exploration activities and marina construction in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
- Learn about Afro-Caribbean culture, history and music.
- Visit Indian villages and learn about secrets of medicinal plants, the development of organic agriculture, and the production of chocolate as well as other cultural practices. Understand these practices as ways of promoting ecotourism and sustainability.
- Visit a fair-trade organic banana cooperative as well as a conventional banana plantation and learn about both types of production.
- Stay at a rustic lodge run by a peasants' cooperative and enjoy the incomparable emotion of being surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
- All highlights and activities subject to change, as conditions permit. Please contact Program Coordinator for sample itinerary and details.
Cost:
$1575
Price Includes:
- Double-room accommodations; on-ground transportation including airport pick-up and drop-off; Global Exchange bilingual trip leader; preparatory reading and orientation materials; admission and fees to all program activities; two meals a day (breakfast and dinner).
- NOT INCLUDED: airfare, airport departure taxes, lunches, tips, and personal expenses. Single rooms are available for an additional $200.
- Please note: participants should arrive and depart from the San Jose International Airport. All Global Exchange participants who arrive and depart on scheduled trip dates are guaranteed airport transportation. Please notify program coordinator with special travel arrangements.
How to Register:
To secure your space on this trip, please submit your registration form and a deposit of $200 two months before departure. A late fee of $50 will be applied for late registration. Deposits are non-refundable but transferable for up to one year toward the cost of another tour. Payments by check, Mastercard or Visa are welcome.
This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.
Make your reservation online now!
Contact Sneh with any questions about this trip,
or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 221.
Trips on related issues: Environment and Sustainability
Fair Trade
Health and Healing
Labor and Economy
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