DW.Com - Costa Rica - Central America's Green Treasure (2016)

Costa Rica - Central America's Green Treasure

Christopher Columbus called it the “rich coast” – a strip of land that straddles the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. But Costa Rica's rich natural beauty is threatened by the over-exploitation of its resources and by mono-culture farming. Huge banana- and pineapple plantations have reduced the country's natural bio-diversity – but activists are now trying to preserve what's left of it. Costa Rica is a natural paradise that combines distinctive geography and a wide variety of plant- and animal species. About a quarter of the country's land has been designated as natural parks or other protected areas. Eco-tourism is booming. Our report features interviews with several people who are committed to preserving this paradise. On the island of Chira, a group of women are working hard to preserve mangrove swamps that are important for the local environment. In the Monte Alto nature reserve, pastureland is being re-forested. In the Monte Verde biological reserve, students conduct guided tours through the highland “cloud forest” – a showcase for the country's conservation policies. Costa Rica seems to have struck a proper balance between preserving its natural heritage and supporting the growth of commercial development.

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