Considering life in Costa Rica? Consider making it a sustainable one!

It is not unusual to hear of people who traveled to Costa Rica on vacation, and decided on the spot to rent or buy a property and to start a new life. Not everyone can make such a decision and actually do it. It is however very rewarding and if this is right for you, you will never regret it. Despite rumors, Costa Rica is still very safe, and living here is still relatively easy and stress free. What should really be the main cause for consideration when moving here is whether or not your influence on the country will be a positive one. Thankfully, there are many ways to make this a reality.

Those who have decided that they wanted to live here do not need to be told why they made this decision, they already know that this country is very beautiful, offering an unequaled contrast of flora and fauna, difficult to find anywhere else today. There are still primary forests here, there still exists wildlife that is precious to us all and needs to be taken care of.

It is now common knowledge that Costa Rica has suffered due to its own popularity and some beaches have seen careless and selfish development with devastating results. It does not have to be like that. It is very possible to live here, and build the house of your dreams in total harmony with nature. It is possible to share this beautiful country, and to give it back what it is giving to us by caring for it:

1. Do not cut trees unless it is absolutely necessary, and replant others to make up for them if you had to do it. Trees not only help to take in toxic ozone gases, they often form parts of natural corridors that allow for the passage of monkeys and other wildlife. When these corridors are tampered with, the animals become cut off from one another and their existence is challenged.

2. Do not litter the environment; keep the beaches, wildlife refuges and national parks clean. There is nothing more disconcerting and sad than finding a beach littered with beer cans or picnic leftovers. When such items make their way to waterways they cause problems for wildlife and take away from the natural beauty of the region.

3. If you would like to plant some new trees or shrubs in your new garden, do not introduce imported species of plants. These are invasive, kill the native species and do not provide food for the local fauna. Besides, Costa Rica has no shortage of beautiful local species to choose from!

4. When buying a property, make sure that it follows the region’s regulatory plan, and that it will not have any devastating effect on the flora and the fauna.

5. Love Costa Rica, love the monkeys, the jaguars, the parrots, and remember that your grandchildren will want to love them too. Sustainability is being threatened by over consumption and visitation of this country’s natural resources. Remember to respect the local habitat and leave only your footprints.

6. When exploring National Parks and Reserves follow the instructions of the guides; they know how to make the most of this visit without disturbing its inhabitants! They may even stop you from getting lost, and, show you animals that you would have never spotted on your own! You are also supporting the community through employment and showing locals the benefit of investing in nature as a sustainable source of income without destroying it.

7. Care for the waterways in Costa Rica, as this is where the majority of all potable water comes from. Honor building restrictions around creeks and natural waterways and limit your use of pesticides that could run off into the water causing damage to nearby plants, animals and humans.

8. Finally, if you can, take part in some conservation organization. If time is limited, at least listen to what they have to say, and live by their advice on how limit your affects on nature.

Enjoy your life in paradise; this is a wonderful country to live in.

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Filed under: Living on May 27th, 2008