Page 483 - Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook

Chapter 22

Sustainable Communities

in Costa Rica

Gerardo Zamora
3
Anthem Software Solutions & Services (S ), San Jose, Costa Rica

Chapter Outline
Introduction 453 Southwestern Areas 464
Searching for Hope 453 Southern Areas 464
A Jewel in Latin America 455 The Future of Sustainable
The Importance of Sustainability 456 Communities in Costa Rica 465
A Model for Other Areas 456 Cultural Movements and
Sustainable Communities and Areas of Governmental Programs 465
Interest 457 Conclusion 466
Northern Areas 457 A Strong Light in the Horizon 466
Northwestern Areas 457 Healing in All Directions 466
Northeastern Areas 460 Ticos y Ticas Mobilizing 467
Central Areas 461 Further Reading 467

INTRODUCTION

Searching for Hope
Millions of acres are destroyed (deforested) every year around the world.
About 77 million acres a year. The main cause, in my opinion, is “greed,”
corporate or simply human greed. Businesses have to thrive, some people have
to make fortunes, and others are bound to make a mere living wage if not less.
Our waste is enormous, and carelessness knows no limits; the raping of the
Earth is a concerted effort by all of us! Forgive me, for saying “us,” but it is
true. To some degree we all participate. Some more than others who are
indifferent and choose to be blind. Others, because we cannot possibly isolate
ourselves from the products of the modern world and somehow indirectly, at
least, we help by our mere existence to destroy parts of the Earth. I am one of
them! There are billions of people like me. That sure is not a good thing, but
is a fact. The concerted destruction by irresponsible corporations and

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