Page 496 - Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook

466 Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook

A brief description of some of the major programs in Costa Rica is as
follows:

Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) aims at helping Costa Rican
businesses take a long-term perspective on maintaining the country’s
environment, culture, and communities. The CST program rates businesses
based upon how well they comply with certain sustainable practices.
The Bandera Azul Ecological Program helps Costa Rica’s communities
and the natural areas that surround them to stay healthy, safe, and clean.
This program encourages environment-friendly practices and active civic
engagement.
The Payments for Environmental Services program provides payments to
landowners who maintain healthy, robust land. The National Emergency
Commission is a branch of the central government that coordinates the
prevention of risks and the response to emergency situations.

CONCLUSION
A Strong Light in the Horizon

That a country, as a whole cultural movement, cares about itself and the future
of its citizens, and in addition takes steps to do better as far as sustainable
living is concerned is to me a very strong hope. The right- and left-wing
sentiments are battling for the future of a nationdthe ones who want to
exploit nature for the money they can make and the ones who want to protect
the natural resources to enjoy them and live a good life. We can all join the
ones who care, want to cooperate, and take into account all resources be they
human, animal, plant, or mineral. There is always hope that the right-winged
mind-sets see the light more clear.

Healing in All Directions
“At the deepest level of ecological awareness you are talking about spiritual
awareness. Spiritual awareness is an understanding of being imbedded in a
larger whole, a cosmic whole, of belonging to the universe.” Fritjof Capra.
There is no bigger whole to which we can relate than our beloved Earth. Since
day one when creatures and plants appeared it has given us nutrients and
sustained our lives (sometimes destroying us!). Some affectionately call it
Mother Earth. We are one with her. There is no other home. As we seek
healing when feeling ill or in disarray, the Earth heals in many ways. As
ignorant children, sometimes we chose not to care for her. It is not much we
have to do to care for her. All it takes is that we be aware that this planet is
precious beyond anything we know and take steps to live simpler caring lives
for all inhabitants be they humans, animals, or plants. Say no to the insidious
habit of consumerism.