NATURE AIR RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD, May 29, 2009
Nature Air, the airline flying the Costa Rica flag, won the Tourism for Tomorrow 2009 award from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), thanks to its sustainable tourism efforts and its commitment to Costa Rica’s national heritage.
This recognition has been granted for many decades in order to stimulate efforts for environmental protection in the tourism industry of Costa Rica.
The choice was made based on efforts by Nature Air in reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the 100% carbon neutral aviation program which gets passengers involved in the involuntary emission compensation plan thereby reducing fuel consumption in the air and on land.
Nature Air has developed a unique bio-fuel service station and created the non-profit NatureKids foundation, which teaches English and environmental topics to local communities.
“The environment in Costa Rica is precious and we are grateful to receive this great recognition by the WTTC due to our conservation efforts,” stated Alex Khhajavi, founder and CEO of Nature Air.
“This award is an inspiration to us all at Nature Air and encourages us to continue seeking news ways to add positive value to social and environmental challenges that face us.”
The company has been involved in environmental issues since 2004, when it committed itself to establishing new standards for sustainable practices in the aviation industry, recovering 100% of its greenhouse emissions by means of rainforest conservation in the Osa peninsula.
The Tourism for Tomorrow award is a way that the WTTC stimulates sound practices within the industry. This council brings together business leaders from the tourism industry and works with governments and other participants in order to raise awareness about the importance of one of the greatest sources of wealth and employment in the world.
NatureAir of Costa Rica was created in 2000 and has grown staggeringly, going from 18,000 passengers annually to more than 140,000 in 2008.
It is the first carbon neutral airline in the world and the only twin-engine airline in Costa Rica with scheduled as well as charter flights offering 74 daily flights to 17 destinations in Costa Rica and Panama.
With respect to its energy conservation policy, it focuses on the use of bio-fuels (cooking oils), which operate all of its ground transportation.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Costa Rica Hotels
SALVADORAN GROUP TO INVEST $15 MILLION IN HOTEL IN ESCAZÚ, June 5, 2009
The Salvadoran business group, Agrisal, will invest close to $15 million in Costa Rica on the construction of its first hotel outside of its own country.
Eduardo Quiñónez, director of Agrisol’s hotel division, reported that the hotel will operate under the Holiday Inn chain and will be located in Escazú Costa Rica, “very close to the CIMA hospital.” He failed to give the exact
location in Costa Rica.
“We undertook a thorough analysis and came to the conclusion that Costa Rica provided the best conditions for our first hotel outside of El Salvador. You have done an extraordinary job in positioning the country for tourism,” he stated.
He remarked that the first block will be laid in September, with the goal of opening its doors at the end of 2010. Its construction will generate up to 300 direct jobs and a little more than 150 permanent employees when it opens.
Agrisol’s arrival to the country did not happen alone. The Salvadoran group joined up with the InterContinental Hotels Group chain (IHG), which currently has four hotels in San José.
The agreement with IHG was signed in 2007, not only to open the Holiday Inn in Escazú, but also for another six hotels throughout Central America.
The Salvadoran business group, Agrisal, will invest close to $15 million in Costa Rica on the construction of its first hotel outside of its own country.
Eduardo Quiñónez, director of Agrisol’s hotel division, reported that the hotel will operate under the Holiday Inn chain and will be located in Escazú Costa Rica, “very close to the CIMA hospital.” He failed to give the exact
location in Costa Rica.
“We undertook a thorough analysis and came to the conclusion that Costa Rica provided the best conditions for our first hotel outside of El Salvador. You have done an extraordinary job in positioning the country for tourism,” he stated.
He remarked that the first block will be laid in September, with the goal of opening its doors at the end of 2010. Its construction will generate up to 300 direct jobs and a little more than 150 permanent employees when it opens.
Agrisol’s arrival to the country did not happen alone. The Salvadoran group joined up with the InterContinental Hotels Group chain (IHG), which currently has four hotels in San José.
The agreement with IHG was signed in 2007, not only to open the Holiday Inn in Escazú, but also for another six hotels throughout Central America.
Costa Rica Flights
SPIRIT AIRLINES TO OPEN RESERVATION CENTERS, June 5, 2009
Spirit Airlines opened its Reservation Center in Costa. The opening of this new office is located in Ultrapark, in Heredia, and more than 75 agents and support personnel have been hired to begin operation.
The company has trained its new customer service personnel to take calls in Spanish, make reservations, and deal with travelers’ questions.
“Without a doubt, this news comes at the right time because it shows a level of trust and reflects not only the reputation that Costa Rica has as a destination spot, but also the excellent preparedness of Costa Ricans,” said María Amalia Revelo, Assistant Manager and Marketing Director of the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT).
Spirit Airlines is a low-cost airline and ranks among the largest in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Currently, it operates 150 daily flights to 39 destinations with the newest Airbus fleet in America. It is based out of Miramar, Florida and employs 2,300 professionals.
Spirit Airlines opened its Reservation Center in Costa. The opening of this new office is located in Ultrapark, in Heredia, and more than 75 agents and support personnel have been hired to begin operation.
The company has trained its new customer service personnel to take calls in Spanish, make reservations, and deal with travelers’ questions.
“Without a doubt, this news comes at the right time because it shows a level of trust and reflects not only the reputation that Costa Rica has as a destination spot, but also the excellent preparedness of Costa Ricans,” said María Amalia Revelo, Assistant Manager and Marketing Director of the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT).
Spirit Airlines is a low-cost airline and ranks among the largest in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Currently, it operates 150 daily flights to 39 destinations with the newest Airbus fleet in America. It is based out of Miramar, Florida and employs 2,300 professionals.
Costa Rica Wild Life
PLAYA IGUANITA TO BECOME A WILDLIFE REFUGE, June 12, 2009
In order to protect the land and sea ecosystems in the area, the Legislative Plenary opened debate on case 16 349 which would legally make Playa Iguanita a Wildlife Refuge. It is located in the Nacascola Peninsula Costa Rica and includes primary forests, dry tropical forests, mangroves, as well as a marine bay area.
The area has many tourist, educational and scientific attractions, and its proximity to Liberia and Carrillo Costa Rica make it a popular tourism development point for sustaining natural and cultural resources, in such a way that the refuge can be protected and, at the same time, maintain the local use of the beaches.
Studies have revealed 67 marine species (including those of commercial interests such as snapper, lobster, and the queen conch), 118 species of trees and plants, 110 species of birds, of which 27% are migratory, and 10 species of land mammals, including species that are decimated, threatened or at risk of extinction. Thus, recommendations have been made to increase long-term protection efforts in this area.
Costa Rica, through the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), ICT, and the municipalities of Liberia and Carrillo, have guaranteed keeping Playa Iguanita open for tourist and local use without creating obstacles for the Papagayo Gulf Tourism Project development.
They aim to guarantee the availability of Playa Iguanita for all Costa Rican residents, especially those from Guanacaste that, for economic reasons, cannot afford trips to tourist areas.
In order to protect the land and sea ecosystems in the area, the Legislative Plenary opened debate on case 16 349 which would legally make Playa Iguanita a Wildlife Refuge. It is located in the Nacascola Peninsula Costa Rica and includes primary forests, dry tropical forests, mangroves, as well as a marine bay area.
The area has many tourist, educational and scientific attractions, and its proximity to Liberia and Carrillo Costa Rica make it a popular tourism development point for sustaining natural and cultural resources, in such a way that the refuge can be protected and, at the same time, maintain the local use of the beaches.
Studies have revealed 67 marine species (including those of commercial interests such as snapper, lobster, and the queen conch), 118 species of trees and plants, 110 species of birds, of which 27% are migratory, and 10 species of land mammals, including species that are decimated, threatened or at risk of extinction. Thus, recommendations have been made to increase long-term protection efforts in this area.
Costa Rica, through the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), ICT, and the municipalities of Liberia and Carrillo, have guaranteed keeping Playa Iguanita open for tourist and local use without creating obstacles for the Papagayo Gulf Tourism Project development.
They aim to guarantee the availability of Playa Iguanita for all Costa Rican residents, especially those from Guanacaste that, for economic reasons, cannot afford trips to tourist areas.
Costa Rica Flights
CHARTER FLIGHTS TO SWAMP LIBERIA COSTA RICA AIRPORT STARTING IN JULY, June 12, 2009
The Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica will welcome charter flights from Canada, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, and possibly Madrid during the second quarter of this year.
The Tourism Minister, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, said that the increase in charter flights to the airport in Liberia Costa Rica will help bolster the worldwide decrease in tourism.
The Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica will welcome charter flights from Canada, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, and possibly Madrid during the second quarter of this year.
The Tourism Minister, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, said that the increase in charter flights to the airport in Liberia Costa Rica will help bolster the worldwide decrease in tourism.
Costa Rica Birds
THOUSANDS OF BIRDS MAKE COSTA RICA THEIR FAVORITE NESTING PLACE, June 12, 2009
The climate, abundant food source, and rich forests, are optimal conditions that has made Costa Rica a special nesting place for hundreds of species of birds that many have come to admire for their beauty, exotic plumage, precious songs, and mesmerizing flights.
These very reasons contribute to the migration from Eastern North America to this area where they spend approximately six months feeding and taking advantage of the ideal conditions for their return flight to the north during their reproductive season.
For these reasons, the country enjoys a wealth of birdlife and, according to data from Julio Sánchez, president of Costa Rica’s Ornithologists Society, there are an estimated 900 species, 50 of which are indigenous to the country which makes them extremely valuable. Around 200 are migratory.
“We should be proud of the nature that surrounds us where such a spectacular variety of birds can be found in such a small area. Birdlife in Costa Rica is very abundant, and what is even more important is that 50 of these species are indigenous to the country like the Fiery-throated hummingbird, the cusingo, and the goldfinch,” asserted Sánchez.
The climate, abundant food source, and rich forests, are optimal conditions that has made Costa Rica a special nesting place for hundreds of species of birds that many have come to admire for their beauty, exotic plumage, precious songs, and mesmerizing flights.
These very reasons contribute to the migration from Eastern North America to this area where they spend approximately six months feeding and taking advantage of the ideal conditions for their return flight to the north during their reproductive season.
For these reasons, the country enjoys a wealth of birdlife and, according to data from Julio Sánchez, president of Costa Rica’s Ornithologists Society, there are an estimated 900 species, 50 of which are indigenous to the country which makes them extremely valuable. Around 200 are migratory.
“We should be proud of the nature that surrounds us where such a spectacular variety of birds can be found in such a small area. Birdlife in Costa Rica is very abundant, and what is even more important is that 50 of these species are indigenous to the country like the Fiery-throated hummingbird, the cusingo, and the goldfinch,” asserted Sánchez.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Costa Rica Eco Tourism
Featured ecoDestination - Costa Rica
"In Costa Rica we have a long tradition of receiving tourists with open arms. It doesn´t matter what you are looking for: adventure or rest; beaches, mountains, rivers or volcanoes… I invite you to share all the richness that nature spread in this tropical land full of contrasts. The Costa Ricans proudly and responsibly protect our biodiversity for our children and for you." - Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Ministro Turismo, Costa Rica (Minister's message from: VisitCostaRica.com)
Naturally Peaceful
Costa Rica, demonstrating its fierce dedication to peace and democracy, became the first country in the modern world to constitutionally abolish its standing army in 1948, and is today proudly the oldest and most stable democracy in Central America. Thirty-nine years after Costa Rica's declaration of peace with the world, the beloved leader of this peace-loving country, President Oscar Arias Sanchez was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. President Arias' efforts in promoting his "Peace with Nature" policy has inspired many Costa Ricans, who enjoy living with more trees per capita and per square kilometer than any other country in the world. Costa Ricans are also among the world's most enthusiastic tree planters, enriching their landscapes with a few million trees each year.
Pioneering Green Challenge
Costa Rica is also en route to becoming the first carbon neutral country by 2021. The famous vow by the Costa Rica government, delivered in 2007, to become the first carbon neutral destination, raised the standard yet again for the global ecotourism community.
Pura Vida
Literally translating to "pure life", if there were an official national moto of Costa Rica, this would likely be it. Trust us, by the end of your journey, it will be your favorite new expression. "Pura Vida is a word that identifies a Costa Rican wherever he or she may be. When you say "Pura Vida" the facial expression of the person changes and the person smiles. It is a word very meaningful to Costa Ricans. It reminds us of home and its' beauty." Read more about Costa Rica's national symbols.
"In Costa Rica we have a long tradition of receiving tourists with open arms. It doesn´t matter what you are looking for: adventure or rest; beaches, mountains, rivers or volcanoes… I invite you to share all the richness that nature spread in this tropical land full of contrasts. The Costa Ricans proudly and responsibly protect our biodiversity for our children and for you." - Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Ministro Turismo, Costa Rica (Minister's message from: VisitCostaRica.com)
Naturally Peaceful
Costa Rica, demonstrating its fierce dedication to peace and democracy, became the first country in the modern world to constitutionally abolish its standing army in 1948, and is today proudly the oldest and most stable democracy in Central America. Thirty-nine years after Costa Rica's declaration of peace with the world, the beloved leader of this peace-loving country, President Oscar Arias Sanchez was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. President Arias' efforts in promoting his "Peace with Nature" policy has inspired many Costa Ricans, who enjoy living with more trees per capita and per square kilometer than any other country in the world. Costa Ricans are also among the world's most enthusiastic tree planters, enriching their landscapes with a few million trees each year.
Pioneering Green Challenge
Costa Rica is also en route to becoming the first carbon neutral country by 2021. The famous vow by the Costa Rica government, delivered in 2007, to become the first carbon neutral destination, raised the standard yet again for the global ecotourism community.
Pura Vida
Literally translating to "pure life", if there were an official national moto of Costa Rica, this would likely be it. Trust us, by the end of your journey, it will be your favorite new expression. "Pura Vida is a word that identifies a Costa Rican wherever he or she may be. When you say "Pura Vida" the facial expression of the person changes and the person smiles. It is a word very meaningful to Costa Ricans. It reminds us of home and its' beauty." Read more about Costa Rica's national symbols.
Costa Rica Travel
New terminal contract
approved for Liberia
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Liberia will be getting a new $35 million airport terminal under terms of an agreement approved Wednesday by Costa Rica President Óscar Arias Sánchez and his ministers.
The agreement between the Costa Rcia government and Coriport S.A., a consortium which has agreed to design and build the two-story structure and to operate the terminal at Daniel Oduber airportin northern Costa Rica for 20 years.
The company will have five months after the Contraloría de la República approves the agreement to submit a design. Once the design is approved, the company will have six months to build the structure, according to the agreement
The new terminal in Liberia Costa Rica will handle 1,500 passengers a day instead of the 900 now.
The first floor will house immigration officers, customs, equipment handlers, airline offices and the airport administration offices.
The second floor will be departure lounges and gates for boarding aircraft, according to the proposed plan. The structure will be 22,949 cubic meters or about 810,436 cubic feet.
approved for Liberia
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Liberia will be getting a new $35 million airport terminal under terms of an agreement approved Wednesday by Costa Rica President Óscar Arias Sánchez and his ministers.
The agreement between the Costa Rcia government and Coriport S.A., a consortium which has agreed to design and build the two-story structure and to operate the terminal at Daniel Oduber airportin northern Costa Rica for 20 years.
The company will have five months after the Contraloría de la República approves the agreement to submit a design. Once the design is approved, the company will have six months to build the structure, according to the agreement
The new terminal in Liberia Costa Rica will handle 1,500 passengers a day instead of the 900 now.
The first floor will house immigration officers, customs, equipment handlers, airline offices and the airport administration offices.
The second floor will be departure lounges and gates for boarding aircraft, according to the proposed plan. The structure will be 22,949 cubic meters or about 810,436 cubic feet.
Costa Rica Real Estate
Cities in Costa Rica need more green buildings
Thu, Jun 18, 2009
Real Estate Buzz
Climate change in the world that has prompted many to turn trends more friendly to the environment, and construction is no exception.
Designing buildings more “green” requires not only investment, but of vision.
Luis Iturbe, representative for Latin America and the Caribbean of Icynene Inc., a company of foam insulation products, said the main patterns in the construction of buildings of this type.
How can a building be energy efficient?
An energy efficient building should take advantage of the characteristics of the environment that is built to be used as efficiently as the least amount of resources, especially energy.
Among the features there is shading, orientation, and painting, type of windows, doors and materials used in construction.
Who is responsible for the design?
The design must start at the design stage of the building, and that effort must involve all the professionals involved in creating it.
Costa Rica, in particular, what measures should be implemented?
It is important to have an adequate regulatory framework.
In countries outsie oof Costa Rica there are codes or regulations that require buildings to have adequate security to the occupants, the environmental impact is minimal and that the characteristics of energy efficiency are appropriate not only for today’s standards, but to comply with best margins efficiency.
Are there any buildings of this kind?
Yes, there are buildings with efficient and low environmental impact and energy, but it is necessary to disseminate the advances that other countries have with regard to this issue.
While Costa Rica has a wide variety of small buildings to serve the rural eco-tourism is also important in cities large buildings, both public and private, to adhere to the more commonly accepted practice in other countries.
At economic level costs, is more expensive?
In principle, create more efficient buildings could be more expensive, and that’s always the point that most conflicts occur at the building from the developer or investor of the construction and architect.
This conflict tends to fall when the developer, developer or investor is the person who will operate the building. The person who will operate the building as is usually the interest that the building is as efficient and less costly as possible; this may involve some initial cost or investment.
Ultimately, we must consider that cheap is expensive, as a necessarily inefficient building during its life will be more expensive than an efficient but at the installation of insulation, windows, doors, painting eaves and other elements might be considered expensive.
Which countries in Latin America take the lead in the topic?
As an example, Mexico has a legal framework and regulations for the construction of fairly complete, however in the field of application, it is in the hands of each of the country’s municipalities, which makes the task of dissemination and implementation of efficiency standards is more complicated.
Do you consider that Costa Rica may be a carbon neutral country by 2021?
The only way to Costa Rica to become a carbon neutral country in 2021, is to follow all the advances available to achieve that goal. It is absolutely necessary to have the regulatory structure and action.
Thu, Jun 18, 2009
Real Estate Buzz
Climate change in the world that has prompted many to turn trends more friendly to the environment, and construction is no exception.
Designing buildings more “green” requires not only investment, but of vision.
Luis Iturbe, representative for Latin America and the Caribbean of Icynene Inc., a company of foam insulation products, said the main patterns in the construction of buildings of this type.
How can a building be energy efficient?
An energy efficient building should take advantage of the characteristics of the environment that is built to be used as efficiently as the least amount of resources, especially energy.
Among the features there is shading, orientation, and painting, type of windows, doors and materials used in construction.
Who is responsible for the design?
The design must start at the design stage of the building, and that effort must involve all the professionals involved in creating it.
Costa Rica, in particular, what measures should be implemented?
It is important to have an adequate regulatory framework.
In countries outsie oof Costa Rica there are codes or regulations that require buildings to have adequate security to the occupants, the environmental impact is minimal and that the characteristics of energy efficiency are appropriate not only for today’s standards, but to comply with best margins efficiency.
Are there any buildings of this kind?
Yes, there are buildings with efficient and low environmental impact and energy, but it is necessary to disseminate the advances that other countries have with regard to this issue.
While Costa Rica has a wide variety of small buildings to serve the rural eco-tourism is also important in cities large buildings, both public and private, to adhere to the more commonly accepted practice in other countries.
At economic level costs, is more expensive?
In principle, create more efficient buildings could be more expensive, and that’s always the point that most conflicts occur at the building from the developer or investor of the construction and architect.
This conflict tends to fall when the developer, developer or investor is the person who will operate the building. The person who will operate the building as is usually the interest that the building is as efficient and less costly as possible; this may involve some initial cost or investment.
Ultimately, we must consider that cheap is expensive, as a necessarily inefficient building during its life will be more expensive than an efficient but at the installation of insulation, windows, doors, painting eaves and other elements might be considered expensive.
Which countries in Latin America take the lead in the topic?
As an example, Mexico has a legal framework and regulations for the construction of fairly complete, however in the field of application, it is in the hands of each of the country’s municipalities, which makes the task of dissemination and implementation of efficiency standards is more complicated.
Do you consider that Costa Rica may be a carbon neutral country by 2021?
The only way to Costa Rica to become a carbon neutral country in 2021, is to follow all the advances available to achieve that goal. It is absolutely necessary to have the regulatory structure and action.
Costa Rica Real Estate
Prices of houses are frozen
Mon, Jun 22, 2009
Real Estate Buzz
In December 2008, Carlos Castro made six new homes for sale in La Aurora de Heredia Costa Rica. Four months later decided to lower the price of $ 80,000 to $ 75,000 to try to sell them faster.
Despite the discount, Castro has not been able to sell one.
Other developers have opted for another strategy: to keep the price down but the pace of construction and make deals.
According to the vice president of the Costa Rica Chamber of Real Estate Brokers, Francisco Barquero, sellers of homes are stepping up promotions to try to encourage buyers. For example, raffle a prize all buyers or eliminate the payment of legal fees in the transaction.
Demand and housing construction in Costa Rica fell in the last quarter of 2008 and continued in 2009 according to data from the Federal College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) .. The main reason mentioned builders consulted are the lack of credit for consumers was limited by the increase in interest rates.
According to Castro, some people who meet the requirements of banks decide to postpone the purchase for fear of being unable to pay the debt before major economic difficulties.
Minor Briceno, president of Development and Construction (Deyco) of Costa Rica, explained that the difference is that before, for the same type of housing, were granted a loan to a family with an income of $ 3,500 and currently require $ 5,500 a month.
As a result, between January and April this year, with the CFIA has handled about 47% less square meters for housing is managed in the same period of 2008.
Stable and low
5.4% inputs for increased housing construction in June 2008 to May 2009. In the same period a year ago was 22.9%.
41,2% Percentage this year represent the total housing units in the building. Last year was 50.5%.
The crisis halted a growth trend in the prices of homes, whose values rose more than a year ago due to production costs and high demand caused by the facilities for obtaining loans.
However, since the second half of 2008 the prices tend to be unchanged.
One factor that helped stability was the slight decline in the price of construction materials from November 2008 until last April, as measured by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC).
Before that, in 2007 and 2006, there were increases in the cost of materials.
Precisely for that low, when it accounted for the last 12 months, ending in May, the average increase was 5.4%, while June 2007 to May 2008 was 22.9%.
Eduardo Gutierrez, general manager of technical development, is another of those who decided to cut prices on some homes. In a condominium residence that previously cost $ 140,000, now sell at $ 135,000. Also, now only work against customer orders.
Eduardo Feoli, general manager of Eurohogar, which now has three property projects for sale, he acknowledged he also had to make adjustments to the price low, but gave no details.
Other companies have decided to maintain prices. The adjustment was made in the inventory, since few houses are built and ready to deliver.
Briceño, in Deyco, is one that took this path and since last November kept the same values of condominium housing project in San Pablo de Heredia.
A slower pace of production allowed them to lower the costs of the company, said Briceno.
For Alejandro Gonzalez, general manager of Real Estate Casamax, the bonanza of previous years attracted developers inefficient now must sell at cost price to avoid losses.
According to Gonzalez, the company maintains an efficient cost structure and therefore in its residential and Imperial Treasury sold so far this year, 75% of the 30 houses that the condominium and unchanged prices.
“The secret to real estate speculation is not sustainable at the macro-economic changes in the market, maintaining low margins with high volumes of construction,” added Gonzalez.
The firm Urban Development, which has seven projects, not their values changed in the last 12 months. CEO Guillermo Bonilla explained that as far opted to have a small inventory in each complex of two or three houses.
The prognosis for the coming months and for next year is booked. Some see opportunities like Gonzalez. For him, prices will rise due to low supply of new houses.
Mon, Jun 22, 2009
Real Estate Buzz
In December 2008, Carlos Castro made six new homes for sale in La Aurora de Heredia Costa Rica. Four months later decided to lower the price of $ 80,000 to $ 75,000 to try to sell them faster.
Despite the discount, Castro has not been able to sell one.
Other developers have opted for another strategy: to keep the price down but the pace of construction and make deals.
According to the vice president of the Costa Rica Chamber of Real Estate Brokers, Francisco Barquero, sellers of homes are stepping up promotions to try to encourage buyers. For example, raffle a prize all buyers or eliminate the payment of legal fees in the transaction.
Demand and housing construction in Costa Rica fell in the last quarter of 2008 and continued in 2009 according to data from the Federal College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) .. The main reason mentioned builders consulted are the lack of credit for consumers was limited by the increase in interest rates.
According to Castro, some people who meet the requirements of banks decide to postpone the purchase for fear of being unable to pay the debt before major economic difficulties.
Minor Briceno, president of Development and Construction (Deyco) of Costa Rica, explained that the difference is that before, for the same type of housing, were granted a loan to a family with an income of $ 3,500 and currently require $ 5,500 a month.
As a result, between January and April this year, with the CFIA has handled about 47% less square meters for housing is managed in the same period of 2008.
Stable and low
5.4% inputs for increased housing construction in June 2008 to May 2009. In the same period a year ago was 22.9%.
41,2% Percentage this year represent the total housing units in the building. Last year was 50.5%.
The crisis halted a growth trend in the prices of homes, whose values rose more than a year ago due to production costs and high demand caused by the facilities for obtaining loans.
However, since the second half of 2008 the prices tend to be unchanged.
One factor that helped stability was the slight decline in the price of construction materials from November 2008 until last April, as measured by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC).
Before that, in 2007 and 2006, there were increases in the cost of materials.
Precisely for that low, when it accounted for the last 12 months, ending in May, the average increase was 5.4%, while June 2007 to May 2008 was 22.9%.
Eduardo Gutierrez, general manager of technical development, is another of those who decided to cut prices on some homes. In a condominium residence that previously cost $ 140,000, now sell at $ 135,000. Also, now only work against customer orders.
Eduardo Feoli, general manager of Eurohogar, which now has three property projects for sale, he acknowledged he also had to make adjustments to the price low, but gave no details.
Other companies have decided to maintain prices. The adjustment was made in the inventory, since few houses are built and ready to deliver.
Briceño, in Deyco, is one that took this path and since last November kept the same values of condominium housing project in San Pablo de Heredia.
A slower pace of production allowed them to lower the costs of the company, said Briceno.
For Alejandro Gonzalez, general manager of Real Estate Casamax, the bonanza of previous years attracted developers inefficient now must sell at cost price to avoid losses.
According to Gonzalez, the company maintains an efficient cost structure and therefore in its residential and Imperial Treasury sold so far this year, 75% of the 30 houses that the condominium and unchanged prices.
“The secret to real estate speculation is not sustainable at the macro-economic changes in the market, maintaining low margins with high volumes of construction,” added Gonzalez.
The firm Urban Development, which has seven projects, not their values changed in the last 12 months. CEO Guillermo Bonilla explained that as far opted to have a small inventory in each complex of two or three houses.
The prognosis for the coming months and for next year is booked. Some see opportunities like Gonzalez. For him, prices will rise due to low supply of new houses.
Costa Rica Eco Tourism
Hotel has received environmental approval
Wed, Jun 24, 2009
Real Estate Buzz
The Costa Rica hotel project Les Cascades received environmental approval from the National Technical Environmental Secretariat (SETENA).
The complex would consist of about 20 villas on a plot of two hectares. Only 4% of the land deal for this type of construction and no more than 10% in order to preserve the nature of the place.
Also build a social area with spa, conference center, stables and restaurants. This site is surrounded by trails.
Property within the two streams converge and a waterfall of 30 meters of drop. As a protected area and forest recovery process in the firm that owns Amarin has worked for three years to obtain all permits from the municipality and the Ministry of Environment and Setena in Costa Rica, among others.
This project is located in the province of Cartago, at the East Area of the Central Valley of Costa Rica in a country side and lush area called “La Estrella”, which means “The Star”. The Project has the approvals as a 4 star ranked eco-destination.
This is a natural protected area of +-118.462 sqm2 (1,274,650 sq. ft), aprox. 30 acres with a forest in one part, an abundance of fruit trees in another, and a river with pure natural and fresh drinkable water ( with certified analysis made by the National University laboratories ) which has been developed for taking care of the preservation of the flora and fauna of the region of Costa Rica.
This small river that runs on the property has a beautiful 25 meters or -+ 80 feet. drop waterfall facing the tropical gardens of the proposed hotel site.
It is also engaged in various professional fields to undertake environmental impact studies, marketing and operational viability.
This company is not responsible for the development project but it will sell all the permits to do so a second, held in this regard Evelyn Lindeperg, co-owner.
Wed, Jun 24, 2009
Real Estate Buzz
The Costa Rica hotel project Les Cascades received environmental approval from the National Technical Environmental Secretariat (SETENA).
The complex would consist of about 20 villas on a plot of two hectares. Only 4% of the land deal for this type of construction and no more than 10% in order to preserve the nature of the place.
Also build a social area with spa, conference center, stables and restaurants. This site is surrounded by trails.
Property within the two streams converge and a waterfall of 30 meters of drop. As a protected area and forest recovery process in the firm that owns Amarin has worked for three years to obtain all permits from the municipality and the Ministry of Environment and Setena in Costa Rica, among others.
This project is located in the province of Cartago, at the East Area of the Central Valley of Costa Rica in a country side and lush area called “La Estrella”, which means “The Star”. The Project has the approvals as a 4 star ranked eco-destination.
This is a natural protected area of +-118.462 sqm2 (1,274,650 sq. ft), aprox. 30 acres with a forest in one part, an abundance of fruit trees in another, and a river with pure natural and fresh drinkable water ( with certified analysis made by the National University laboratories ) which has been developed for taking care of the preservation of the flora and fauna of the region of Costa Rica.
This small river that runs on the property has a beautiful 25 meters or -+ 80 feet. drop waterfall facing the tropical gardens of the proposed hotel site.
It is also engaged in various professional fields to undertake environmental impact studies, marketing and operational viability.
This company is not responsible for the development project but it will sell all the permits to do so a second, held in this regard Evelyn Lindeperg, co-owner.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Costa Rica Birdwatching
Birdwatching and sighting exotic tropical butterflies are two of the most popular pastimes of the many Natural History enthusiasts who visit Costa Rica. From my experience, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample the rich diversity of the tropics including the wildlife from the comfort of your own hotel, especially if you’re staying out in the countryside. From your own verandah, chances are you’ll see many species of birds and colorful butterflies, iguanas and the like, and if your hotel is located in a heavily wooded area, you may even be visited by a howler monkey troop. Whoop, whoop…
At night, if you listen carefully you may even hear the chirping of the resident gecko (or two) who lives in your room. Don’t be afraid, they won’t harm you. They earn their room and board by keeping the room free of small insects.
Now if you’re into exotic insects (of the non butterfly variety), you’ll be in “Seventh Heaven” as many of the ‘little buggers’ will be crawling around the hotel grounds doing their thing – sight unseen of course. It was just the other day that I was leisurely enjoying some hot Costa Rica coffee on the veranda of the Guayabo Lodge in Turrialba Valley in Costa Rica, when I had an encounter with a large, rather ferocious looking beetle. The creature was making his journey across a small table; unfortunately it didn’t see the table edge and the poor beetle took a dive overboard, landing unceremoniously upside down of the floor. With a little prodding, I flipped the bug over allowing it to continue it’s daily rounds. Strange but true! Costa Rica Awaits your visit.
At night, if you listen carefully you may even hear the chirping of the resident gecko (or two) who lives in your room. Don’t be afraid, they won’t harm you. They earn their room and board by keeping the room free of small insects.
Now if you’re into exotic insects (of the non butterfly variety), you’ll be in “Seventh Heaven” as many of the ‘little buggers’ will be crawling around the hotel grounds doing their thing – sight unseen of course. It was just the other day that I was leisurely enjoying some hot Costa Rica coffee on the veranda of the Guayabo Lodge in Turrialba Valley in Costa Rica, when I had an encounter with a large, rather ferocious looking beetle. The creature was making his journey across a small table; unfortunately it didn’t see the table edge and the poor beetle took a dive overboard, landing unceremoniously upside down of the floor. With a little prodding, I flipped the bug over allowing it to continue it’s daily rounds. Strange but true! Costa Rica Awaits your visit.
Costa Rica Medical
Vandenberg Medical Team to Work With Costa Rica Doctors
A medical team from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, arrived in Costa Rica Saturday, as part of a medically-oriented humanitarian aid mission in the country.
Along with three specialists from other US Air Force units, medical personnel from Vandenberg’s 30th Medical Group will visit areas in Costa Rica that do not currently have medical facilities.
Working alongside Costa Rica medical professionals, the goal is to treat more that 4,000 patients while at the same time projecting a positive image of the United States and its military forces.
The team will be in Costa Rica for about two weeks.
A medical team from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, arrived in Costa Rica Saturday, as part of a medically-oriented humanitarian aid mission in the country.
Along with three specialists from other US Air Force units, medical personnel from Vandenberg’s 30th Medical Group will visit areas in Costa Rica that do not currently have medical facilities.
Working alongside Costa Rica medical professionals, the goal is to treat more that 4,000 patients while at the same time projecting a positive image of the United States and its military forces.
The team will be in Costa Rica for about two weeks.
Costa Rica Eco Tourism
How Green Is My Costa Rica?
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Share Print CommentsBack in the dark green ages of 1994, I helped launch the first national magazine dedicated to a then burgeoning travel trend called eco-tourism. Short-lived though it was, EcoTraveler focused on environmentally, ecologically and culturally sensitive travel, and I was proud to be a part of it.
Now that style of travel also goes by other names, such as "sustainable" and "ethical."
But 15 years ago, ecotourism was a radical idea. Even those of us who came from and subscribed to the John Muir approach -- "take only pictures, leave only footprints" -- had to admit we expended tons of fossil fuel to fly to remote and pristine corners of the planet, and stayed at hotels that washed their laundry using soaps containing ingredients I didn't even want to know about, discharging waste waters into places I also didn't want to know.
The country that set the bar on what ecotravel meant and how to walk the eco-talk was Costa Rica. One reason was that the country had a lot at stake. It's a living zoological museum, a geographic terrarium. While the country represents only about 0.1 percent of the world's land mass, it contains 5 percent of the world's biodiversity -- it's home sweet home to more than 500,000 species, among the top 20 countries with the highest biodiversity in the world. Now more than 25 percent of Costa Rica is composed of protected forests and reserves. There are 32 national parks, 8 biological reserves, 13 forest reserves, and 51 wildlife refuges.
As I said, it has a lot at stake, as in $take: In 2000, Costa Rica earned about $1.25 billion from ecotourism, and it is estimated that 70 percent of the country's tourists visit natural protected areas.
In February The New York Times sent me to Costa Rica to write a story about real estate developments in the northwest corner of the country that's nicknamed the Gold Coast.
That 60-mile stretch of the Guanacaste Province had been the target of rampant brand-name hotel and residential development that, in the estimation of several peopIe I interviewed, threatened the very nature of what made Costa Rica appealing. Luckily the economic downturn may have inadvertently been an environmental saving grace. Jim Preskitt -- senior vice president of Peninsula Papagayo, a 2,300-acre luxury development anchored by a Four Seasons Hotel with its own collection of homes and lots for sale, the destination club Exclusive Resorts and a 180-slip marina that opened in December -- underscored that idea, pointing to a hillside across Culebra Bay from his executive offices. The forested hill dropped into the white-sand beaches of villages named Panama, Hermosa and Coco.
"That hill would have been dotted with a Rosewood, a Miraval and a One & Only hotel. But all those projects are stalled," he said. "Though we welcome the competition and the regional buzz, this slowdown may be nature's way of saying, 'Protect what you have.'" From where he stood, literally and figuratively, it struck me as a bold and courageous thing to say.
While overall the country still scores high green points Ethical Traveler, an organization dedicated to educate travelers about the social and environmental impacts of travel, recently recognized Costa Rica as one of the top 10 ethical destinations for 2008 -- I found that all that glitters is not necessarily green. For example, one of the country's most famous beaches, Tamarindo, featured in the 1994 film Endless Summer 2, the sequel to 1966's landmark "Endless Summer," last year had been stripped if its Ecological Blue Flag, a distinction granted by Costa Rica's water and sewage utility to beaches with excellent or very high sanitation and cleanliness. It was one of eight beaches that lost such certification. Tamarindo has since regained the blue flag.
Next week I return to Costa Rica, partly because I fell in love with the country, partly because I fell in love with its gentle people (and am falling for one particular sweet Tica, as the locals are called). Back in February, while I interviewed real estate developers and realtors, I jealously watched tourists leave for zip-line tours over canopied rainforests, nature hikes, spas and beach experiences. This time my Tica friend Veronica and I will indulge in some of that cool stuff, while I offer a green report card on Costa Rica, honest and personal reportage on how well this Central American country lives up to its claim as eco-tourism capital of the world.
If you have been to Costa Rica, you will understand why this is critical. If you have not been, but are simply a concerned custodian of the planet, you will also understand. In either case, I welcome you to join me here at HuffPo, with your comments and own experiences -- in Costa Rica, or anywhere that flies its eco flag. Pack your bags, bring your camera. We will leave only foot -- and blog -- prints behind.
Travel
Back in the dark green ages of 1994, I helped launch the first national magazine dedicated to a then burgeoning travel trend called eco-tourism. Short-lived though it was, EcoTraveler focused on envir...
Back in the dark green ages of 1994, I helped launch the first national magazine dedicated to a then burgeoning travel trend called eco-tourism. Short-lived though it was, EcoTraveler focused on envir...
digg Huffpost - stumble reddit del.ico.us ShareThis
Read More: Central America, Costa Rica, Eco-Tourism, Eco-Travel, Green, Travel, Green News
Be the First to Submit
This Story to DiggBuzz up! Get Breaking News Alerts
never spam
Share Print CommentsBack in the dark green ages of 1994, I helped launch the first national magazine dedicated to a then burgeoning travel trend called eco-tourism. Short-lived though it was, EcoTraveler focused on environmentally, ecologically and culturally sensitive travel, and I was proud to be a part of it.
Now that style of travel also goes by other names, such as "sustainable" and "ethical."
But 15 years ago, ecotourism was a radical idea. Even those of us who came from and subscribed to the John Muir approach -- "take only pictures, leave only footprints" -- had to admit we expended tons of fossil fuel to fly to remote and pristine corners of the planet, and stayed at hotels that washed their laundry using soaps containing ingredients I didn't even want to know about, discharging waste waters into places I also didn't want to know.
The country that set the bar on what ecotravel meant and how to walk the eco-talk was Costa Rica. One reason was that the country had a lot at stake. It's a living zoological museum, a geographic terrarium. While the country represents only about 0.1 percent of the world's land mass, it contains 5 percent of the world's biodiversity -- it's home sweet home to more than 500,000 species, among the top 20 countries with the highest biodiversity in the world. Now more than 25 percent of Costa Rica is composed of protected forests and reserves. There are 32 national parks, 8 biological reserves, 13 forest reserves, and 51 wildlife refuges.
As I said, it has a lot at stake, as in $take: In 2000, Costa Rica earned about $1.25 billion from ecotourism, and it is estimated that 70 percent of the country's tourists visit natural protected areas.
In February The New York Times sent me to Costa Rica to write a story about real estate developments in the northwest corner of the country that's nicknamed the Gold Coast.
That 60-mile stretch of the Guanacaste Province had been the target of rampant brand-name hotel and residential development that, in the estimation of several peopIe I interviewed, threatened the very nature of what made Costa Rica appealing. Luckily the economic downturn may have inadvertently been an environmental saving grace. Jim Preskitt -- senior vice president of Peninsula Papagayo, a 2,300-acre luxury development anchored by a Four Seasons Hotel with its own collection of homes and lots for sale, the destination club Exclusive Resorts and a 180-slip marina that opened in December -- underscored that idea, pointing to a hillside across Culebra Bay from his executive offices. The forested hill dropped into the white-sand beaches of villages named Panama, Hermosa and Coco.
"That hill would have been dotted with a Rosewood, a Miraval and a One & Only hotel. But all those projects are stalled," he said. "Though we welcome the competition and the regional buzz, this slowdown may be nature's way of saying, 'Protect what you have.'" From where he stood, literally and figuratively, it struck me as a bold and courageous thing to say.
While overall the country still scores high green points Ethical Traveler, an organization dedicated to educate travelers about the social and environmental impacts of travel, recently recognized Costa Rica as one of the top 10 ethical destinations for 2008 -- I found that all that glitters is not necessarily green. For example, one of the country's most famous beaches, Tamarindo, featured in the 1994 film Endless Summer 2, the sequel to 1966's landmark "Endless Summer," last year had been stripped if its Ecological Blue Flag, a distinction granted by Costa Rica's water and sewage utility to beaches with excellent or very high sanitation and cleanliness. It was one of eight beaches that lost such certification. Tamarindo has since regained the blue flag.
Next week I return to Costa Rica, partly because I fell in love with the country, partly because I fell in love with its gentle people (and am falling for one particular sweet Tica, as the locals are called). Back in February, while I interviewed real estate developers and realtors, I jealously watched tourists leave for zip-line tours over canopied rainforests, nature hikes, spas and beach experiences. This time my Tica friend Veronica and I will indulge in some of that cool stuff, while I offer a green report card on Costa Rica, honest and personal reportage on how well this Central American country lives up to its claim as eco-tourism capital of the world.
If you have been to Costa Rica, you will understand why this is critical. If you have not been, but are simply a concerned custodian of the planet, you will also understand. In either case, I welcome you to join me here at HuffPo, with your comments and own experiences -- in Costa Rica, or anywhere that flies its eco flag. Pack your bags, bring your camera. We will leave only foot -- and blog -- prints behind.
Travel
Back in the dark green ages of 1994, I helped launch the first national magazine dedicated to a then burgeoning travel trend called eco-tourism. Short-lived though it was, EcoTraveler focused on envir...
Back in the dark green ages of 1994, I helped launch the first national magazine dedicated to a then burgeoning travel trend called eco-tourism. Short-lived though it was, EcoTraveler focused on envir...
Costa Rica Bridget
Bridget in Florida and Costa Rica
Bridget is in Miami and Costa Rica this week:
Miami:
By day it’s sun-soaked beaches and the smell of sizzling Cuban food, and by night it’s balmy winds, bright neon and the beat of Latin rhythms. Miami is truly the place where the days are hot, and the nights are even hotter.
Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches: Miami follows Bridget as she gets an inside look at the Miami Beach lifestyle from Miss Miami 2009, Jenice Fernandez, Miss Suncoast 2009, Rachel Todd, and famous sun worshipper, actor George Hamilton.
Highlights include yachting through the Miami canals, hanging out at 5th and Ocean, racing through the Everglades, and partying Miami-style at the Fontainebleau.
Miami airs at 10pm E/P on Thursday, May 21 on the Travel Channel.
Cost Rica:
Just two hours from Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose, on the central Pacific coast, you’ll find Playa Jaco, a world-class surfing destination – and the country’s most popular beach.
Bridget and her friend, Amber Campisi (Playboy’s Miss February 2005) head to Latin America to get a taste of the ‘pura vida’ – the ‘pure life’ – in Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches: Playa Jaco Costa Rica.
The girls explore the laid-back beach community of Montezuma, take a breezy ride to the white sand beaches of Isla Tortuga, hit the waves kayak surfing at Playa Hermosa Costa Rica, and face off with a fiery ‘flaming cucaracha.’
Playa Jaco airs at 10:30pm E/P.
Add a comment • Email this • Technorati Links • View CC license • Subscribe to this feed • Sphere: Related Content • Save to del.icio.us • Add to del.icio.us • Digg This! • Share on Facebook • outside.in: geotag this story • Related Posts from Sphere • Stumble It! • Discuss on Newsvine • Add to Mixx!
Bridget is in Miami and Costa Rica this week:
Miami:
By day it’s sun-soaked beaches and the smell of sizzling Cuban food, and by night it’s balmy winds, bright neon and the beat of Latin rhythms. Miami is truly the place where the days are hot, and the nights are even hotter.
Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches: Miami follows Bridget as she gets an inside look at the Miami Beach lifestyle from Miss Miami 2009, Jenice Fernandez, Miss Suncoast 2009, Rachel Todd, and famous sun worshipper, actor George Hamilton.
Highlights include yachting through the Miami canals, hanging out at 5th and Ocean, racing through the Everglades, and partying Miami-style at the Fontainebleau.
Miami airs at 10pm E/P on Thursday, May 21 on the Travel Channel.
Cost Rica:
Just two hours from Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose, on the central Pacific coast, you’ll find Playa Jaco, a world-class surfing destination – and the country’s most popular beach.
Bridget and her friend, Amber Campisi (Playboy’s Miss February 2005) head to Latin America to get a taste of the ‘pura vida’ – the ‘pure life’ – in Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches: Playa Jaco Costa Rica.
The girls explore the laid-back beach community of Montezuma, take a breezy ride to the white sand beaches of Isla Tortuga, hit the waves kayak surfing at Playa Hermosa Costa Rica, and face off with a fiery ‘flaming cucaracha.’
Playa Jaco airs at 10:30pm E/P.
Add a comment • Email this • Technorati Links • View CC license • Subscribe to this feed • Sphere: Related Content • Save to del.icio.us • Add to del.icio.us • Digg This! • Share on Facebook • outside.in: geotag this story • Related Posts from Sphere • Stumble It! • Discuss on Newsvine • Add to Mixx!
Costa Rica Allure
Sea Foam: Costa Rica university teaches students peaceful coexistence
David Lauderdale
dlauderdale@islandpacket.com
islandpacket.com/goincoastal
843-706-8115
Published Monday, May 25, 2009
Comments (0) | Recommend (0)Email Article | Print Article | Feeds | | Search the Archive
Thanks to June Cunningham of Hilton Head Island for sharing the story about her daughter's unusual graduate study in Costa Rica.
Catherine Wilson, daughter of June and the late Walt Wilson, grew up on Hilton Head Island attending Sea Pines Montessori school and graduating from Hilton Head Island High School. She was a Hilton Head Rotary international youth scholar in Bordeaux, France, her junior year and a Heritage Classic Foundation Scholar in 1996.
She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on a NROTC scholarship. Upon graduation she was commissioned and served five years as a surface warfare officer and in the Navy's nuclear propulsion program. She was a lieutenant and Reactor Electrical Division officer on the USS Ronald Reagan.
After completing her service in the Navy, Catherine has traveled extensively; taught English as a second language in South Korea; lived, studied and worked in Cartagena, Colombia; and worked and received a graduate certificate from Florida International University in Miami.
June writes:
I just returned from a trip to Costa Rica visiting my daughter Catherine Wilson, and I wanted to share an experience that had quite an impact on me.
Costa Rica seems to be an alluring destination for many Americans these days, and I do not need to expound on the natural beauty and tranquility of this Central American country. Rather, I would like to shed some awareness on the school in which Catherine has chosen to pursue a master's degree in natural resources, environmental security and peace.
I was totally unaware of the existence of "The University for Peace" (La Universidad para la Paz) until Catherine brought it to my attention and told me she had applied there.
The university is authorized to offer academic degrees in the field of peace and conflict studies. Although the university system extends throughout 10 countries in North America, South America, Asia and Africa, "UPeace" has headquarters in Costa Rica, a country distinguished by a long tradition of democracy, the abolition of the army since 1948 and a strong interest in environmental conservation.
The school offers 11 master's programs ranging from international law and human rights to natural resources and sustainable development. The campus is situated in the mountains southwest of San Jose, and there are approximately 170 students from more than 60 countries in the world.
With the open air architecture of the school, students are able to study outdoors while enjoying the view of the Costa Rican Central Valley.
The university was established in Costa Rica in 1980 as a Treaty Organization by the United Nations General Assembly "to provide humanity with an international institution of higher education for peace and with the aim of promoting among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence." What a wonderful mission statement in light of the complexities and challenges of our world as we know it today.
One of my first thoughts was to wish that every young adult could experience the connection and the feeling of peace I witnessed among the student body. As Catherine introduced me to one friend from Iraq, who stood next to a friend from Jordan, Egypt, Uganda, Kashmir, Korea, Cameroon, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Brazil, Darfur, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Turkmenistan, Sri Lanka, Iceland -- it went on and on -- I couldn't help but think how amazing it was to see the diversity and camaraderie among these young men and women.
Before the school closed for spring break, we were lucky to hear a lecture given by one of Catherine's professors and also attend a performance given by 10 students in the Human Rights and Peace program. The program was entitled "A Monologue, A Memory, A Rant and A Prayer." It addressed the abuse of women around the world and I found it most interesting in that some of the male students participated in the delivery of the monologues.
Oscar Arias, the president of Costa Rica, has a strong interest in the university and recently visited with the students. President Arias was a recipient of the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism and won the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end civil wars then raging in many Central American countries.
Statues of various world leaders who have promoted peace, including Ghandi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Leo Tolstoy and Yitzhak Rabin, dot the campus grounds and a sign above a flourishing tree says "planted by Secretary-General Kofi Annan." Another sign above a Tree for Peace says: "In commemoration of the Rwandan Genocide -- We Will Never Forget."
The first student Catherine introduced me to was Blanesta. Her parents are Afghans, and she was born on a plane en route to Switzerland. Her family was fleeing Afghanistan during the war in hopes they could stay in Switzerland if she were born there. Because nature took its course and she was born mid-air, when the plane landed they had to be sent back to their homeland. They eventually fled to Pakistan, then to India and finally to Canada.
Another young man, Francis Wani from Sudan, had never seen a computer and was turning in handwritten papers. Since this is unacceptable at a graduate level, he now has the challenge of not only the rigors of the course material but how to use what we consider a staple in all of our homes.
Those are just two of the stories of the many backgrounds of this diverse student body. Perhaps the one thing that really stood out for me during this brief visit to the university was the multicultural approach to studying the challenges of world peace and our environment.
All of the students at UPeace have one thing in common and that is to improve and give back to the world in which they have been born in a positive and productive manner. What a refreshing concept.
I am in hopes that by writing this article, it may touch someone's child or grandchild who possesses the same hopes and dreams as the student body at the University for Peace.
The Island Packet appreciates all written and photographic submissions from readers. All submissions become the copyrighted property of The Island Packet, which may use them for any purpose, including in print and online, without compensation to the submitter.
David Lauderdale
dlauderdale@islandpacket.com
islandpacket.com/goincoastal
843-706-8115
Published Monday, May 25, 2009
Comments (0) | Recommend (0)Email Article | Print Article | Feeds | | Search the Archive
Thanks to June Cunningham of Hilton Head Island for sharing the story about her daughter's unusual graduate study in Costa Rica.
Catherine Wilson, daughter of June and the late Walt Wilson, grew up on Hilton Head Island attending Sea Pines Montessori school and graduating from Hilton Head Island High School. She was a Hilton Head Rotary international youth scholar in Bordeaux, France, her junior year and a Heritage Classic Foundation Scholar in 1996.
She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on a NROTC scholarship. Upon graduation she was commissioned and served five years as a surface warfare officer and in the Navy's nuclear propulsion program. She was a lieutenant and Reactor Electrical Division officer on the USS Ronald Reagan.
After completing her service in the Navy, Catherine has traveled extensively; taught English as a second language in South Korea; lived, studied and worked in Cartagena, Colombia; and worked and received a graduate certificate from Florida International University in Miami.
June writes:
I just returned from a trip to Costa Rica visiting my daughter Catherine Wilson, and I wanted to share an experience that had quite an impact on me.
Costa Rica seems to be an alluring destination for many Americans these days, and I do not need to expound on the natural beauty and tranquility of this Central American country. Rather, I would like to shed some awareness on the school in which Catherine has chosen to pursue a master's degree in natural resources, environmental security and peace.
I was totally unaware of the existence of "The University for Peace" (La Universidad para la Paz) until Catherine brought it to my attention and told me she had applied there.
The university is authorized to offer academic degrees in the field of peace and conflict studies. Although the university system extends throughout 10 countries in North America, South America, Asia and Africa, "UPeace" has headquarters in Costa Rica, a country distinguished by a long tradition of democracy, the abolition of the army since 1948 and a strong interest in environmental conservation.
The school offers 11 master's programs ranging from international law and human rights to natural resources and sustainable development. The campus is situated in the mountains southwest of San Jose, and there are approximately 170 students from more than 60 countries in the world.
With the open air architecture of the school, students are able to study outdoors while enjoying the view of the Costa Rican Central Valley.
The university was established in Costa Rica in 1980 as a Treaty Organization by the United Nations General Assembly "to provide humanity with an international institution of higher education for peace and with the aim of promoting among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence." What a wonderful mission statement in light of the complexities and challenges of our world as we know it today.
One of my first thoughts was to wish that every young adult could experience the connection and the feeling of peace I witnessed among the student body. As Catherine introduced me to one friend from Iraq, who stood next to a friend from Jordan, Egypt, Uganda, Kashmir, Korea, Cameroon, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Brazil, Darfur, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Turkmenistan, Sri Lanka, Iceland -- it went on and on -- I couldn't help but think how amazing it was to see the diversity and camaraderie among these young men and women.
Before the school closed for spring break, we were lucky to hear a lecture given by one of Catherine's professors and also attend a performance given by 10 students in the Human Rights and Peace program. The program was entitled "A Monologue, A Memory, A Rant and A Prayer." It addressed the abuse of women around the world and I found it most interesting in that some of the male students participated in the delivery of the monologues.
Oscar Arias, the president of Costa Rica, has a strong interest in the university and recently visited with the students. President Arias was a recipient of the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism and won the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end civil wars then raging in many Central American countries.
Statues of various world leaders who have promoted peace, including Ghandi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Leo Tolstoy and Yitzhak Rabin, dot the campus grounds and a sign above a flourishing tree says "planted by Secretary-General Kofi Annan." Another sign above a Tree for Peace says: "In commemoration of the Rwandan Genocide -- We Will Never Forget."
The first student Catherine introduced me to was Blanesta. Her parents are Afghans, and she was born on a plane en route to Switzerland. Her family was fleeing Afghanistan during the war in hopes they could stay in Switzerland if she were born there. Because nature took its course and she was born mid-air, when the plane landed they had to be sent back to their homeland. They eventually fled to Pakistan, then to India and finally to Canada.
Another young man, Francis Wani from Sudan, had never seen a computer and was turning in handwritten papers. Since this is unacceptable at a graduate level, he now has the challenge of not only the rigors of the course material but how to use what we consider a staple in all of our homes.
Those are just two of the stories of the many backgrounds of this diverse student body. Perhaps the one thing that really stood out for me during this brief visit to the university was the multicultural approach to studying the challenges of world peace and our environment.
All of the students at UPeace have one thing in common and that is to improve and give back to the world in which they have been born in a positive and productive manner. What a refreshing concept.
I am in hopes that by writing this article, it may touch someone's child or grandchild who possesses the same hopes and dreams as the student body at the University for Peace.
The Island Packet appreciates all written and photographic submissions from readers. All submissions become the copyrighted property of The Island Packet, which may use them for any purpose, including in print and online, without compensation to the submitter.
Costa Rica Nicaragua
Nicaragua May Bypass Costa Rica On SICA Presidency Rotation
Nicaraguan president, Daniel Ortega, plans to hand over the presidency of the Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA) to Guatemala's president, Alvaro Colom, instead of Costa Rica president, Oscar Arias, come July.
The Nicaraguan vice-chancellor, Manuel Coronel Kautz, says the move is due to Costa Rica's differing position than that of the rest of Central America, evidenced by Arias' skipping meetings held over the last six months, three of which were held in Managua.
Thus, Nicaragua feels it should skip handing over the presidency to Costa Rica, avoiding risking Central America's integration.
Kautz made the statement on a local Nicaraguan television channel, saying that Costa Rica is neither a member of the Corte Centroamericana de Justicia (CCJ), nor of the Parlamento Centroamericano (Parlacen).
The vice-chancellor continued with "costa Rica does not subscribe to the free mobility of Central America, known as CA-4, nor is it part of the single visa agreement for Central America.
According to Kautz, Costa Rica is not part of the political dialogue and co-operation between the Central American governments and the European Union.
Arias said last week the Central American presidential summits are a waste of time and fail to address important issues, failing to address the principal problems facing Central America.
The Arias comments could have been seen by Ortega as an insult, as he is the responsible for setting the agenda of the talks.
Kautz said that Nicaragua has to "think things over carefully" before handing over the presidency to Arias, especially following the comments made by the Costa Rican president.
The rotation of the presidency is based on article 3 of the Reglamento de la Presidencia Pro Témpore del SICA, which was signed in Managua on March 25, 2009, which clearly states Costa Rica is next on the rotation come July 1, 2009.
Costa Rica reiterated that it is respectful of the legal system in force in Central America.
Nicaraguan president, Daniel Ortega, plans to hand over the presidency of the Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA) to Guatemala's president, Alvaro Colom, instead of Costa Rica president, Oscar Arias, come July.
The Nicaraguan vice-chancellor, Manuel Coronel Kautz, says the move is due to Costa Rica's differing position than that of the rest of Central America, evidenced by Arias' skipping meetings held over the last six months, three of which were held in Managua.
Thus, Nicaragua feels it should skip handing over the presidency to Costa Rica, avoiding risking Central America's integration.
Kautz made the statement on a local Nicaraguan television channel, saying that Costa Rica is neither a member of the Corte Centroamericana de Justicia (CCJ), nor of the Parlamento Centroamericano (Parlacen).
The vice-chancellor continued with "costa Rica does not subscribe to the free mobility of Central America, known as CA-4, nor is it part of the single visa agreement for Central America.
According to Kautz, Costa Rica is not part of the political dialogue and co-operation between the Central American governments and the European Union.
Arias said last week the Central American presidential summits are a waste of time and fail to address important issues, failing to address the principal problems facing Central America.
The Arias comments could have been seen by Ortega as an insult, as he is the responsible for setting the agenda of the talks.
Kautz said that Nicaragua has to "think things over carefully" before handing over the presidency to Arias, especially following the comments made by the Costa Rican president.
The rotation of the presidency is based on article 3 of the Reglamento de la Presidencia Pro Témpore del SICA, which was signed in Managua on March 25, 2009, which clearly states Costa Rica is next on the rotation come July 1, 2009.
Costa Rica reiterated that it is respectful of the legal system in force in Central America.
Costa Rica Patti Blago
Blagojevich's wife joins reality show
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Patti Blagojevich arrives at their home, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 in Chicago. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Nam Y. Huh)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The wife of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is headed to the Costa Rican jungle to compete on a TV reality show that he was barred from going on.
Her spokesman, Glenn Selig, says Patti Blagojevich is "on her way" to Costa Rica for her spot on NBC's "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here."
Selig says it'll be challenging for the "big city girl."
A federal judge barred her husband from going because it would send him out of the country.
Rod Blagojevich faces federal corruption charges.
Patti Blagojevich has said she's participating because of her family's financial situation.
Both she and her husband are unemployed.
The show airs on June 1.
Other contestants include actor Stephen Baldwin and former "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar. Costa Rica Awaits her arrival.
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Patti Blagojevich arrives at their home, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 in Chicago. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Nam Y. Huh)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The wife of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is headed to the Costa Rican jungle to compete on a TV reality show that he was barred from going on.
Her spokesman, Glenn Selig, says Patti Blagojevich is "on her way" to Costa Rica for her spot on NBC's "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here."
Selig says it'll be challenging for the "big city girl."
A federal judge barred her husband from going because it would send him out of the country.
Rod Blagojevich faces federal corruption charges.
Patti Blagojevich has said she's participating because of her family's financial situation.
Both she and her husband are unemployed.
The show airs on June 1.
Other contestants include actor Stephen Baldwin and former "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar. Costa Rica Awaits her arrival.
Costa Rica Indigenous
COSTA RICA: Indigenous People Sidelined in Plans for Dam
By Daniel Zueras
SAN JOSÉ COSTA RICA, May 27 (IPS) - The Diquís dam, the largest hydroelectric project in Central America, is worrying indigenous communities because Costa Rica’s state power company has excluded them from the decision-making process, in spite of international treaties that stipulate that they must be consulted.
Indigenous people in Térraba in the southern district of Buenos Aires, which has the highest population density for five of the country’s eight Indian tribes, complain that the national utility, ICE, has never consulted them about the project, as it is required to do under International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries.
The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which held a session in mid-May, reminded governments of the need to cooperate with native communities as the owners of natural resources in their territories.
This is not the first project of its kind that the state electricity monopoly has tried to push through in the southern part of Costa Rica.
The first, the Boruca hydroelectric complex, began to be discussed in the 1970s but was brought to a halt by strong opposition from local communities, and by doubts about its location in an area of seismic activity.
The plan was for a dam that would have flooded an area of 25,000 hectares to generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity. In the 1990s, the Veragua project met with a similar fate. Both projects were located on the Río Grande river in Térraba.
The projected Diquís dam on the El General river would have a planned capacity of 622 megawatts that would supply the energy needs of one million people. The projected cost is 1.85 billion dollars, making it the largest public investment in infrastructure ever undertaken in Costa Rica. If everything goes ahead as planned, ICE expects the plant to come onstream in 2016.
The dam would flood 6,000 hectares, displacing 1,100 people. Within the affected area, 800 hectares is indigenous territory belonging to the Térraba people, which is why the tribes are requesting consultation on the project.
The huge plant was declared to be of national interest in February 2008 by the government of President Óscar Arias. It is part of ICE's strategy for expanding the country's energy capacity, now estimated at 2,100 megawatts, which it wants to double in the next 10 years.
This month the constitutional court turned down an appeal for protection, presented in February by community leaders who claimed the right to be consulted. The final text of the ruling has not yet been released.
Genaro Gutiérrez, leader of the Térraba indigenous Integrated Development Association (ADI), told IPS he was disappointed at the position taken by the constitutional court and said that if there was no change in 15 days' time, "we won't let the ICE workers into the site."
In his view, ICE is breaking the law in going ahead with the work. He said the ADI of the Térraba Indigenous Reserve in Buenos Aires is, by law, "a separate government, and consultation is necessary."
ADIs were set up on every indigenous reservation by the state National Commission for Indigenous Affairs (CONAI), and act as local governments, but they have been criticised as not being representative or participative enough, of imposing ways of organising different to indigenous people's own ways, and of being vulnerable to political manipulation.
The ADI headed by Gutiérrez presented a proposal to ICE requesting 10 percent – a "negotiable" proportion - of the profits of the hydroelectric plant, for development in the reserve. "We don't want to let them do good business and leave indigenous people out in a discriminatory way," Gutiérrez said.
The Térraba are divided over the project. Gutiérrez said they are not opposed to the dam being built. "What we want are reliable benefits for the development of the district and the indigenous community," he said.
"It's the government's project, not ours, and if they don't give us anything we won't let it happen on our territory," he added.
A different position is taken by Ditsö, a non-governmental organisation supporting indigenous peoples that helped lodge another appeal for protection, this time with respect to the environmental impact of ICE operations in the community of Térraba, which is still being processed.
Ditsö's communications officer, Marvin Amador, told IPS there are two opinions about the dam among the Térraba indigenous community. On the one hand are those who "have informed themselves" and are against the project, and on the other hand those who are for it, who "either are not informed, or are hoping to get something from it."
There is no consensus on the issue. Amador maintains that Gutiérrez cannot make the decision to negotiate with ICE "unless he consults the community; that involves the state, and Genaro is no longer a legitimate representative, he only still holds his position because of a series of flawed procedures."
He said both the ADI and its leader were discredited within the community.
The Ditsö spokesman was extremely critical of the constitutional court, and said that its dismissal of the first appeal for protection had "a very simple" explanation. "Ever since the government started to exert an influence, the court has systematically made decisions that openly run counter to" the country’s laws, in line with "vested interests," he said.
Ditsö is against the building of the dam, but Amador said the group’s goal was for consultation to take place and for the indigenous community to decide. Its opposition is due to the indigenous people being, once again, sidelined and forgotten.
"It is said that 80 percent of the energy generated will be exported," although ICE denies this. But even if the power is used for domestic consumption, "the indigenous people are being asked to give us their resources and heritage, in exchange for so-called development that will not reach the poorest of the poor," he said.
Ditsö says the Diquís project will have an enormous impact, socially and culturally, on the Térraba way of life. According to Amador, the dam will flood 50 archaeological sites, among them "ancient burial sites with a major spiritual significance."
ICE of Costa Rica did not respond to IPS requests for comment on the matter.
The mayor of the district of Buenos Aires, Feliciano Álvarez, told IPS that he supports the construction of the Diquís plant.
Álvarez said it would have a great impact on the area, and that the municipality is advocating "for the labour to be drawn from the local area." He also said he was confident that the project would increase local trade and lead to improved infrastructure.
Amador, however, was critical of that stance. "Agreeing with this kind of project depends on one's vision of what constitutes development," he said. (END/2009)
By Daniel Zueras
SAN JOSÉ COSTA RICA, May 27 (IPS) - The Diquís dam, the largest hydroelectric project in Central America, is worrying indigenous communities because Costa Rica’s state power company has excluded them from the decision-making process, in spite of international treaties that stipulate that they must be consulted.
Indigenous people in Térraba in the southern district of Buenos Aires, which has the highest population density for five of the country’s eight Indian tribes, complain that the national utility, ICE, has never consulted them about the project, as it is required to do under International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries.
The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which held a session in mid-May, reminded governments of the need to cooperate with native communities as the owners of natural resources in their territories.
This is not the first project of its kind that the state electricity monopoly has tried to push through in the southern part of Costa Rica.
The first, the Boruca hydroelectric complex, began to be discussed in the 1970s but was brought to a halt by strong opposition from local communities, and by doubts about its location in an area of seismic activity.
The plan was for a dam that would have flooded an area of 25,000 hectares to generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity. In the 1990s, the Veragua project met with a similar fate. Both projects were located on the Río Grande river in Térraba.
The projected Diquís dam on the El General river would have a planned capacity of 622 megawatts that would supply the energy needs of one million people. The projected cost is 1.85 billion dollars, making it the largest public investment in infrastructure ever undertaken in Costa Rica. If everything goes ahead as planned, ICE expects the plant to come onstream in 2016.
The dam would flood 6,000 hectares, displacing 1,100 people. Within the affected area, 800 hectares is indigenous territory belonging to the Térraba people, which is why the tribes are requesting consultation on the project.
The huge plant was declared to be of national interest in February 2008 by the government of President Óscar Arias. It is part of ICE's strategy for expanding the country's energy capacity, now estimated at 2,100 megawatts, which it wants to double in the next 10 years.
This month the constitutional court turned down an appeal for protection, presented in February by community leaders who claimed the right to be consulted. The final text of the ruling has not yet been released.
Genaro Gutiérrez, leader of the Térraba indigenous Integrated Development Association (ADI), told IPS he was disappointed at the position taken by the constitutional court and said that if there was no change in 15 days' time, "we won't let the ICE workers into the site."
In his view, ICE is breaking the law in going ahead with the work. He said the ADI of the Térraba Indigenous Reserve in Buenos Aires is, by law, "a separate government, and consultation is necessary."
ADIs were set up on every indigenous reservation by the state National Commission for Indigenous Affairs (CONAI), and act as local governments, but they have been criticised as not being representative or participative enough, of imposing ways of organising different to indigenous people's own ways, and of being vulnerable to political manipulation.
The ADI headed by Gutiérrez presented a proposal to ICE requesting 10 percent – a "negotiable" proportion - of the profits of the hydroelectric plant, for development in the reserve. "We don't want to let them do good business and leave indigenous people out in a discriminatory way," Gutiérrez said.
The Térraba are divided over the project. Gutiérrez said they are not opposed to the dam being built. "What we want are reliable benefits for the development of the district and the indigenous community," he said.
"It's the government's project, not ours, and if they don't give us anything we won't let it happen on our territory," he added.
A different position is taken by Ditsö, a non-governmental organisation supporting indigenous peoples that helped lodge another appeal for protection, this time with respect to the environmental impact of ICE operations in the community of Térraba, which is still being processed.
Ditsö's communications officer, Marvin Amador, told IPS there are two opinions about the dam among the Térraba indigenous community. On the one hand are those who "have informed themselves" and are against the project, and on the other hand those who are for it, who "either are not informed, or are hoping to get something from it."
There is no consensus on the issue. Amador maintains that Gutiérrez cannot make the decision to negotiate with ICE "unless he consults the community; that involves the state, and Genaro is no longer a legitimate representative, he only still holds his position because of a series of flawed procedures."
He said both the ADI and its leader were discredited within the community.
The Ditsö spokesman was extremely critical of the constitutional court, and said that its dismissal of the first appeal for protection had "a very simple" explanation. "Ever since the government started to exert an influence, the court has systematically made decisions that openly run counter to" the country’s laws, in line with "vested interests," he said.
Ditsö is against the building of the dam, but Amador said the group’s goal was for consultation to take place and for the indigenous community to decide. Its opposition is due to the indigenous people being, once again, sidelined and forgotten.
"It is said that 80 percent of the energy generated will be exported," although ICE denies this. But even if the power is used for domestic consumption, "the indigenous people are being asked to give us their resources and heritage, in exchange for so-called development that will not reach the poorest of the poor," he said.
Ditsö says the Diquís project will have an enormous impact, socially and culturally, on the Térraba way of life. According to Amador, the dam will flood 50 archaeological sites, among them "ancient burial sites with a major spiritual significance."
ICE of Costa Rica did not respond to IPS requests for comment on the matter.
The mayor of the district of Buenos Aires, Feliciano Álvarez, told IPS that he supports the construction of the Diquís plant.
Álvarez said it would have a great impact on the area, and that the municipality is advocating "for the labour to be drawn from the local area." He also said he was confident that the project would increase local trade and lead to improved infrastructure.
Amador, however, was critical of that stance. "Agreeing with this kind of project depends on one's vision of what constitutes development," he said. (END/2009)
Costa Rica Jaguars
Jaguar Mums Give Up Baby Secrets
Ongoing study in Costa Rica has revealed that females in the wild give birth every 22 to 24 months
By Matt Walker, Earth News
Jaguars are one of the most elusive of large animals, reluctant to be filmed or tracked in their natural habitat. But now biologists have finally managed to learn one of the big cat's secrets; how often it gives birth.
An ongoing study in Costa Rica, one of the last strongholds of the jaguar, has revealed that females in the wild give birth every 22 to 24 months.
Knowing the reproductive behaviour of the species will be vital information in helping to protect the species.
Numbers of jaguars, the third largest of all cat species and the largest in the New World, are declining.
The big cat is occasionally sighted in Arizona and New Mexico in the US, and populations remain within Mexico and south through Central America and into South America, including much of Amazonian Brazil.
But the species is listed as Near Threatened by the World Conservation Union.
If conservationists are to estimate how the last remaining populations of jaguar might grow, they need to know three things: how many cubs females have in each litter, how many of those cubs survive on average, and how often females give birth to new litters.
But most information about the reproductive habits of jaguars comes from observations in zoos, which may not reflect how jaguars reproduce in the wild. Even in captivity, researchers have been rarely able to document how often females give birth to new litters.
So Eduardo Carrillo and Joel Saenz of the National University in Heredia, Costa Rica and Todd Fuller of the University of Massachusetts, in Amherst, US embarked on an ongoing study of jaguars living in the Corcovado National Park in west Costa Rica.
The study began in 1990 after Carrillo saw a female jaguar walking with a single cub across a beach in the park during the day.
"At that time there were few jaguar studies and the lack of information was an important issue when making management decisions about jaguar conservation," says Carrillo. "So in 1994 we decided to radio mark jaguars. In 2003 we began using camera traps."
During the study, they found that jaguars in the park feed mainly on peccaries and marine turtles.
The diet surprised the biologists because an adult jaguar is capable of eating any animal that crosses its path, including people, though there is no record of a wild jaguar ever having attacked a person in the wild.
They also managed to follow a single female jaguar for three and a half years, by using the radio collar to triangulate her position and identifying her particular paw prints left in the mud.
In March one year, they saw the female being attended to by an adult male. By late May or early June she gave birth, and was seen accompanied by a single cub in July.
That cub remained with its mother for 19 to 20 months. Then some 22 months after she had first given birth, Carrillo noticed she was again pregnant, and was seen with a new cub a month or two later.
That confirms that wild jaguars seem to give birth once every 22 to 24 months, and that juvenile jaguars leave the company of their mother after 18 to 24 months, the team report in the journal Mammalian Biology.
Jaguars are thought to give birth to more than cub on average, though it is unclear how many usually survive until adulthood.
"One of the main questions about jaguars is their natural birthing habits," says Carrillo. "We have little knowledge about this until now."
However, despite the team's camera traps recording pictures of adult jaguars, the mothers are still proving protective of their offspring.
"We have pictures of pregnant females, but we have never taken a picture of a female jaguar with its cubs." Kudos to Costa Rica.
Ongoing study in Costa Rica has revealed that females in the wild give birth every 22 to 24 months
By Matt Walker, Earth News
Jaguars are one of the most elusive of large animals, reluctant to be filmed or tracked in their natural habitat. But now biologists have finally managed to learn one of the big cat's secrets; how often it gives birth.
An ongoing study in Costa Rica, one of the last strongholds of the jaguar, has revealed that females in the wild give birth every 22 to 24 months.
Knowing the reproductive behaviour of the species will be vital information in helping to protect the species.
Numbers of jaguars, the third largest of all cat species and the largest in the New World, are declining.
The big cat is occasionally sighted in Arizona and New Mexico in the US, and populations remain within Mexico and south through Central America and into South America, including much of Amazonian Brazil.
But the species is listed as Near Threatened by the World Conservation Union.
If conservationists are to estimate how the last remaining populations of jaguar might grow, they need to know three things: how many cubs females have in each litter, how many of those cubs survive on average, and how often females give birth to new litters.
But most information about the reproductive habits of jaguars comes from observations in zoos, which may not reflect how jaguars reproduce in the wild. Even in captivity, researchers have been rarely able to document how often females give birth to new litters.
So Eduardo Carrillo and Joel Saenz of the National University in Heredia, Costa Rica and Todd Fuller of the University of Massachusetts, in Amherst, US embarked on an ongoing study of jaguars living in the Corcovado National Park in west Costa Rica.
The study began in 1990 after Carrillo saw a female jaguar walking with a single cub across a beach in the park during the day.
"At that time there were few jaguar studies and the lack of information was an important issue when making management decisions about jaguar conservation," says Carrillo. "So in 1994 we decided to radio mark jaguars. In 2003 we began using camera traps."
During the study, they found that jaguars in the park feed mainly on peccaries and marine turtles.
The diet surprised the biologists because an adult jaguar is capable of eating any animal that crosses its path, including people, though there is no record of a wild jaguar ever having attacked a person in the wild.
They also managed to follow a single female jaguar for three and a half years, by using the radio collar to triangulate her position and identifying her particular paw prints left in the mud.
In March one year, they saw the female being attended to by an adult male. By late May or early June she gave birth, and was seen accompanied by a single cub in July.
That cub remained with its mother for 19 to 20 months. Then some 22 months after she had first given birth, Carrillo noticed she was again pregnant, and was seen with a new cub a month or two later.
That confirms that wild jaguars seem to give birth once every 22 to 24 months, and that juvenile jaguars leave the company of their mother after 18 to 24 months, the team report in the journal Mammalian Biology.
Jaguars are thought to give birth to more than cub on average, though it is unclear how many usually survive until adulthood.
"One of the main questions about jaguars is their natural birthing habits," says Carrillo. "We have little knowledge about this until now."
However, despite the team's camera traps recording pictures of adult jaguars, the mothers are still proving protective of their offspring.
"We have pictures of pregnant females, but we have never taken a picture of a female jaguar with its cubs." Kudos to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Visit
Brazilian president arrives in Costa Rica for visit
+ - 10:26, June 03, 2009
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Brazilian president: bodies of likely plane crash victims can be found
Brazilian Navy sends more ships to help in Flight 447 search
Brazilian president expresses sympathy to relatives of missing airliner victims
Brazil sends planes, ships for Air France Flight 447 search
Dam break kills four, displaces 2,500 in Brazil
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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in Costa Rica Tuesday for his first state visit to Costa Rica with an aim to strength the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
"The visit of the Brazilian president to Costa Rica is due to the strong will from both countries to deepen their ties in political, trade and cultural cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels," said Vice Foreign Minister Edgar Ugalde Ugalde, who welcomed Lula at the airport in San Jose Costa Rica.
Lula will meet with his Costa Rica counterpart Oscar Arias on Wednesday and a joint declaration is expected to be signed after their meeting.
He is scheduled to leave Costa Rica on Wednesday afternoon.
+ - 10:26, June 03, 2009
Click the "PLAY" button and listen. Do you like the online audio service here?
Good, I like it
Just so so
I don't like it
No interest
Related News
Brazilian president: bodies of likely plane crash victims can be found
Brazilian Navy sends more ships to help in Flight 447 search
Brazilian president expresses sympathy to relatives of missing airliner victims
Brazil sends planes, ships for Air France Flight 447 search
Dam break kills four, displaces 2,500 in Brazil
Comment Tell A Friend
Print Format Save Article
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in Costa Rica Tuesday for his first state visit to Costa Rica with an aim to strength the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
"The visit of the Brazilian president to Costa Rica is due to the strong will from both countries to deepen their ties in political, trade and cultural cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels," said Vice Foreign Minister Edgar Ugalde Ugalde, who welcomed Lula at the airport in San Jose Costa Rica.
Lula will meet with his Costa Rica counterpart Oscar Arias on Wednesday and a joint declaration is expected to be signed after their meeting.
He is scheduled to leave Costa Rica on Wednesday afternoon.
Costa Rica Coffee
Costa Ricans have rich coffee history
June 3, 2009
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The law requires you to plant and grow coffee on your property. Not much, just a few shrubs that you will be asked to tend so that they produce coffee cherries.
Of course, that is not required of people in the United States. But at one time it was apparently the law of the land in Costa Rica.
While many citizens of Costa Rica would rightfully take umbrage at yet more government interference into their private lives and property, at least one nice thing did result from that old mandate in Costa Rica — the country and its citizens became very good at producing very good coffee.
Costa Rica is peppered with both large cooperative coffee plantations and small independent farms, big co-op mills that service the large farms and small micro-mills that the lone farmer and his family operate to process their own crops.
Costa Rica has an excellent climate and soil for growing coffee (along with fine cigar tobacco, a double bonus for the country). Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, the country benefits from warm tropical winds and rain. Volcanic mountain ranges also bookend a central highland plain area of rich volcanic soil. You could hardly ask for better growing conditions.
I recently enjoyed a cup of drip-brewed Costa Rican from the Tarazzu region, more or less in the center of the country, south of San Jose. This region is dense with coffee farms and estates, as it is deemed one of the best locations for growing coffee in a country rife with ideal conditions. The high altitude, rich soil and shade conditions favor a slow growth that helps produce outstanding Arabica coffee.
Coffees from this region of Costa Rica are generally described by the coffee terms "classic" and "clean," meaning that they are silky smooth, without defects and extremely well balanced. Sometimes the best examples of a clean cup are also so clean as to be almost uninteresting, with nothing that stands out or grabs your attention. Of course, a lot can happen from tree to cup to influence the coffee you end up drinking.
The particular Costa Rican Tarazzu coffee that I was drinking was not what I would describe as a classic cup. It was, however, quite good. I spoke with the barista and asked about the coffee. They did not roast their own coffee on site, but purchased it from a well-known, high quality roasting company that supplies coffee shops all over the United States. It had been roasted to an upper medium or full-city roast and was only a week off the roast.
The aroma was pleasing, not overpowering at all but light and fresh and hinting of garden cucumbers still on the vine. The drink was smooth, yet displayed a little brightness or acidity. It also impressed with a note of citrus and even a little nuttiness, almost like a blanched, unsalted peanut. The aftertaste wasn't so great, being a little too acidic for me to give it five stars out of five (that is, if I used a star rating system).
Overall, it was a very good coffee.
It struck me that it might have been the perfect coffee for the warm, sunny spring morning we had that day. Gone (hopefully) were the last remnants of winter, when I seem to be drawn to heavier, heartier and bolder coffees. Spring calls for a change of attitude and a change in coffees. I guess serendipity was with me that spring day.
David Smith is a co-owner of Stumpjack Coffee Company in Two Rivers. E-mail stumpjack@gmail.com.
June 3, 2009
Post a CommentRecommendPrint this page E-mail this article Share Del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
Buzz up!Twitter
The law requires you to plant and grow coffee on your property. Not much, just a few shrubs that you will be asked to tend so that they produce coffee cherries.
Of course, that is not required of people in the United States. But at one time it was apparently the law of the land in Costa Rica.
While many citizens of Costa Rica would rightfully take umbrage at yet more government interference into their private lives and property, at least one nice thing did result from that old mandate in Costa Rica — the country and its citizens became very good at producing very good coffee.
Costa Rica is peppered with both large cooperative coffee plantations and small independent farms, big co-op mills that service the large farms and small micro-mills that the lone farmer and his family operate to process their own crops.
Costa Rica has an excellent climate and soil for growing coffee (along with fine cigar tobacco, a double bonus for the country). Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, the country benefits from warm tropical winds and rain. Volcanic mountain ranges also bookend a central highland plain area of rich volcanic soil. You could hardly ask for better growing conditions.
I recently enjoyed a cup of drip-brewed Costa Rican from the Tarazzu region, more or less in the center of the country, south of San Jose. This region is dense with coffee farms and estates, as it is deemed one of the best locations for growing coffee in a country rife with ideal conditions. The high altitude, rich soil and shade conditions favor a slow growth that helps produce outstanding Arabica coffee.
Coffees from this region of Costa Rica are generally described by the coffee terms "classic" and "clean," meaning that they are silky smooth, without defects and extremely well balanced. Sometimes the best examples of a clean cup are also so clean as to be almost uninteresting, with nothing that stands out or grabs your attention. Of course, a lot can happen from tree to cup to influence the coffee you end up drinking.
The particular Costa Rican Tarazzu coffee that I was drinking was not what I would describe as a classic cup. It was, however, quite good. I spoke with the barista and asked about the coffee. They did not roast their own coffee on site, but purchased it from a well-known, high quality roasting company that supplies coffee shops all over the United States. It had been roasted to an upper medium or full-city roast and was only a week off the roast.
The aroma was pleasing, not overpowering at all but light and fresh and hinting of garden cucumbers still on the vine. The drink was smooth, yet displayed a little brightness or acidity. It also impressed with a note of citrus and even a little nuttiness, almost like a blanched, unsalted peanut. The aftertaste wasn't so great, being a little too acidic for me to give it five stars out of five (that is, if I used a star rating system).
Overall, it was a very good coffee.
It struck me that it might have been the perfect coffee for the warm, sunny spring morning we had that day. Gone (hopefully) were the last remnants of winter, when I seem to be drawn to heavier, heartier and bolder coffees. Spring calls for a change of attitude and a change in coffees. I guess serendipity was with me that spring day.
David Smith is a co-owner of Stumpjack Coffee Company in Two Rivers. E-mail stumpjack@gmail.com.
Costa Rica Soccer
Costa Rica Kickaround
*My scene-setting, USA-Costa Rica story from San Jose Costa Rica. To see how it was presented on the front of the print-edition sports section, click here.
*TV Alert! Less than 24 hours before the USA-CR showdown, ESPN execs abruptly moved tonight's coverage from ESPN to ESPN2. The good news is that they've added a 30-minute pregame show starting at 9:30 p.m. ET. The reason: The College Softball World Series. [UPDATE: According to a USSF press release, "The programming change prevents potential conflicts with ESPN's baseball coverage running into the U.S. game's time slot and was made possible by the Women's College World Series ending early."] Alert your neighbors, reset your TiVo/DVRs, don't blame the incorrect TV listings in today's newspapers. The network also encountered production issues in Costa Rica and did not send the announcing crew to San Jose. (They'll handle play-by-play from Connecticut.)
*With Frankie Hejduk out, Ricardo Clark has been added to the USA roster.
*More than 47,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday's USA qualifier against Honduras at Soldier Field in Tegucigalpa Chicago. [UPDATE: It's now at 50,000-plus.]
*Happy 20th birthday (yesterday) to the USA's Freddy Adu.
*On a side note: After guiding Virginia Tech to its first NCAA College Cup semifinals in 2007, Oliver Weiss has resigned as coach. Hmmm.....
By Steve Goff | June 3, 2009; 9:28 AM ET
Categories: College Soccer , Costa Rica , TV , U.S. men's national team
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Previous: I'm Not a Celebrity, Where's the Marriott?
Next: The Wallaces of Costa Rica
*My scene-setting, USA-Costa Rica story from San Jose Costa Rica. To see how it was presented on the front of the print-edition sports section, click here.
*TV Alert! Less than 24 hours before the USA-CR showdown, ESPN execs abruptly moved tonight's coverage from ESPN to ESPN2. The good news is that they've added a 30-minute pregame show starting at 9:30 p.m. ET. The reason: The College Softball World Series. [UPDATE: According to a USSF press release, "The programming change prevents potential conflicts with ESPN's baseball coverage running into the U.S. game's time slot and was made possible by the Women's College World Series ending early."] Alert your neighbors, reset your TiVo/DVRs, don't blame the incorrect TV listings in today's newspapers. The network also encountered production issues in Costa Rica and did not send the announcing crew to San Jose. (They'll handle play-by-play from Connecticut.)
*With Frankie Hejduk out, Ricardo Clark has been added to the USA roster.
*More than 47,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday's USA qualifier against Honduras at Soldier Field in Tegucigalpa Chicago. [UPDATE: It's now at 50,000-plus.]
*Happy 20th birthday (yesterday) to the USA's Freddy Adu.
*On a side note: After guiding Virginia Tech to its first NCAA College Cup semifinals in 2007, Oliver Weiss has resigned as coach. Hmmm.....
By Steve Goff | June 3, 2009; 9:28 AM ET
Categories: College Soccer , Costa Rica , TV , U.S. men's national team
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Previous: I'm Not a Celebrity, Where's the Marriott?
Next: The Wallaces of Costa Rica
Heidi Pratt Costa Rica
Heidi Pratt Rushed to Hospital
Hills star Heidi Pratt has been rushed to a Costa Rican hospital with an undisclosed medical emergency, Usmagazine.com has learned exclusively.
Pratt's husband, Spencer -- who is competing with his wife on NBC's I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here -- is traveling with her to the hospital, a source in Costa Rica confirms.
No further details have been made available as to the specifics of Heidi's condition or what it means for the series.
NBC could not be reached for comment.
Story developing...
Source
From OK! Mag:
Sources tell OK! that Heidi is suffering from what appears to be an infection and is currently undergoing tests at the hospital. OK! can also confirm er husband and co-star Spencer Pratt went along with her in the ambulence to the hospital.
http://okmagazine.com/news/view/14726
From Stephanie Pratt's twitter:
Im really saddened to hear that nbc felt it was ok to punish speidi so harshly-and torture them as if they were criminals-that Heidi was Rushed to the Costa Rica hospital and has an IV in her arm after being locked in a dark room for 3 days w no food or water. Pls pray she will be ok
Her family is flying out to see her in the Costa Rica hospital. I know they pulled some shitty antics-but really nbc?? Too far.
http://twitter.com/stephaniepratt
Hills star Heidi Pratt has been rushed to a Costa Rican hospital with an undisclosed medical emergency, Usmagazine.com has learned exclusively.
Pratt's husband, Spencer -- who is competing with his wife on NBC's I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here -- is traveling with her to the hospital, a source in Costa Rica confirms.
No further details have been made available as to the specifics of Heidi's condition or what it means for the series.
NBC could not be reached for comment.
Story developing...
Source
From OK! Mag:
Sources tell OK! that Heidi is suffering from what appears to be an infection and is currently undergoing tests at the hospital. OK! can also confirm er husband and co-star Spencer Pratt went along with her in the ambulence to the hospital.
http://okmagazine.com/news/view/14726
From Stephanie Pratt's twitter:
Im really saddened to hear that nbc felt it was ok to punish speidi so harshly-and torture them as if they were criminals-that Heidi was Rushed to the Costa Rica hospital and has an IV in her arm after being locked in a dark room for 3 days w no food or water. Pls pray she will be ok
Her family is flying out to see her in the Costa Rica hospital. I know they pulled some shitty antics-but really nbc?? Too far.
http://twitter.com/stephaniepratt
Costa Rica I Am a Celebrity
Report: I'm a Celebrity's Heidi Is Hospitalized; Execs Call Torture Tale "Untrue"
Jun 8, 2009 10:08 AM ET by Matt Mitovich 39 Comments
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Heidi Pratt on I'm a Celebrity
Heidi Pratt was hospitalized in Costa Rica this weekend for a stomach infection after she and her husband, Spencer, were sent to an isolation chamber as part of the reality competition I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here! , according to reports.
After repeatedly vomiting, Heidi was rushed to a local Costa Rica hospital with a gastric ulcer, her sister-in-law, Stephanie Pratt, told E! "She thought she was dying," she said.
Neither NBC nor TVGuide.com's production insider would comment on Heidi's reported hospital stay, but producers denied that she was ever placed in jeopardy on the Costa Rica show.
Heidi checked out of the hospital on Sunday and is now recovering in a hotel in Costa Rica, a source told Access Hollywood.
Heidi and Spencer's isolation experience was videotaped in full and will be detailed during Monday's special two-hour episode — as will the couple's overall fate with the show.
Also to be revealed will be the surprise quitting of a third contestant, according to our production source.
The Pratts were sequestered on Thursday in the "Lost Chamber" after they tried to quit the competition several times during the first week. The couple agreed to the punishment after they pleaded to come back to the show in which celebrities are dropped in the heart of the Costa Rican jungle to test their survivor skills, before viewers get the chance to vote them out.
Spencer's sister, Stephanie, claimed via Twitter that Heidi had been "locked in a dark room for 3 days w no food." She later told E! News that bugs were lowered in through the roof and onto the couple in the pitch black. "They treated them like they were criminals or terrorists," Stephanie Pratt said.
Although the conditions were intended to be uncomfortable, a setside source said the Pratts only spent 14 hours in the chamber, with food and water. They also slept through most of their isolation time, and emerged from the chamber in good spirits.
I'm a Celebrity's production company, ITV Studios, said in a statement that "all allegations of the celebrities being deprived of food and water are completely untrue."
All "press reports at this time are untrue. ITV has been producing this format around the world for many years and the health of the celebrity participants are of the utmost importance," according to the statement. "A medic and a doctor are present at the location at all times for all participants."
Jun 8, 2009 10:08 AM ET by Matt Mitovich 39 Comments
email this Buzz up!add to Yahoo! buzz add to facebook
Heidi Pratt on I'm a Celebrity
Heidi Pratt was hospitalized in Costa Rica this weekend for a stomach infection after she and her husband, Spencer, were sent to an isolation chamber as part of the reality competition I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here! , according to reports.
After repeatedly vomiting, Heidi was rushed to a local Costa Rica hospital with a gastric ulcer, her sister-in-law, Stephanie Pratt, told E! "She thought she was dying," she said.
Neither NBC nor TVGuide.com's production insider would comment on Heidi's reported hospital stay, but producers denied that she was ever placed in jeopardy on the Costa Rica show.
Heidi checked out of the hospital on Sunday and is now recovering in a hotel in Costa Rica, a source told Access Hollywood.
Heidi and Spencer's isolation experience was videotaped in full and will be detailed during Monday's special two-hour episode — as will the couple's overall fate with the show.
Also to be revealed will be the surprise quitting of a third contestant, according to our production source.
The Pratts were sequestered on Thursday in the "Lost Chamber" after they tried to quit the competition several times during the first week. The couple agreed to the punishment after they pleaded to come back to the show in which celebrities are dropped in the heart of the Costa Rican jungle to test their survivor skills, before viewers get the chance to vote them out.
Spencer's sister, Stephanie, claimed via Twitter that Heidi had been "locked in a dark room for 3 days w no food." She later told E! News that bugs were lowered in through the roof and onto the couple in the pitch black. "They treated them like they were criminals or terrorists," Stephanie Pratt said.
Although the conditions were intended to be uncomfortable, a setside source said the Pratts only spent 14 hours in the chamber, with food and water. They also slept through most of their isolation time, and emerged from the chamber in good spirits.
I'm a Celebrity's production company, ITV Studios, said in a statement that "all allegations of the celebrities being deprived of food and water are completely untrue."
All "press reports at this time are untrue. ITV has been producing this format around the world for many years and the health of the celebrity participants are of the utmost importance," according to the statement. "A medic and a doctor are present at the location at all times for all participants."
Costa Rica Surf Competition
The Billabong ISA World Surfing Games 2009 will be hosted in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica this August 1-8, 2009. The event, which will bring together the best surfers in the world in an Olympic-style competition, is set to be the biggest surfing championship ever held in Central America. The honor of hosting the 8th ever World Surfing Games is expected to solidify Costa Rica’s reputation as one of the world’s best up and coming surf destinations.
Last year’s competition, which took place in Costa de Caparica, Portugal, saw a turn out of more than 200 competitors from 28 countries. The Costa Rican team shined with their highest ranking ever, coming in 5th place at the event. The number of surfers and skill level is expected to increase for this year’s competition, which was scheduled to correspond with Hermosa’s peak surf season with waves ranging from four to eight feet with perfect barrels. The team to beat is four-time ISA Surfing Games champion, Australia, who racked up Gold medals in the last three consecutive events.
In August, each country will be represented by up to four surfers in the men’s Open category, two surfers in the women’s Open category and two long boarders. Costa Rica’s national team of eight surfers will be officially announced two days before the competitions begin. They will be selected from a short list of the country’s best surfers that have already begun training for the event.
This list features Carlos Muñoz, the 16-year-old who just won his first national championship in the men’s open division at the National Surf Circuit finals that also took place at Playa Hermosa Costa Rica. Joining him on the list are Diego Naranjo, Gilbert Brown, Jairo Perez, Jason Torres, Juan Carlos Naranjo, Cristian Santamaría, Anthony Flores and Luis Vindas in the men’s Open and long board categories. Two of the following women will also have the honor of representing Costa Rica: current National women’s champion Nataly Bernold, Lisbeth Vindas and Mariana Samudio.
The Costa Rica team also racked up a Bronze medal in last year’s surfing games in a special tag-team event called “Aloha Cup”. After coming in 10th place in this year’s World Junior Surfing Games in Ecuador, it is clear that Costa Rica has a strong future ahead of it in international surf competitions.
The president of the Costa Rica Federation of Surf (FSC – the hosts of the event) Jose Ureña said “I’m really happy for the opportunity that ISA and Billabong have given to us. To be hosts of this event is a like dream, to have so many countries enjoying our waves. It’s a unique occasion for us.”
Ureña hopes the event will help to further promote Costa Rica tourism, and particularly surf tourism to the region by putting the country’s waves on display for the global press. He also commented that local press has not covered the country’s international competitions in the past, so hosting the Surfing Games will help to increase local exposure as well.
The fact that Billabong is sponsoring this year’s event for the first time was also a big break for Costa Rica and the surfing world. Brand representative Graham Stapelberg promoted the decision to host the games in Costa Rica, saying: “I believe it is vital to provide a platform for these emerging surf regions. It is the only event of its kind where you get such a large representation of so many different surf nations”.
Visitor Logistics
Playa Hermosa is seemingly endless volcanic sand beach set 5 minutes south of the popular tourist destination of Jaco, and about two hours from the capital city of San Jose and the country’s main international airport, Juan Santamaria (SJO). The town itself features low density development, with one side of the town’s only road left untouched. The nearby town of Jaco offers more plentiful lodging options, though reservations must be made in advance.
The cost of a taxi from the airport to Jaco can vary between $80 and $150. Private shuttles can be arranged in advance, or public bus tickets can be purchased in down town San Jose at the Coca Cola bus terminal.
The competition will take place on the beach break in front of Hotel Terraza del Pacifico, at the north end of Hermosa. August conditions feature southern swells with waves averaging 4 to 8 feet in the warm Pacific waters. The month is considered to be part of the Costa Rica rainy season, with sporadic rain showers expected throughout the week of competition.
Event Schedule:
July 28-30: Team registration
July 31: Parade of Nations/ Opening Ceremony
August 1: Competition begins.
August 5: Start of Open Longboard
August 8: Contest ends/ Closing Ceremony
Last year’s competition, which took place in Costa de Caparica, Portugal, saw a turn out of more than 200 competitors from 28 countries. The Costa Rican team shined with their highest ranking ever, coming in 5th place at the event. The number of surfers and skill level is expected to increase for this year’s competition, which was scheduled to correspond with Hermosa’s peak surf season with waves ranging from four to eight feet with perfect barrels. The team to beat is four-time ISA Surfing Games champion, Australia, who racked up Gold medals in the last three consecutive events.
In August, each country will be represented by up to four surfers in the men’s Open category, two surfers in the women’s Open category and two long boarders. Costa Rica’s national team of eight surfers will be officially announced two days before the competitions begin. They will be selected from a short list of the country’s best surfers that have already begun training for the event.
This list features Carlos Muñoz, the 16-year-old who just won his first national championship in the men’s open division at the National Surf Circuit finals that also took place at Playa Hermosa Costa Rica. Joining him on the list are Diego Naranjo, Gilbert Brown, Jairo Perez, Jason Torres, Juan Carlos Naranjo, Cristian Santamaría, Anthony Flores and Luis Vindas in the men’s Open and long board categories. Two of the following women will also have the honor of representing Costa Rica: current National women’s champion Nataly Bernold, Lisbeth Vindas and Mariana Samudio.
The Costa Rica team also racked up a Bronze medal in last year’s surfing games in a special tag-team event called “Aloha Cup”. After coming in 10th place in this year’s World Junior Surfing Games in Ecuador, it is clear that Costa Rica has a strong future ahead of it in international surf competitions.
The president of the Costa Rica Federation of Surf (FSC – the hosts of the event) Jose Ureña said “I’m really happy for the opportunity that ISA and Billabong have given to us. To be hosts of this event is a like dream, to have so many countries enjoying our waves. It’s a unique occasion for us.”
Ureña hopes the event will help to further promote Costa Rica tourism, and particularly surf tourism to the region by putting the country’s waves on display for the global press. He also commented that local press has not covered the country’s international competitions in the past, so hosting the Surfing Games will help to increase local exposure as well.
The fact that Billabong is sponsoring this year’s event for the first time was also a big break for Costa Rica and the surfing world. Brand representative Graham Stapelberg promoted the decision to host the games in Costa Rica, saying: “I believe it is vital to provide a platform for these emerging surf regions. It is the only event of its kind where you get such a large representation of so many different surf nations”.
Visitor Logistics
Playa Hermosa is seemingly endless volcanic sand beach set 5 minutes south of the popular tourist destination of Jaco, and about two hours from the capital city of San Jose and the country’s main international airport, Juan Santamaria (SJO). The town itself features low density development, with one side of the town’s only road left untouched. The nearby town of Jaco offers more plentiful lodging options, though reservations must be made in advance.
The cost of a taxi from the airport to Jaco can vary between $80 and $150. Private shuttles can be arranged in advance, or public bus tickets can be purchased in down town San Jose at the Coca Cola bus terminal.
The competition will take place on the beach break in front of Hotel Terraza del Pacifico, at the north end of Hermosa. August conditions feature southern swells with waves averaging 4 to 8 feet in the warm Pacific waters. The month is considered to be part of the Costa Rica rainy season, with sporadic rain showers expected throughout the week of competition.
Event Schedule:
July 28-30: Team registration
July 31: Parade of Nations/ Opening Ceremony
August 1: Competition begins.
August 5: Start of Open Longboard
August 8: Contest ends/ Closing Ceremony
Costa Rica Art
New York School Fest Celebrates All Things Costa Rica
By Pat Kinney
MORAVIA (New York) - Millard Fillmore Elementary School's Costa Rica Festival today will celebrate biodiversity, Costa Rican culture and history and the effects of our choices on our world economy and environment.
The public is invited to the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the school. There will be two performances of Jan Brett's "The Umbrella," as well as Latin American dancing, at 9:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Throughout the day, second- and fifth-grade students will have displays and performances in their classrooms and in the hallways featuring the various ways they've explored Costa Rica.
Second-grade students have explored a unique Central American art form called molas. Each student created their own mola, using animal motifs found in Costa Rica. Students also created three-dimensional paper masks that explore the various adaptations of Costa Rica birds.
Second-graders have also been learning about the impact that non-sustainable choices have had on the rainforest of Costa Rica, creating displays that show the effects of damaging choices in land and water management on animals and the land.
Fifth-grade students in Trish Genson's class - who have been studying Costa Rican myths, fairy tales and fables - will perform two Costa Rican stories - "When Woman Becomes the Sea" and "The Sleeping Bread."
Jim VanArsdale's fifth-graders have been working with the school's stage band and teacher Chris Little to highlight the history of Costa Rican music, showing how the sounds and rhythms are present in our pop music today.
Jeff Porter's fifth-grade students researched pre-Columbian weapons and warfare, and they will explain what weapons that were used then. The class will also model costumes they have made and serve samples of typical Costa Rican food.
The Costa Rica project has been enriched by the talents of Holly Adams, a teaching theater artist, who has worked with the school for eight years on a variety of Arts in Education projects. Another guest artist, Jorge Cuevas, a teaching Latin American dance and music artist, helped the students learn more about the culture of Costa Rica.
The project was supported by an ArtStart Grant through Partners for Arts Education, the Millard Fillmore Elementary Student Council, the McDonald's Corp. through a MAC grant and Moravia Central School.
For more information about the June 10 event, contact the school at (315) 497-2670.
By Pat Kinney
MORAVIA (New York) - Millard Fillmore Elementary School's Costa Rica Festival today will celebrate biodiversity, Costa Rican culture and history and the effects of our choices on our world economy and environment.
The public is invited to the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the school. There will be two performances of Jan Brett's "The Umbrella," as well as Latin American dancing, at 9:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Throughout the day, second- and fifth-grade students will have displays and performances in their classrooms and in the hallways featuring the various ways they've explored Costa Rica.
Second-grade students have explored a unique Central American art form called molas. Each student created their own mola, using animal motifs found in Costa Rica. Students also created three-dimensional paper masks that explore the various adaptations of Costa Rica birds.
Second-graders have also been learning about the impact that non-sustainable choices have had on the rainforest of Costa Rica, creating displays that show the effects of damaging choices in land and water management on animals and the land.
Fifth-grade students in Trish Genson's class - who have been studying Costa Rican myths, fairy tales and fables - will perform two Costa Rican stories - "When Woman Becomes the Sea" and "The Sleeping Bread."
Jim VanArsdale's fifth-graders have been working with the school's stage band and teacher Chris Little to highlight the history of Costa Rican music, showing how the sounds and rhythms are present in our pop music today.
Jeff Porter's fifth-grade students researched pre-Columbian weapons and warfare, and they will explain what weapons that were used then. The class will also model costumes they have made and serve samples of typical Costa Rican food.
The Costa Rica project has been enriched by the talents of Holly Adams, a teaching theater artist, who has worked with the school for eight years on a variety of Arts in Education projects. Another guest artist, Jorge Cuevas, a teaching Latin American dance and music artist, helped the students learn more about the culture of Costa Rica.
The project was supported by an ArtStart Grant through Partners for Arts Education, the Millard Fillmore Elementary Student Council, the McDonald's Corp. through a MAC grant and Moravia Central School.
For more information about the June 10 event, contact the school at (315) 497-2670.
Costa Rica Weddings
Sears and Bong wed in Costa Rica
Special to the Register
Laura Elizabeth Sears of Irving and Robert Spolec Bong of Dallas were married at 4:30 p.m. February 28, 2009, at Tamarindo Diria Resort in Costa Rica, with DR. Brent Gentzel of Kaufman officiating.
The bride is the daughter of Dr. Larry and Katherine Sears of Gainesville. She is a 1998 graduate of Gainesville High School and a 2002 graduate of Baylor University with a marketing degree. She is currently employed as a sales representative for Reef and Element in Dallas.
The groom is the son of James and Lynn Bong of Dallas. He is a graduate of Lake Highlands High School and a 2002 graduate of Baylor University. He is currently contractor and owner of Star Landscaping in Dallas.
Grandparents of the couple are Anna Jo and Virgil Sears of Lake Kiowa, Dr. Norval and Elizabeth Smith of Tulsa, Okla., the late Harry Wood, Jean and the late Robert Spolec of Dallas and Sylvia and the late Robert Bong of Dallas.
On the lush grounds of the Costa Rica Tamarindo Diria Resort over looking the Pacific Ocean was tropical flowers decorating a white tulle canopy.
Musician was a classical guitarist from San Jose, Costa Rica.
Vocalist were Jason Lewis, Taylor Vieger and Julie Gentzel.
Music included the classical guitarist playing Bach’s “Cannon in D” “In My Life” was sung by groomsmen Taylor Vieger and Jason Lewis, “How Beautiful” was sung by Julie Gentzel and Rob Brewing of Dallas read a scripture from Philipians.
The bride was given in marriage by her father, Dr. Larry Sears.
The bride wore a Cymbeline Saltine strapless dress with a sweet heart v-neck, ivory silk organza and taffeta, hi-low skirt, corset bodice with lace-up back and layered ruffles. She wore a birdcage veil with flower and feather accents. She carried calla lilies and white orchids with peacock feathers.
Matron of honor was Susanna Stone Bailey of Red Lodge, MT, best friend of the bride.
Bridesmaids were Stephanie McElreath Weiss of Naperville IL, long time friend of the bride; Bonnie DeBorde of Dallas, long time friend of the bride; Rebeca VanEs of Houston, college roommate; Brittany Smith of Euless, college friend; Laura Bong, sister of the groom; and Nadine Grosse of Grapevine, friend.
The attendants wore turquoise tea-length sleeveless dresses with black sashes with peacock detail.
Best man was John Yocum of Houston, best friend of the groom in college.
Groomsmen were Jason Lewis of Austin, college friend; Brian Roach of West Hollywood, CA, high school friend; Chad Lemons of Dallas, college friend; Taylor Viegar of Dallas, school friend; Alan Sears of Austin, brother of the bride; and Brian Sears of Gainesville, brother of the bride.
Ushers were Brian and Alan Sears, brothers of the bride.
The reception was poolside at the Tamarindo Diria Resort. It was decorated with tropical flowers and palm trees in tall containers.
Rehearsal dinner was held, at Mar y Sol, overlooking Flamingo Bay at sunset. All sixty guest were included.
After a wedding trip to Arenal and Dominical areas of Costa Rica the couple plan to reside in Valley Ranch in Irving.
They will also have a local celebration June 13th at Moss Lake.
Special to the Register
Laura Elizabeth Sears of Irving and Robert Spolec Bong of Dallas were married at 4:30 p.m. February 28, 2009, at Tamarindo Diria Resort in Costa Rica, with DR. Brent Gentzel of Kaufman officiating.
The bride is the daughter of Dr. Larry and Katherine Sears of Gainesville. She is a 1998 graduate of Gainesville High School and a 2002 graduate of Baylor University with a marketing degree. She is currently employed as a sales representative for Reef and Element in Dallas.
The groom is the son of James and Lynn Bong of Dallas. He is a graduate of Lake Highlands High School and a 2002 graduate of Baylor University. He is currently contractor and owner of Star Landscaping in Dallas.
Grandparents of the couple are Anna Jo and Virgil Sears of Lake Kiowa, Dr. Norval and Elizabeth Smith of Tulsa, Okla., the late Harry Wood, Jean and the late Robert Spolec of Dallas and Sylvia and the late Robert Bong of Dallas.
On the lush grounds of the Costa Rica Tamarindo Diria Resort over looking the Pacific Ocean was tropical flowers decorating a white tulle canopy.
Musician was a classical guitarist from San Jose, Costa Rica.
Vocalist were Jason Lewis, Taylor Vieger and Julie Gentzel.
Music included the classical guitarist playing Bach’s “Cannon in D” “In My Life” was sung by groomsmen Taylor Vieger and Jason Lewis, “How Beautiful” was sung by Julie Gentzel and Rob Brewing of Dallas read a scripture from Philipians.
The bride was given in marriage by her father, Dr. Larry Sears.
The bride wore a Cymbeline Saltine strapless dress with a sweet heart v-neck, ivory silk organza and taffeta, hi-low skirt, corset bodice with lace-up back and layered ruffles. She wore a birdcage veil with flower and feather accents. She carried calla lilies and white orchids with peacock feathers.
Matron of honor was Susanna Stone Bailey of Red Lodge, MT, best friend of the bride.
Bridesmaids were Stephanie McElreath Weiss of Naperville IL, long time friend of the bride; Bonnie DeBorde of Dallas, long time friend of the bride; Rebeca VanEs of Houston, college roommate; Brittany Smith of Euless, college friend; Laura Bong, sister of the groom; and Nadine Grosse of Grapevine, friend.
The attendants wore turquoise tea-length sleeveless dresses with black sashes with peacock detail.
Best man was John Yocum of Houston, best friend of the groom in college.
Groomsmen were Jason Lewis of Austin, college friend; Brian Roach of West Hollywood, CA, high school friend; Chad Lemons of Dallas, college friend; Taylor Viegar of Dallas, school friend; Alan Sears of Austin, brother of the bride; and Brian Sears of Gainesville, brother of the bride.
Ushers were Brian and Alan Sears, brothers of the bride.
The reception was poolside at the Tamarindo Diria Resort. It was decorated with tropical flowers and palm trees in tall containers.
Rehearsal dinner was held, at Mar y Sol, overlooking Flamingo Bay at sunset. All sixty guest were included.
After a wedding trip to Arenal and Dominical areas of Costa Rica the couple plan to reside in Valley Ranch in Irving.
They will also have a local celebration June 13th at Moss Lake.
Costa Rica Travel
But The Rainy Season is Not So Caliente
A visit to Costa Rica is a memorable experience steeped in the wonderment and vibrancy of nature, and charged with the energy of a stimulating culture.
But there are some things you should know.
Any trip to an exotic land requires a healthy amount of planning and preparation. For instance, a visit to Costa Rica for an American includes a lengthy search for the necessary inoculations. Because the country is divided into eclectic areas...there are cities, rain forests, extensive waterfront beaches, and long stretches of primitive space...health concerns range from minimal to "maybe I better stay outta there." Malaria, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, and a host of other illnesses and diseases are waiting for you depending on where you visit in Costa Rica and how long you plan to stay. Some inoculations are recommended to be taken six months in advance.
And, of course, traveling abroad is replete with the necessary but annoyingly complex system of security that includes the standard quasi-strip searches, as well as Customs and Immigration procedures sometimes led by people you wouldn't let carry your groceries to the car.
But beyond these issues, there are key areas of interest you will need to consider before booking your tickets.
Areas to Stay - Costa Rica is a country of five million people, we were told by a helpful guide en route to one of many rain forests. A full 40% of those Costa Riica people are retired Americans and Europeans. That's two of the five million! Based on a several-day stay near the capital of the country, San Jose Costa Rica, it's safe to declare that a lion's share of the two million Americans and Europeans have found their way to the coast, where the beaches are glorious. They are most certainly not in and around San Jose, where squalor would serve as a compliment. The city of San Jose does have its landmarks. The National Theater is an outstanding historical space conjuring visions of Ford Theater at the time of Lincoln's Assassination. Gran Hotel Costa Rica is also a fixture of opulence in midtown San Jose. But as a rule, head west to Jaco and surrounding beach communities for exquisite resorts.
A visit to Costa Rica is a memorable experience steeped in the wonderment and vibrancy of nature, and charged with the energy of a stimulating culture.
But there are some things you should know.
Any trip to an exotic land requires a healthy amount of planning and preparation. For instance, a visit to Costa Rica for an American includes a lengthy search for the necessary inoculations. Because the country is divided into eclectic areas...there are cities, rain forests, extensive waterfront beaches, and long stretches of primitive space...health concerns range from minimal to "maybe I better stay outta there." Malaria, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, and a host of other illnesses and diseases are waiting for you depending on where you visit in Costa Rica and how long you plan to stay. Some inoculations are recommended to be taken six months in advance.
And, of course, traveling abroad is replete with the necessary but annoyingly complex system of security that includes the standard quasi-strip searches, as well as Customs and Immigration procedures sometimes led by people you wouldn't let carry your groceries to the car.
But beyond these issues, there are key areas of interest you will need to consider before booking your tickets.
Areas to Stay - Costa Rica is a country of five million people, we were told by a helpful guide en route to one of many rain forests. A full 40% of those Costa Riica people are retired Americans and Europeans. That's two of the five million! Based on a several-day stay near the capital of the country, San Jose Costa Rica, it's safe to declare that a lion's share of the two million Americans and Europeans have found their way to the coast, where the beaches are glorious. They are most certainly not in and around San Jose, where squalor would serve as a compliment. The city of San Jose does have its landmarks. The National Theater is an outstanding historical space conjuring visions of Ford Theater at the time of Lincoln's Assassination. Gran Hotel Costa Rica is also a fixture of opulence in midtown San Jose. But as a rule, head west to Jaco and surrounding beach communities for exquisite resorts.
Costa Rica Trade Talks
China, Costa Rica In Third Round Of Trade Talks
China pressed Costa Rica on Monday for a wider opening of its market in a third round of talks towards a free trade treaty which negotiators aim to complete this year, officials said.
Costa Rica - which gave up six decades of ties with Taiwan in favor of China two years ago - is the third Latin American country to negotiate a free trade deal with China after Chile and Peru.
Costa Rica's chief negotiator, Fernando Ocampo, said the government had consulted with companies to prepare an improved offer for China.
"We have entered the phase of discussing sensitive issues across the board," Ocampo said.
Zhu Hong, the head of the Chinese delegation, told reporters that China is urging Costa Rica to return to an earlier offer, which includes 70% of Chinese products entering the country tax-free over a five to 10-year period.
China, in turn, is offering a tax-free opening for 94.5% of Costa Rican products, excluding sugar, meat and coffee.
Trade between the Costa Rica and China have grown rapidly, from $91.1 million in 2000 to $1.6 billion in 2007, according to the Costa Rican government figures.
A major exporter of computer components, Costa Rica has dismissed fears of an invasion of Chinese products into the country as it seeks to diversify ties amid worldwide financial woes.
After the current round of talks, Costa Rican and Chinese negotiators are scheduled to hold three more rounds in September, October, and either November or December.
"We just celebrated the second anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Since then we've advanced a lot in all areas," Wan Xiaoyuan, the Chinese ambassador to San Jose, said at the opening of the three-day talks.
China pressed Costa Rica on Monday for a wider opening of its market in a third round of talks towards a free trade treaty which negotiators aim to complete this year, officials said.
Costa Rica - which gave up six decades of ties with Taiwan in favor of China two years ago - is the third Latin American country to negotiate a free trade deal with China after Chile and Peru.
Costa Rica's chief negotiator, Fernando Ocampo, said the government had consulted with companies to prepare an improved offer for China.
"We have entered the phase of discussing sensitive issues across the board," Ocampo said.
Zhu Hong, the head of the Chinese delegation, told reporters that China is urging Costa Rica to return to an earlier offer, which includes 70% of Chinese products entering the country tax-free over a five to 10-year period.
China, in turn, is offering a tax-free opening for 94.5% of Costa Rican products, excluding sugar, meat and coffee.
Trade between the Costa Rica and China have grown rapidly, from $91.1 million in 2000 to $1.6 billion in 2007, according to the Costa Rican government figures.
A major exporter of computer components, Costa Rica has dismissed fears of an invasion of Chinese products into the country as it seeks to diversify ties amid worldwide financial woes.
After the current round of talks, Costa Rican and Chinese negotiators are scheduled to hold three more rounds in September, October, and either November or December.
"We just celebrated the second anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Since then we've advanced a lot in all areas," Wan Xiaoyuan, the Chinese ambassador to San Jose, said at the opening of the three-day talks.
Costa Rica Trade Unions
Costa Rican Employers Reject Unions
Costa Rican employers continued with their determination on Tuesday to veto the right of their employees to join a union, even in the face of possible Labor Code reforms.
Deputies in the Legislative Assembly are discussing changes to the legal regulations to allow a broadening of the prerogatives of citizens to form unions, both in private and public companies, so that this cannot be taken as a pretext for layoffs.
Representatives of the labor movement and legislators insist on considering changes under discussion as an obligation of Costa Rica before the International Labor Organization (ILO), which is a body that continues monitoring labor problems in this Central American nation.
However, many businesspeople believe the proposed changes would threaten the operation of their businesses in Costa Rica by placing alleged legal obstacles to layoff policies.
As champions of neoliberal practices, they maintain that in times of economic crisis these types of reforms might be counterproductive, even more so to entities with financial problems, which they argue need staff cuts.
In view of this reaction from businesspeople, General Secretary of the National Association of Public and Private Employees, Albino Vargas, considered that failing to approve the changes "would make a mockery of international labor regulations, including union freedom," amounting to a worsening of "the country's image with regard to labor issues."
Costa Rican employers continued with their determination on Tuesday to veto the right of their employees to join a union, even in the face of possible Labor Code reforms.
Deputies in the Legislative Assembly are discussing changes to the legal regulations to allow a broadening of the prerogatives of citizens to form unions, both in private and public companies, so that this cannot be taken as a pretext for layoffs.
Representatives of the labor movement and legislators insist on considering changes under discussion as an obligation of Costa Rica before the International Labor Organization (ILO), which is a body that continues monitoring labor problems in this Central American nation.
However, many businesspeople believe the proposed changes would threaten the operation of their businesses in Costa Rica by placing alleged legal obstacles to layoff policies.
As champions of neoliberal practices, they maintain that in times of economic crisis these types of reforms might be counterproductive, even more so to entities with financial problems, which they argue need staff cuts.
In view of this reaction from businesspeople, General Secretary of the National Association of Public and Private Employees, Albino Vargas, considered that failing to approve the changes "would make a mockery of international labor regulations, including union freedom," amounting to a worsening of "the country's image with regard to labor issues."
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Costa Rica Medical Tourism
Costa Rica: Beaches, Volcanoes… & Healthcare? Part III
Antonio J. Acosta-Rua, PhD
Health Choices International
Part IV in our series on Medical Tourism and Healthcare in Costa Rica
Question #2: What is the quality of Costa Rica’s healthcare system?
The short answer is very good. It might come as a surprise to many, but a year 2000 survey conducted by the WHO (World Health Organization) of its 191 member states healthcare systems ranked Costa Rica 36th. This ranking placed Costa Rica among the top three in Latin America as well as ahead of 154 other countries globally, including the United States (37th), New Zealand (41st), and Thailand (47th). While some may debate as to what this survey actually measures or what these results mean (as I have), it does without question demonstrate that Costa Rica’s dedication to quality health, both from a cultural and political standpoint, has been confirmed by measurable outcomes.
Question #3: Doesn’t Costa Rica have a nationalized healthcare system?
Yes, Costa Rica does have a nationalized healthcare system, in which the government runs more than 30 hospitals and 250 clinics. This system has been in existence for almost 60 years and has been able to provide for many of the people of Costa Rica. Yet, Costa Rica’s nationalized healthcare system, like nationalized systems the world-over, has been plagued by the typical problems of long waits, rationing, slow and sometimes impersonal service, and dated hospitals. As a result, a more responsive parallel private healthcare system has been growing.
Question #4: Does Costa Rica also have a private healthcare system?
Yes, Costa Rica has a small, but rapidly growing private healthcare system which now is targeting the Medical Travel (Medical Tourism) market. Private healthcare has been available in Costa Rica for a very longtime, but historically has only represented a small portion of the healthcare sector. In the past two decades, Costa Rica has built an international reputation for inexpensive cosmetic and dental surgery. These are areas of healthcare typically not covered by U.S. insurance policies and thus must be paid for out-of-pocket by the patient. As a result, numerous Americans, and others, have come to Costa Rica for dental surgery (e.g. crowns, implants, etc.) and plastic surgery, finding typical savings of 40% - 80%. In addition, today there is an increasing trend of individuals coming for orthopedic and laparoscopic surgeries. This growing trend is related to the rapidly increasing cost of insurance premiums combined with ever-decreasing benefits in the U.S., or the rationing and long waits in the nationalized systems like in Canada or the U.K.
Should you have any questions that you would like to ask about medical tourism here in Costa Rica or in general, please email us at info@thecostaricanews.com
Antonio J. Acosta-Rua, PhD
Health Choices International
Part IV in our series on Medical Tourism and Healthcare in Costa Rica
Question #2: What is the quality of Costa Rica’s healthcare system?
The short answer is very good. It might come as a surprise to many, but a year 2000 survey conducted by the WHO (World Health Organization) of its 191 member states healthcare systems ranked Costa Rica 36th. This ranking placed Costa Rica among the top three in Latin America as well as ahead of 154 other countries globally, including the United States (37th), New Zealand (41st), and Thailand (47th). While some may debate as to what this survey actually measures or what these results mean (as I have), it does without question demonstrate that Costa Rica’s dedication to quality health, both from a cultural and political standpoint, has been confirmed by measurable outcomes.
Question #3: Doesn’t Costa Rica have a nationalized healthcare system?
Yes, Costa Rica does have a nationalized healthcare system, in which the government runs more than 30 hospitals and 250 clinics. This system has been in existence for almost 60 years and has been able to provide for many of the people of Costa Rica. Yet, Costa Rica’s nationalized healthcare system, like nationalized systems the world-over, has been plagued by the typical problems of long waits, rationing, slow and sometimes impersonal service, and dated hospitals. As a result, a more responsive parallel private healthcare system has been growing.
Question #4: Does Costa Rica also have a private healthcare system?
Yes, Costa Rica has a small, but rapidly growing private healthcare system which now is targeting the Medical Travel (Medical Tourism) market. Private healthcare has been available in Costa Rica for a very longtime, but historically has only represented a small portion of the healthcare sector. In the past two decades, Costa Rica has built an international reputation for inexpensive cosmetic and dental surgery. These are areas of healthcare typically not covered by U.S. insurance policies and thus must be paid for out-of-pocket by the patient. As a result, numerous Americans, and others, have come to Costa Rica for dental surgery (e.g. crowns, implants, etc.) and plastic surgery, finding typical savings of 40% - 80%. In addition, today there is an increasing trend of individuals coming for orthopedic and laparoscopic surgeries. This growing trend is related to the rapidly increasing cost of insurance premiums combined with ever-decreasing benefits in the U.S., or the rationing and long waits in the nationalized systems like in Canada or the U.K.
Should you have any questions that you would like to ask about medical tourism here in Costa Rica or in general, please email us at info@thecostaricanews.com
Costa Rica Medical Tourism
Medical Tourism: Comparable to How Competition Changed the U.S. Auto Industry
Mark J. Perry - February 6th, 2009
From The Heartland Institute’s report “International Medical Tourism Is on the Rise“:
“More people are engaging in medical tourism because of rising health care prices in the United States, said Greg Scandlen, director of Consumers for Health Care Choices at The Heartland Institute. ‘As more and more people have out-of-pocket responsibility, they’re looking around for the best deal, and out-of-country services in countries like Costa Rica are an incredibly good deal if you’re willing to travel,’ Scandlen said.
The rise in medical tourism is cause for alarm among some domestic health care providers, and it will end up forcing them to improve their services. ‘I’d compare this to the introduction of Volkswagens and Toyotas, what that did to American automotive manufacturers,’ Scandlen said. ‘It’s showing another way of doing business that the automakers in the United States were just too indifferent to adopt, so competition had to come from somewhere. It came from overseas.’
‘The American hospital model simply isn’t working well anymore, so patients will find someplace else,’ Scandlen continued. ‘Competition will assert itself, like it or not. If American hospitals don’t relearn how to run their businesses based on some of the ideas that are coming from overseas in places like Costa Rica, they will go the way of the automakers.’
American health care providers are especially concerned because much of their most-lucrative business is going overseas. The amount of profitability being exported far exceeds the number of people going abroad.
John R. Graham, director of health care policy at the Pacific Research Institute, agreed. ‘Medical tourism is a great opportunity to reduce U.S. health spending and allow more Americans to get high-quality care abroad,’ he noted.
U.S. hospitals have very high cost structures,’ said Graham, ‘largely caused by government regulation that inhibits competition and specialization, requiring general hospitals to be all things to all people. In the long run, as their “‘profitable” operations disappear overseas, American hospitals will face a crisis that will require policymakers to rethink how they organize the health care safety net.’
‘Quality and patient protections vary widely in other countries, just like they do within the United States,’ said Michael Cannon, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. ‘What we don’t get in the United States is price competition, but that can’t last forever, particularly with foreign providers offering comparable quality at a lower cost.’
‘Medical tourism can only grow to places like Costa Rica,’ Cannon added. ‘And that’s a good thing.’”
Mark J. Perry - February 6th, 2009
From The Heartland Institute’s report “International Medical Tourism Is on the Rise“:
“More people are engaging in medical tourism because of rising health care prices in the United States, said Greg Scandlen, director of Consumers for Health Care Choices at The Heartland Institute. ‘As more and more people have out-of-pocket responsibility, they’re looking around for the best deal, and out-of-country services in countries like Costa Rica are an incredibly good deal if you’re willing to travel,’ Scandlen said.
The rise in medical tourism is cause for alarm among some domestic health care providers, and it will end up forcing them to improve their services. ‘I’d compare this to the introduction of Volkswagens and Toyotas, what that did to American automotive manufacturers,’ Scandlen said. ‘It’s showing another way of doing business that the automakers in the United States were just too indifferent to adopt, so competition had to come from somewhere. It came from overseas.’
‘The American hospital model simply isn’t working well anymore, so patients will find someplace else,’ Scandlen continued. ‘Competition will assert itself, like it or not. If American hospitals don’t relearn how to run their businesses based on some of the ideas that are coming from overseas in places like Costa Rica, they will go the way of the automakers.’
American health care providers are especially concerned because much of their most-lucrative business is going overseas. The amount of profitability being exported far exceeds the number of people going abroad.
John R. Graham, director of health care policy at the Pacific Research Institute, agreed. ‘Medical tourism is a great opportunity to reduce U.S. health spending and allow more Americans to get high-quality care abroad,’ he noted.
U.S. hospitals have very high cost structures,’ said Graham, ‘largely caused by government regulation that inhibits competition and specialization, requiring general hospitals to be all things to all people. In the long run, as their “‘profitable” operations disappear overseas, American hospitals will face a crisis that will require policymakers to rethink how they organize the health care safety net.’
‘Quality and patient protections vary widely in other countries, just like they do within the United States,’ said Michael Cannon, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. ‘What we don’t get in the United States is price competition, but that can’t last forever, particularly with foreign providers offering comparable quality at a lower cost.’
‘Medical tourism can only grow to places like Costa Rica,’ Cannon added. ‘And that’s a good thing.’”
Costa Rica Medical Care
HSA Clearing Corp Announces Costa Rica Medical Care
Working with the finest private hospitals and physicians in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Medical Care will help people save hundreds if not thousands of dollars on certain medical care procedures. According to a recent study by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, the number of U.S. residents traveling across borders for medical care is expected to increase 700% -- from 750,000 in 2007 to 6 million in 2010.
Lake Geneva, WI (PRWEB) March 4, 2009 -- HSA Clearing Corp. the leading provider of Health Savings Account educational services to financial institutions, employee benefit companies and health agents, is announcing a new division, Costa Rican Medical Care. The new division will provide medical tourism services specializing in only Costa Rica.
Working with the finest private hospitals and physicians in Costa Rica, Costa Rican Medical Care will help people save hundreds if not thousands of dollars on certain medical care procedures. According to a recent study by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, the number of U.S. residents traveling across borders for medical care is expected to increase 700% -- from 750,000 in 2007 to 6 million in 2010.
With health care costs skyrocketing out of control in the United States, medical tourism has become a very attractive option for cost-conscious consumers seeking quality care at an affordable price. While many medical tourism providers are recommending travel half-way around the world to places like India and Singapore (twelve time zones away), Costa Rican Medical Care is focusing only on the excellent care available in Costa Rica, a beautiful, friendly country much closer to home and in the Central Time Zone.
Costa Rica has the competitive advantage of geography, a stable economic and political system and an international reputation for the quality of its health care system "Educating people on ways to save on health care has always been our main goal, and now more than ever, people need help. There are millions of people who have to pay hard-earned money out of their own pocket. Some have a Consumer Driven Health Plan or an HSA, and some simply have no insurance at all." said Tim Morales President of HSA Clearing Corp.
"Many of our banking customers are self-insured. Having a cost-efficient alternative to high cost care in the States will mean lowering costs for these institutions. For example, a hip replacement can cost as much as $70,000 in the US. However, the same procedure in Costa Rica, including all tests, surgery, physician costs, rehabilitation, and follow-up care in the U.S., travel, lodging and meals in Costa Rica can run about $15,000 -- all costs included"
Costa Rican Medical Care program is simple and stress-free. We provide the consumer with answers to their questions and let them know the approximate cost of their total trip. Patients (and their companions, if applicable) are picked up at the airport by an English-speaking guide. Hotel accommodations are carefully selected to provide convenience to the patient. The guide will accompany the patient to and from the doctor appointments. Following the surgery and recovery, our counselors will arrange for any further rehab or care that might be needed, and contract with an in-home service in the U.S. to provide further care if needed.
Our people in Costa Rica have been providing these services for many years to people from around the world. Their facilities are modern and patient care is state-of-the-art. Most physicians are trained U.S. trained and use the latest available technology and equipment. Both the medical and tourism staff speaks excellent English.
"With the thousands of health agents, employee benefit firms and customers of our HSA bank and credit union network across the country, offering Costa Rican Medical Care will help many people get and stay healthy and save money at the same time", Morales continued. "You would be surprised by the growing number of insurance companies that work with many of these providers and we hope to introduce more."
Sampling of Costa Rican Medical Care Services
Bariatric Surgery, Angioplasty, Heart By-Pass, Hip and Knee Replacement, Ophthalmology and Medical Check Ups, Dental Surgery and Care, Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, are some of the many healthcare services we can recommend.
Working with the finest private hospitals and physicians in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Medical Care will help people save hundreds if not thousands of dollars on certain medical care procedures. According to a recent study by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, the number of U.S. residents traveling across borders for medical care is expected to increase 700% -- from 750,000 in 2007 to 6 million in 2010.
Lake Geneva, WI (PRWEB) March 4, 2009 -- HSA Clearing Corp. the leading provider of Health Savings Account educational services to financial institutions, employee benefit companies and health agents, is announcing a new division, Costa Rican Medical Care. The new division will provide medical tourism services specializing in only Costa Rica.
Working with the finest private hospitals and physicians in Costa Rica, Costa Rican Medical Care will help people save hundreds if not thousands of dollars on certain medical care procedures. According to a recent study by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, the number of U.S. residents traveling across borders for medical care is expected to increase 700% -- from 750,000 in 2007 to 6 million in 2010.
With health care costs skyrocketing out of control in the United States, medical tourism has become a very attractive option for cost-conscious consumers seeking quality care at an affordable price. While many medical tourism providers are recommending travel half-way around the world to places like India and Singapore (twelve time zones away), Costa Rican Medical Care is focusing only on the excellent care available in Costa Rica, a beautiful, friendly country much closer to home and in the Central Time Zone.
Costa Rica has the competitive advantage of geography, a stable economic and political system and an international reputation for the quality of its health care system "Educating people on ways to save on health care has always been our main goal, and now more than ever, people need help. There are millions of people who have to pay hard-earned money out of their own pocket. Some have a Consumer Driven Health Plan or an HSA, and some simply have no insurance at all." said Tim Morales President of HSA Clearing Corp.
"Many of our banking customers are self-insured. Having a cost-efficient alternative to high cost care in the States will mean lowering costs for these institutions. For example, a hip replacement can cost as much as $70,000 in the US. However, the same procedure in Costa Rica, including all tests, surgery, physician costs, rehabilitation, and follow-up care in the U.S., travel, lodging and meals in Costa Rica can run about $15,000 -- all costs included"
Costa Rican Medical Care program is simple and stress-free. We provide the consumer with answers to their questions and let them know the approximate cost of their total trip. Patients (and their companions, if applicable) are picked up at the airport by an English-speaking guide. Hotel accommodations are carefully selected to provide convenience to the patient. The guide will accompany the patient to and from the doctor appointments. Following the surgery and recovery, our counselors will arrange for any further rehab or care that might be needed, and contract with an in-home service in the U.S. to provide further care if needed.
Our people in Costa Rica have been providing these services for many years to people from around the world. Their facilities are modern and patient care is state-of-the-art. Most physicians are trained U.S. trained and use the latest available technology and equipment. Both the medical and tourism staff speaks excellent English.
"With the thousands of health agents, employee benefit firms and customers of our HSA bank and credit union network across the country, offering Costa Rican Medical Care will help many people get and stay healthy and save money at the same time", Morales continued. "You would be surprised by the growing number of insurance companies that work with many of these providers and we hope to introduce more."
Sampling of Costa Rican Medical Care Services
Bariatric Surgery, Angioplasty, Heart By-Pass, Hip and Knee Replacement, Ophthalmology and Medical Check Ups, Dental Surgery and Care, Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, are some of the many healthcare services we can recommend.
Costa Rica Pediatric Hospice
First Inpatient Pediatric Hospice in Latin America Opens in Costa Rica
Antonio J. Acosta-Rua, PhD
With many supporters, friends and staff on hand, La Fundación Pro-Unidad Cuidado Paliativo, a Costa Rica pediatric hospice organization, proudly inaugurated Casa San Miguel Arcángel in Costa Rica, the first inpatient pediatric hospice facility in Latin America. Casa San Miguel Arcángel, situated in Vista de Mar Costa Rica a small community in the mountains just a few kilometers north of San Jose, will provide a peaceful setting for terminally-ill children in the final phase of their lives. As the third expansion project for La Fundación, Casa San Miguel Arcángel consists of three primary structures: a chapel, an on-site residence for medical staff, and a fully-equipped inpatient facility with accommodations for up-to three patients and their families. While it is usually preferred that terminally-ill children spend their last days in familiar surroundings like home, Casa San Miguel Arcángel of Costa Rica will provide a comfortable environment for those children whose home is not a suitable option.
With its colorfully designed home-like setting and beautifully landscaped gardens, Casa San Miguel Arcángel and its staff strive to help these children enjoy their life until the very last moment. This is done by managing the patient’s symptoms and pain in order to improve the quality-of-life while also providing a cheerful and comfortable environment in which to die peacefully.
“Though we know that many children will eventually die here, Casa San Miguel Arcángel is a place to celebrate life. Our goal… our duty is to assist these little angels and their families enjoy every last second of life that God has given.” María de los Ángeles Arce, President of La Fundación Pro-Unidad Cuidado Paliativo de Costa Rica.
La Fundación Pro-Unidad Cuidado Paliativo is the only pediatric hospice organization in all of Costa Rica. Founded in 1992, their mission has been to teach parents how to properly care for their sick children as well as to provide a comfortable environment for dying children and their families. The organization’s goal is not to heal but to manage pain and other symptoms thus improving the quality of life of terminally-ill children. The organization, in spite of having very limited financial resources, has cared for thousands of children and their families throughout Costa Rica.
In November of 2000, through the leadership of Dr. Lisbeth Quesada, the foundation was able to open its first permanent facility the Saint Gabriel Shelter which complemented their home-visit program. Saint Gabriel Shelter located in downtown San Jose is an intermediate place between home and the hospital for terminally-ill children and for those with life-limiting diseases. This day shelter allows parents to get a much needed respite while their children are receiving needed medical attention and being properly supervised.
In February of 2007, La Fundación inaugurated their first expansion project La Clínica de Cuidados Paliativos Dr. Gastón Acosta-Rua in Perez-Zeledón, the hard to reach southern region of Costa Rica. Like the Saint Gabriel Shelter, La Clínica de Cuidados Paliativos Dr. Gastón Acosta-Rua serves as a day shelter for families with terminally-ill children and their families. Additionally, this facility serves as a satellite base of operations for the in-home patient care teams that can now help children and their families as far south as the Panama border.
Though Casa San Miguel Arcángel was made possible through the help, assistance, and hard work of many people, La Fundación would like to give special recognition and appreciation to:
- Glenn Richmond and the Granera-Vincent family for their generous donation of the land upon which the facility resides
- Lila Moffat, for her donation of land in support of this project
- Acosta-Rua Family Foundation, for their annual support generated through its fund-raising event "A Sunset in Costa Rica" as well as for their support in opening both the Shelter Dr. Gastón Acosta-Rua in Perez-Zeledón and Casa San Miguel Arcángel
- Our many friends in Jacksonville, Florida for their yearly support
- The Diplomatic Dames of Costa Rica for their generous donations of medical equipment both to Casa San Miguel Arcángel and to the Shelter San Gabriel
- The Señora Costa Rica organization for their annual support through its yearly pageant
- Each and every Costa Rican person, company and institution who has very generously help this foundation both with time and financial support via the foundations many campaigns and projects
Should you wish to contribute to or learn more about La Fundación Pro-Unidad Cuidado Paliativo de Costa Rica please contact us at: info@thecostaricanews.com
Antonio J. Acosta-Rua, PhD
With many supporters, friends and staff on hand, La Fundación Pro-Unidad Cuidado Paliativo, a Costa Rica pediatric hospice organization, proudly inaugurated Casa San Miguel Arcángel in Costa Rica, the first inpatient pediatric hospice facility in Latin America. Casa San Miguel Arcángel, situated in Vista de Mar Costa Rica a small community in the mountains just a few kilometers north of San Jose, will provide a peaceful setting for terminally-ill children in the final phase of their lives. As the third expansion project for La Fundación, Casa San Miguel Arcángel consists of three primary structures: a chapel, an on-site residence for medical staff, and a fully-equipped inpatient facility with accommodations for up-to three patients and their families. While it is usually preferred that terminally-ill children spend their last days in familiar surroundings like home, Casa San Miguel Arcángel of Costa Rica will provide a comfortable environment for those children whose home is not a suitable option.
With its colorfully designed home-like setting and beautifully landscaped gardens, Casa San Miguel Arcángel and its staff strive to help these children enjoy their life until the very last moment. This is done by managing the patient’s symptoms and pain in order to improve the quality-of-life while also providing a cheerful and comfortable environment in which to die peacefully.
“Though we know that many children will eventually die here, Casa San Miguel Arcángel is a place to celebrate life. Our goal… our duty is to assist these little angels and their families enjoy every last second of life that God has given.” María de los Ángeles Arce, President of La Fundación Pro-Unidad Cuidado Paliativo de Costa Rica.
La Fundación Pro-Unidad Cuidado Paliativo is the only pediatric hospice organization in all of Costa Rica. Founded in 1992, their mission has been to teach parents how to properly care for their sick children as well as to provide a comfortable environment for dying children and their families. The organization’s goal is not to heal but to manage pain and other symptoms thus improving the quality of life of terminally-ill children. The organization, in spite of having very limited financial resources, has cared for thousands of children and their families throughout Costa Rica.
In November of 2000, through the leadership of Dr. Lisbeth Quesada, the foundation was able to open its first permanent facility the Saint Gabriel Shelter which complemented their home-visit program. Saint Gabriel Shelter located in downtown San Jose is an intermediate place between home and the hospital for terminally-ill children and for those with life-limiting diseases. This day shelter allows parents to get a much needed respite while their children are receiving needed medical attention and being properly supervised.
In February of 2007, La Fundación inaugurated their first expansion project La Clínica de Cuidados Paliativos Dr. Gastón Acosta-Rua in Perez-Zeledón, the hard to reach southern region of Costa Rica. Like the Saint Gabriel Shelter, La Clínica de Cuidados Paliativos Dr. Gastón Acosta-Rua serves as a day shelter for families with terminally-ill children and their families. Additionally, this facility serves as a satellite base of operations for the in-home patient care teams that can now help children and their families as far south as the Panama border.
Though Casa San Miguel Arcángel was made possible through the help, assistance, and hard work of many people, La Fundación would like to give special recognition and appreciation to:
- Glenn Richmond and the Granera-Vincent family for their generous donation of the land upon which the facility resides
- Lila Moffat, for her donation of land in support of this project
- Acosta-Rua Family Foundation, for their annual support generated through its fund-raising event "A Sunset in Costa Rica" as well as for their support in opening both the Shelter Dr. Gastón Acosta-Rua in Perez-Zeledón and Casa San Miguel Arcángel
- Our many friends in Jacksonville, Florida for their yearly support
- The Diplomatic Dames of Costa Rica for their generous donations of medical equipment both to Casa San Miguel Arcángel and to the Shelter San Gabriel
- The Señora Costa Rica organization for their annual support through its yearly pageant
- Each and every Costa Rican person, company and institution who has very generously help this foundation both with time and financial support via the foundations many campaigns and projects
Should you wish to contribute to or learn more about La Fundación Pro-Unidad Cuidado Paliativo de Costa Rica please contact us at: info@thecostaricanews.com
Costa Rica Health Care
Finding Affordable Health Care in Foreign Hospitals
WHEN Ben Schreiner, a 62-year-old retired Bank of America executive, found out last year he would need surgery for a double hernia, he started evaluating possible doctors and hospitals. But he didn’t look into the medical center in his hometown of Camden, S.C., or the bigger hospitals in nearby Columbia. Instead, his search led him to consider surgery in such far-flung places as Ireland, Thailand and Turkey.
Ultimately he decided on San José, Costa Rica, where just a week or so after the outpatient procedure and initial recovery, he and his wife were sightseeing throughout the country, then relaxing at a lush resort on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. He was home four weeks later, with no complications.
Mr. Schreiner is what’s known in the health care world as a “medical tourist.” No longer covered under his former employer’s health insurance and too young to qualify for Medicare, Mr. Schreiner has a private health insurance policy with a steep $10,000 deductible. Not wanting to spend all of that on the $14,000 his operation would have cost stateside, he paid only $3,900 in hospital and doctor’s bills in Costa Rica.
“I didn’t have to fork over my entire deductible,” Mr. Schreiner said. “What’s more, they bent over backwards there to take care of me — no waiting, a friendly staff, everyone spoke English. “
At least 85,000 Americans choose to travel abroad for medical procedures each year, according to a recent report by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company. Treatment includes dental implants, hip and knee replacements, heart valve replacements and bypass surgery. The cost of surgery performed overseas can be as little as 20 percent of the price of the same procedure in the United States, according to a recent report by the American Medical Association.
Medical tourism is expected to expand quickly in the coming years because of rising health care costs in the United States, the increasing availability of international facilities with United States accreditation, and the fact that American insurers and employers are beginning to embrace the practice.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, for example, has started a subsidiary company, Companion Global Healthcare, to offer medical tourism services to individuals and businesses. Hannaford supermarkets in Maine recently added an international option for hip replacements to its health care plan, administered through Aetna.
At the moment, however, the bulk of medical tourism candidates are uninsured and underinsured individuals paying their own bills and looking for low-cost alternatives to American care. Medical tourism advocates argue that the quality of care overseas is often equal to or better than that of the United States. Many countries have high success rates, American-trained English-speaking doctors and the newest facilities, which are often built specifically to attract foreign patients.
But so far there are no comprehensive data that adequately compare overseas surgical outcomes or other quality measures to those used in the United States, said Dr. Sharon Kleefield of the Harvard Medical School and an expert on overseas health care quality measures. “No matter how high your hospital is rated, there are issues with regard to quality and safety when you travel for medical treatment,” she said.
The American Medical Association, also worried about the risks associated with overseas medical travel and the difficulty in getting adequate follow-up care, issued guidelines on medical tourism last June.
With those cautions in mind, here’s what you need to know if you are considering an international medical option: Determine whether you are a good candidate. “Traveling for surgery is a big deal,” said Josef Woodman, author of “Patients Beyond Borders: Everybody’s Guide to Affordable World-Class Medical Tourism.” Recovery time is often compressed, and a long flight home can cause complications like a blood clot. You’ll need to provide a thorough health history and have a physical stateside before you go to make sure you can withstand the trip.
Mr. Woodman also points out that not every condition should be treated overseas. “Orthopedic and nonemergency heart procedures have some of the highest success rates,” he said. “But with something like cancer, you need the ongoing relationship with your oncologist and health care team.”
Get a reliable middleman. Dozens of medical tourism facilitators and planners have sprung up in the past decade hoping to capitalize on the growing trend and simplify the process for consumers. “Unfortunately, plenty of unreliable firms have sprung up, too,” said Jonathan Edelheit, president of the Medical Tourism Association, a nonprofit organization made up of hospitals and facilitators that cater to traveling patients. .
Good firms, said Mr. Edelheit, will match your medical needs with the best overseas hospitals and physicians; make your travel, lodging, visa and local transportation arrangements; handle billing; and help arrange follow-up care when you return. Once you narrow down your search, ask each potential firm for references and former patients you can interview.
Check out quality yourself. Although medical tourism firms will say they work only with the highest quality international hospitals and physicians, you’ll still need to check the records for yourself. Don’t be swayed by the luxurious private hospital rooms, gourmet food and other amenities splashed on the Web sites. You want to be sure you’re going to a hospital accredited by the Joint Commission, the organization that reviews both American and international medical and dental facilities, using United State standards.
Be sure to read carefully, a commission spokeswoman, Elizabeth Zhani, warned. You may find a facility’s name on the accreditation list, but it may be that only an affiliated lab or ambulatory clinic is accredited, not the entire facility.
“Keep in mind that commission accreditation is the floor, not the ceiling,” said Dr. Kleefield. You’ll want to ask your own questions about the facility’s blood safety, medication safety, infection rates and unexpected morbidity rates for the procedure you’re undergoing, and discuss the data with your American doctor.
Just as you would in the United States, you’ll want to interview the physician handling your case before you arrive. Ask if he or she was trained in the United States and fluent in English, how often he or she has done the procedure you’re traveling for, and what the long-term outcomes have been. Conducting this interview on the phone or via e-mail beforehand will also help you establish a rapport with your doctor before you go under the knife.
Arrange your follow-up care in advance. “The biggest stumbling block with medical travel is getting care when you return,” said David Boucher, chief executive of Companion Global. Doctors will often balk at treating complications from an overseas surgery because they are unfamiliar with the procedures or prosthetics used or they are worried about liability.
Meet with your general practitioner and any specialist who may have been treating you before you go, said Dr. Ted Epperly, the president of the American Academy of Family Physicians: “They’ll be able to provide your medical records, either electronically or on paper, to your overseas doctors.”
Give your doctors in the United States specific details on where you are going for your procedure and contact information for your overseas doctors. And be sure to ask what medical records and information you need to bring home to complete your care. Finally, before you leave, do your best to arrange a phone or e-mail conference between your doctors at home and abroad so communication will be established before a problem arises.
The New York Times
WHEN Ben Schreiner, a 62-year-old retired Bank of America executive, found out last year he would need surgery for a double hernia, he started evaluating possible doctors and hospitals. But he didn’t look into the medical center in his hometown of Camden, S.C., or the bigger hospitals in nearby Columbia. Instead, his search led him to consider surgery in such far-flung places as Ireland, Thailand and Turkey.
Ultimately he decided on San José, Costa Rica, where just a week or so after the outpatient procedure and initial recovery, he and his wife were sightseeing throughout the country, then relaxing at a lush resort on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. He was home four weeks later, with no complications.
Mr. Schreiner is what’s known in the health care world as a “medical tourist.” No longer covered under his former employer’s health insurance and too young to qualify for Medicare, Mr. Schreiner has a private health insurance policy with a steep $10,000 deductible. Not wanting to spend all of that on the $14,000 his operation would have cost stateside, he paid only $3,900 in hospital and doctor’s bills in Costa Rica.
“I didn’t have to fork over my entire deductible,” Mr. Schreiner said. “What’s more, they bent over backwards there to take care of me — no waiting, a friendly staff, everyone spoke English. “
At least 85,000 Americans choose to travel abroad for medical procedures each year, according to a recent report by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company. Treatment includes dental implants, hip and knee replacements, heart valve replacements and bypass surgery. The cost of surgery performed overseas can be as little as 20 percent of the price of the same procedure in the United States, according to a recent report by the American Medical Association.
Medical tourism is expected to expand quickly in the coming years because of rising health care costs in the United States, the increasing availability of international facilities with United States accreditation, and the fact that American insurers and employers are beginning to embrace the practice.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, for example, has started a subsidiary company, Companion Global Healthcare, to offer medical tourism services to individuals and businesses. Hannaford supermarkets in Maine recently added an international option for hip replacements to its health care plan, administered through Aetna.
At the moment, however, the bulk of medical tourism candidates are uninsured and underinsured individuals paying their own bills and looking for low-cost alternatives to American care. Medical tourism advocates argue that the quality of care overseas is often equal to or better than that of the United States. Many countries have high success rates, American-trained English-speaking doctors and the newest facilities, which are often built specifically to attract foreign patients.
But so far there are no comprehensive data that adequately compare overseas surgical outcomes or other quality measures to those used in the United States, said Dr. Sharon Kleefield of the Harvard Medical School and an expert on overseas health care quality measures. “No matter how high your hospital is rated, there are issues with regard to quality and safety when you travel for medical treatment,” she said.
The American Medical Association, also worried about the risks associated with overseas medical travel and the difficulty in getting adequate follow-up care, issued guidelines on medical tourism last June.
With those cautions in mind, here’s what you need to know if you are considering an international medical option: Determine whether you are a good candidate. “Traveling for surgery is a big deal,” said Josef Woodman, author of “Patients Beyond Borders: Everybody’s Guide to Affordable World-Class Medical Tourism.” Recovery time is often compressed, and a long flight home can cause complications like a blood clot. You’ll need to provide a thorough health history and have a physical stateside before you go to make sure you can withstand the trip.
Mr. Woodman also points out that not every condition should be treated overseas. “Orthopedic and nonemergency heart procedures have some of the highest success rates,” he said. “But with something like cancer, you need the ongoing relationship with your oncologist and health care team.”
Get a reliable middleman. Dozens of medical tourism facilitators and planners have sprung up in the past decade hoping to capitalize on the growing trend and simplify the process for consumers. “Unfortunately, plenty of unreliable firms have sprung up, too,” said Jonathan Edelheit, president of the Medical Tourism Association, a nonprofit organization made up of hospitals and facilitators that cater to traveling patients. .
Good firms, said Mr. Edelheit, will match your medical needs with the best overseas hospitals and physicians; make your travel, lodging, visa and local transportation arrangements; handle billing; and help arrange follow-up care when you return. Once you narrow down your search, ask each potential firm for references and former patients you can interview.
Check out quality yourself. Although medical tourism firms will say they work only with the highest quality international hospitals and physicians, you’ll still need to check the records for yourself. Don’t be swayed by the luxurious private hospital rooms, gourmet food and other amenities splashed on the Web sites. You want to be sure you’re going to a hospital accredited by the Joint Commission, the organization that reviews both American and international medical and dental facilities, using United State standards.
Be sure to read carefully, a commission spokeswoman, Elizabeth Zhani, warned. You may find a facility’s name on the accreditation list, but it may be that only an affiliated lab or ambulatory clinic is accredited, not the entire facility.
“Keep in mind that commission accreditation is the floor, not the ceiling,” said Dr. Kleefield. You’ll want to ask your own questions about the facility’s blood safety, medication safety, infection rates and unexpected morbidity rates for the procedure you’re undergoing, and discuss the data with your American doctor.
Just as you would in the United States, you’ll want to interview the physician handling your case before you arrive. Ask if he or she was trained in the United States and fluent in English, how often he or she has done the procedure you’re traveling for, and what the long-term outcomes have been. Conducting this interview on the phone or via e-mail beforehand will also help you establish a rapport with your doctor before you go under the knife.
Arrange your follow-up care in advance. “The biggest stumbling block with medical travel is getting care when you return,” said David Boucher, chief executive of Companion Global. Doctors will often balk at treating complications from an overseas surgery because they are unfamiliar with the procedures or prosthetics used or they are worried about liability.
Meet with your general practitioner and any specialist who may have been treating you before you go, said Dr. Ted Epperly, the president of the American Academy of Family Physicians: “They’ll be able to provide your medical records, either electronically or on paper, to your overseas doctors.”
Give your doctors in the United States specific details on where you are going for your procedure and contact information for your overseas doctors. And be sure to ask what medical records and information you need to bring home to complete your care. Finally, before you leave, do your best to arrange a phone or e-mail conference between your doctors at home and abroad so communication will be established before a problem arises.
The New York Times
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