Costa Rica Lawmakers Call for Investigation
Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly approved a report on Monday accusing President Rodrigo Chaves of being the intellectual author behind irregular financing of the 2021-2022 election campaign. The deputies determined that Chaves allegedly devised a parallel system to obtain additional, unreported funds for his presidential campaign expenses that should have been disclosed to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. While the report does not directly impact Chaves’ authority as president, it reveals a situation that lawmakers have asked the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate further by lifting the banking secrecy of Chaves, Foreign Minister Arnoldo André, and ruling party congressional deputy Pilar Cisneros to verify financial movements during the campaign.
Golfo Dulce is a Haven for Costa Rica Biodiversity Conservation
Golfo Dulce, situated on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, has undertaken critical initiatives to protect terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Projects are underway to reintroduce scarlet macaws, revive coral reefs through “gardening” techniques, and uphold conditions for hammerhead sharks prior to their Cocos Island migration. Led by local organizations like Dolphin Lodge and Zoo Ave Animal Rescue along with biologists, these projects have successfully reestablished over 300 macaws so far. Golfo Dulce attracts eco-tourists who can experience its biodiversity by whale watching, hiking, visiting rejuvenated reefs, and potentially seeing reintroduced macaws. The region was recently designated a World Heritage Whale and Hammerhead Shark Sanctuary for its vital habitats.
Costa Rica Coffee Region Transforms Towards Sustainable Growing
The BIO-Café initiative spearheaded by the CoopeTarrazú cooperative, CRUSA Foundation and Tecnológico de Costa Rica seeks to revolutionize the production methods of 50 coffee farms in Costa Rica’s preeminent Los Santos growing region towards more eco-friendly practices. By implementing sustainable technologies, optimizing bio-inputs, and conserving water and biodiversity, the project aims to elevate bean quality and resilience to climate challenges confronting local producers. Accounting for over 40% of national coffee production, the transformation of Los Santos cultivation methods through innovations in sustainability will ensure the continued prominence of Costa Rican coffee in international markets. BIO-Café exemplifies the promising future of fusing environmental responsibility with technological advancements across Costa Rica’s essential coffee industry.
