Costa Rica’s River Fence Prevents Ocean Plastic Pollution

The Virilla River in Costa Rica has become a focal point for combating plastic pollution, thanks to the installation of a floating waste collection fence. This innovative barrier has successfully recovered one ton of plastic waste and prevented another ton from reaching the ocean. The project, part of the Plastic Free Landscapes initiative aims to foster partnerships for environmental sustainability. José Vicente Troya Rodríguez, the UNDP Resident Representative, highlighted the project’s role in significantly reducing pollution in one of the country’s most contaminated rivers, thus protecting the Pacific coast.

The use of floating fences, which are strategically placed to intercept waste, particularly during the rainy season, not only safeguards aquatic life but also transforms recovered plastic into RESIN8, a synthetic sand for construction, offering a sustainable solution to waste management. The success of the Virilla River project serves as a model, urging replication at other pollution hotspots to enhance national ecosystems and marine health.

Costa Rica’s President Seeks Citizen Vote on Reforms

President Rodrigo Chaves of Costa Rica has confirmed plans to call a referendum on several legislative proposals from his administration. In his legislative plenary address, Chaves proposed citizen consultations on various bills, including a 4/3 workweek, electricity market reforms, and restructuring governmental bodies. Other proposals include creating a public-private partnership for a new marina and cruise terminal and deregulating professional fees.

Chaves highlighted two methods to initiate the referendum: a proposal by the Executive needing approval from at least 29 deputies, or a citizen initiative submitted to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. This initiative, reflecting practices in countries like Switzerland and Uruguay, marks a significant move toward direct citizen involvement in governance since Costa Rica’s only other referendum in 2007 on CAFTA.

Costa Rica Drops in World Press Freedom Index 2024

Costa Rica has dropped from 23rd to 26th in the World Press Freedom Index for 2024, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The index, which assesses the press freedom climate in 180 countries, pointed out a global decline in press freedom, especially due to political factors. Although Costa Rica remains a strong democracy where journalists are safe and free from physical threats or imprisonment, RSF expressed concerns about the verbal attacks by the government against journalists and certain media outlets in 2022.

Despite these challenges, Costa Rica continues to be seen as a safe haven for journalists, particularly those fleeing harsher conditions in other Latin American countries. The report stresses that while Costa Rica upholds high standards for press freedom and expression, there is a global trend of diminishing media autonomy and increasing governmental and political pressures on the media.