The Costa Rica News

Costa Rica Set to Launch Biofuel Cooperative

2009-09-23T01:32:00Z

Sep 21st, 2009 | By Lance Harrell | Category: News

The Biofuel business globally is booming, in Costa Rica it is exploding.

The world has moved, by necessity, into a new era of alternative energy solutions. Three critical factors have motivated Biofuel development into the largest growth industry in the world.

Peak oil, the singularity when the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction is attained and thereafter declines, will be reached in this decade.
Rapidly industrializing nations such as China and India are placing ever-increasing pressure on the already strained global production lines of petroleum. This trend only shows signs of worsening over the next two decades and is predicted to drive up the price of a barrel of crude oil to between $200-$250 (Goldman Sachs, 2009; Gazprom, 2009).
The realization that global consumption of fossil fuels has pushed greenhouse gas emissions to a dangerously high level has resulted in a Global Green Movement socially as well in the financial sector.

These three critical factors, buttressed by numerous others, have lead to a search for alternative energy sources, with particular interest in a step-in replacement for gasoline and diesel. Biodiesel, which is the production of diesel from plants and algae instead of petroleum, shows incredible promise. However, most of the plants under development as sources contain serious caveats such as being primary food stocks or requiring prime agricultural land on which to grow. One plant, Jatropha curcas, lacks these drawbacks and is emerging as the premiere eco-friendly alternative to both petroleum and other bio-energy sources.

Jatropha is a non-food stock tree that originated in Central America and was exported throughout the world during the 1700’s. This amazing plant has many beneficial uses in addition to the oil producing seeds from which the biodiesel is made, including medical and cosmetic applications for the seedcake, glycerin and latex by-products.

Jatropha is seeing enormous growth and worldwide cultivation, with a concomitant increase in Jatropha based projects, and is expected to reach 5 Million hectares by 2010. If this current trend continues more than 13 Million hectares will be planted by 2015 generating an estimated 1 billion USD annually.

While worldwide growth of Jatropha continues to increase, Costa Rica is in a unique position to become the world leader in Jatopha production as the seeds from Jatropha currently growing in Costa Rica have oil content as high as 42% and one hectare of this incredibly robust plant can produce 800 gallons of Jatropha crude oil (JCO).

Spearheading the Costa Rican Jatropha Initative is the Cost Rica Seed Company, the most advanced biofuel plantation in Central and North America, which began research and development projects on Jatropha more than four years ago. Their eighty-hectare plantation was the center for a world-class event, the Jatropha Harvest Experience, in April of 2009. This three day long visionary conference brought together investors, researchers and governmental bodies from eleven countries and is expected to be even more impressive next year.

The Costa Rica Seed company, partnering with United Biofuels of America, has initiated the Million Gallon Challenge in order to meet US government and regional contracts for JCO conversion to JP8 – Jet fuel and Green Diesel. Meeting this goal will require the cultivation of 800,000 hectares of Jatropha plantations regionally, producing 1million gallons per day initially and 2 million gallons per day within seven years in addition to generating over 40,000 jobs.

In response to this challenge, a Jatropha National Cooperative has been initiated within the small town of Tempate in Costa Rica, which has long been considered the brith place of Jatropha and the source of its local namesake. The slogan Yo Vivo Verde! (I Live Green!) has been chosen for the campaign, as over 10,000 hectares will be planted in the region, and Tempate will be the first to be not only carbon neutral, but the first town where the economy will be driven entirely by the production of green diesel and the byproducts.

These two initiatives, the Million Gallon Challenge and the Jatropha National Cooperative, are beneficial on many levels. The Costa Rica Carbon Neutral goals of 2021 can only be attained with ambiguous initiatives such as there. The local economies of small towns and rural communities will benefit tremendously as Jatropha compensates for other crops that have seen sharp declines in revenues over the past ten years due to global competition.

For more information on Biofuel development in Costa Rica visit: www.costaricaseedcompany.com

President Arias to speak at U.N. summit in New York on climate change

2009-09-18T21:22:00Z

U.S. President Obama and Oscar Arias of Costa Rica
Costa Rican President Oscar Arias will take part with 25 other heads of state, including U.S. President Barack Obama, on Sept. 22 for a climate change summit at the United Nations in New York City.
United Nations Building

The U.N. Secretariat selected Arias as one of seven heads of state to address the summit with a short speech. Arias will also participate in discussion about each country's role in climate change negotiations.

Arias will speak as the global leader of developing countries, saidJairo Hernández, deputy permanent representative for Costa Rica to the U.N.

Hernández said. “Middle-income countries are called upon to play an important role since the main emissions problem is caused by developed countries,” He continued, “These emissions will have limits that will have to be accounted for by what developing countries do.”
President Hu Jintao of China
Reforestation, increasing energy efficiency and better agriculture practices, are some key points on the agenda After the climate change summit concludes, Arias will join President Hu Jintao of China and U.S. President Barack Obama in a nuclear arms debate Sept. 24.

For More Go To http://www.TheCostaRicaNews.com

Carbon Controversies in Costa Rica

2009-09-10T22:56:00Z

Does the Model Central American Country Live Up to its Big Green Reputation, Particularly When It Comes to Climate Control? Everyone needs something to believe in, and for many Latin American progressives, that something for years has been Costa Rica.

The country has long been cited as a beacon of progressive tranquility in a region better known for violence, inequality and poverty. Following an uprising in 1948 led by Jose Figueres Ferrer, the country embarked on its own unique path of social democracy, involving extensive progressive taxation, universal health and education availability, and no armed forces. As a result, Costa Rica boasts high levels of human development, including the highest life expectancy in Latin America. Moreover, the country has for years stood out on the issues of environmental protection and conservation, with over 25% of its territory under protective status, as well as an internationally recognized eco-tourism sector. All of the above has led Costa Rica to find itself ruling the roost in the New Economics Foundation´s recent publication of the "Happy Planet Index," which claims that Costa Ricans are the "happiest" people in the world, enjoying an enviable life expectancy, and consuming considerably less resources than the nationals of more developed countries.

Now, in the 21st century, Costa Rica claims to be taking these advances to the next level: taking the initiative on climate change, and thereby reconciling the traditionally antagonistic processes of development and environmental sustainability. Its Government has unveiled a nationwide initiative aimed at making "peace with nature," and has put the country amongst a small but growing number of nations committed to going "carbon neutral." Besides the Maldives, Costa Rica, is the only developing country to make carbon neutrality an explicit government objective.

Carbon Neutrality: Definitions and Controversies

Of course, if it were to achieve its goal, Costa Rica would not actually be the first country to have sustainably low levels of carbon emissions. Many countries already have reached them, but they are generally highly underdeveloped societies, with levels of poverty so high that....Read More http://www.thecostaricanews.com/eco-solutions.html

A Trip to Costa Rica is Good for your Health

2009-09-06T23:37:00Z

Whether you visit a yoga retreat, try a surf camp or just get some much needed R&R on the beach, Costa Rica is an excellent heart-healthy destination for your next vacation.

With zero trans fat and a wealth of free vitamin D, a trip to Costa Rica might just be what the doctor ordered to get you in a healthy state of mind and body. According to Conde Naste Traveler’s September 2009 article "Your Next Vacation Could Save Your Life", denying yourself vacation can lead to negative changes in your health and wellbeing.

Even the anticipation of going on vacation helps people to de-stress and improve their emotional health. While on vacation, travelers tend to get more sleep, try a broader range of foods, get out in the sun more and perform an increased amount of physical activity.

According to a 16-year study published by the State University of New York, Oswego in 2000, male patients at risk of heart disease who did not take an annual vacation had a 30 percent greater chance of dying from a heart attack than those who did.

Of course certain vacation habits like excessive drinking, self-inflicted sun poisoning, or spreading your time so thin you end up with no sleep or energy, are not exactly ideal when you’re in need of a recharge. It is important that you choose your destination and activities well and don’t forget to schedule in plenty of down time to relax.

So does Costa Rica fit the ticket for the perfect rejuvenating getaway? Taking the following points into consideration, the country might just be the perfect cure for depression, heart problems, obesity and more! It sure beats going to the gym…

1. World Class Spas & Yoga Retreats — From Arenal’s natural volcanic mud treatments to ocean front massage opportunities on the Nicoya Peninsula and yoga retreats paired with surf schools in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is a health nut’s paradise. From the exotic to the tried and true, you are never too far from pure relaxation while traveling around the country. Sample Tabacon’s ayurvedic cuisine or a hot stone massage at Reserva Conchal and say goodbye to unwanted toxins and bad vibes.

2. A Jet Setter’s Dream — Costa Rica is less than 3 hours flying from main U.S. hubs like Miami and Dallas and direct flights leave from most of the major cities including Denver, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., Orlando, Boston and more. That means instead of spending your first day dreary-eyed and jet-lagged, you can head straight to the beach or on a tour.

3. Sunshine – We weren’t joking about that vitamin C. As Brits will attest, a little bit of sun goes a long way! Let your body store up on this essential vitamin while you work on your jealousy-inspiring tan. There are worse ways to care for your health — just don’t forget the suntan lotion!

4. Fresh Air — Most visitors are shocked when they first witness the endless plots of undeveloped land that anchor this tiny eco-conscience nation. More than 25% of it is actually government protected in national parks and wildlife reserves, while so many more acres remain untouched. Be it a cool Guanacaste evening or a night of start watching on the Caribbean coast, you can’t help but breath deep and enjoy a heightened feeling of purity and freshness.

5. Fresh Food — The fruit salad you order here didn’t spend 3 weeks frozen in a cargo container before reaching your supermarket shelves. Costa Rica is known for its fresh produce which includes avocados, mangos, papaya, coffee, bananas and more. Local coastal cuisine is also infused with fresh seafood, while protein-rich black beans are a staple throughout the country.

6. Natural Thermal Hot Springs — The prevalence of active volcanoes in Costa Rica has brought with it naturally heated rivers throughout the center of the country. Imagine taking a dip in a natural river or one of the many landscaped hot springs properties. You can feel your worries melt away as the warm water and steam open your pores and relax your muscles. No wonder they are fabled to have healing powers according to local lore.

7. Adventure Sports – Depending on your level of fitness, a trip to Costa Rica doesn’t have to be just lounging around dining on fresh fruits — the dynamic landscapes and plentiful coastline have given way to a wide availability of adventure sports as well. Try your hand at surfing in Tamarindo, ocean or river kayaking, white water rafting down the Pacuare or even kite surfing on Lake Arenal. Even a refreshing hike to see exotic wildlife or a stroll down the beach may be an improvement on your regular home exercise regime!

For The Best Travel Info Go To http://www.TheCostaRicaNews.com

New Partnership Seeks to Reform Real Estate in Latin America

2009-09-05T01:16:00Z

Liberia, Costa Rica, August 28, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Craig Williamson, President of ERA Real Estate in Latin America and Chairman of the Green Building Council of Costa Rica, and Frank Biden, brother of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Director of a major philanthropy in Central America that provides pediatric aids relief, homes and scholarships for the poor, are headlining a multilateral partnership between ERA Real Estate in Latin America, Cygnus International and the Guanacaste Country Club. The goal of this partnership is to call on resources available to the companies and individuals to reform the social, economic, and environmental practices of real estate developers across the world by example.

"Now that I am involved with Craig Williamson as a business partner and friend, I want to bring that same spirit of giving and service to everything we do. Not only is it the right thing to do as a developer in the local community; it is intensely practical from a business standpoint. Prioritizing the health and wellbeing of employees, members of the local community and protecting the breathtaking beauty that is Costa Rica is a money maker", Biden said. Their goals include leveraging the Green Building Council chapters to promote sustainable building practices and socially sensitive development in Latin American countries.

The LEED Platinum rated Guanacaste Country Club, the only LEED certified clubhouse in Latin America, is a luxury development designed to operate on a logical pricing model while internalizing wealth in the region. Mr. Williamson said that "by adhering to our core principles of integrity, socio-environmental responsibility and technological innovation; we want to build a relationship of trust with our customers and neighbors in Guanacaste. As a derivative of those principles, we have created our logical pricing model, which bases its price on fundamental equity value rather than artificially inflated market values."

He explained that the current model of luxury home sales creates an artificial barrier by increasing the price based on the "luxury" title, while logical pricing focuses on the actual value of the home and places the price within the means of prospective buyers. This logical pricing model is made possible due to the large scale of the development, so costs are reduced and passed on to the buyer. Another result of the creation of the Guanacaste Country Club is that it will generate a wealth of new employment opportunities during development, as well as permanent positions in staffing.

"The GCC, ERA Real Estate in Latin America, Cygnus International and all of the companies and organizations involved in this mission are dedicated to the same objective: to create better way of doing business for customer and community and spread this business model by showing that doing right is the morally and financially sound decision," Williamson said. Plans to involve strategic real estate, governmental and banking institutions in Latin America throughout construction and operation of the GCC will streamline the development phase and provide better opportunities for investors locally and abroad.

"Engagement and entrepreneurship are 21st Century concepts to be propelled by technology and the new paradigm linking development with social justice," Frank Biden said. Mr. Williamson added, "There is also a great and growing demand for sustainable homes as environmental awareness and energy prices rise. We are filling that demand by using the latest technology and techniques to create an eco-friendly community in this slice of paradise. Sustainability is the natural and only future option in society, and consumers and investors alike are coming to that realization. I've always held that doing well without doing good is an aimless pursuit, so I want to do whatever we can to move society in this direction sooner rather than later."

For More Go To http://www.TheCostaRicaNews.com

What the US can learn from Costa Rica about national health care

2009-09-04T18:44:00Z

Costa Rica, a small developing country of 4.6 million people, in Central America, surprised many people by having a health care ranking by the World Health Organization higher than the United States. The life expectancy of people in Costa Rica is higher than the U.S. and the infant mortality rate is approximately the same. What is incredible is they are spending $6,000 less per capita than the U.S. and they are covering all of the people.

The Costa Rican Social Security System was started in 1941, by President Rafael Angel Calderón Guardia, a Costa Rican physician, who was educated in Europe. He modeled the program after the one in Chile.

As in the U.S. now, the Costa Rica national health care system was strongly opposed by doctors, employers and pharmacies at the time. There were concerns, just like in the US that it would eliminate private medicine and related businesses. However, the government of Costa Rica had the courage to move ahead and coverage was gradually expanded. Each step was met with complaints that it would elimin

ate private medicine. The Caja, the name of the Costa Rican national health care program, is funded for the most part by employers who pay 9.25 percent into the social security system and employees who pay 5.5 percent. The government provides only for the 17 percent of people that live below the poverty line.

Costa Rica also offers a private option, which primarily serves the upper middle and upper class. The cost is approximately $800. a year depending on age and medical condition. This allows them to avoid the wait time associated with the Caja. They have found, in order to compete with the public system, that private practices are keeping their rates low.

Is the Caja perfect? Absolutely not and they are working to make it better. There are wait times for non-emergency care. An example is a man who has waited 35 days for hip replacement surgery. The country is also working to expand services in rural communities making it unnecessary to come to San Jose, the capital, for treatment. However with these problems, the Costa Rican people are justifiably proud of their health care system which provides high quality, the latest technology and doctors who divide their time between private and public sectors of health care.

Chrissie Long of the Tico Times, the leading English-language newspaper is doing an excellent in-depth analysis of Caja. In her interviews she found that while people interviewed in Costa Rica voiced concerns about delays, they would not trade their system for the one in the U.S. A doctor she interviewed, Danilo González stated, "Anyone – anyone can receive care in Costa Rica, and they’ll receive the best care available in the country. In the United States (what happens) if you don’t have insurance and can’t pay? Out the door. You are left to die in the streets. "

Rosa Climent, the director of the day to day operations of the Costa Rica Social Security System stated the biggest obstacle to the U.S implementing national health care was the lack of solidarity. Referring to the U.S., she stated, "They don’t have the same commitment to solidarity. We have a culture of solidarity in our country, in which people with more economic means, take care of those with less."

For more go to http://www.TheCostaRicaNews.com

Insurers aim to save from overseas medical tourism

2009-08-29T16:50:00Z

Elizabeth Kunz left her dentist's office this spring with a mouth full of problems and no way to pay for them. The South Carolina resident went out of her way, literally, to find a solution, which turned out to be in Central America. Her trip to the tropics is part of a health insurance experiment for trimming medical costs: overseas care.

As Washington searches for ways to tame the country's escalating health care costs, more insurers are offering networks of surgeons and dentists in places like India and Costa Rica, where costs can be as much as 80% less than in America.

Until recently, most Americans traveling abroad for cheaper non-emergency medical care were either uninsured or wealthy. But the profile of medical tourists is changing. Now, they are more likely to be people covered by private insurers, which are looking to keep costs from spiraling out of control.

The four largest commercial U.S. health insurers — with enrollments totaling nearly 100 million people — have either launched pilot programs offering overseas travel or explored it. Several smaller insurers and brokers also have introduced travel options for hundreds of employers around the country.

But a growing number of consumers with high-deductible plans, which make patients pay more out of pocket, could make these trips more inviting.

In the meantime, the insurance industry's embrace of overseas care has had a pleasant side effect at home: some U.S. care providers are offering price breaks to counter the foreign competition.

This domestic competition and the slumping economy have led to slower growth for medical tourism over the past year, as patients put off elective procedures that involve big out of pocket costs, said Paul Keckley, executive director of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions.

Last year, the center estimated that 6 million Americans would make medical tourism trips in 2010. But Keckley has since shaved that projection to about 1.6 million people. Still, that more than doubles the roughly 750,000 Americans who traveled abroad in 2007, the last year for which Deloitte had actual numbers.

Keckley expects the medical tourism industry to recover, as more health insurers offer the option and as more people wind up with high-deductible plans.

Health care costs for employers who offer insurance to their workers were projected to rise 9.2% this year and another 9% in 2010, according to the consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. That could mean double-digit percentage increases for employees through higher premiums, deductibles or copays.

Overseas care can lead to price breaks of more than... Read More Go To http://www.thecostaricanews.com/health-costa-rica.html

FISHING & GOLF in Costa Rica

2009-08-19T23:57:00Z

FISHING

For those who are unaware, the fishing in and around the Central Pacific Coast of Costa

Rica is some of the best in the world. In fact, Quepos is often call the “the billfish capital of the

world.” The water up and down the south and south central coastline is teaming with a wide

variety of the finest game fish (and table‐fare) in the world. These waters are called home by

sailfish, marlin, swordfish, wahoo, dolphin (mahi/dorado), and tuna (blackfin and yellowfin).

Inshore one can find grouper, many species of snapper, roosterfish, and even tarpon and

snook. There is fishing for any type of fisherman. In addition, there is an enormous number of

professional charters located throughout the area that offer a wide range of services for both

the experienced and novice. The vast majority of these charters are English speaking, with full

day or half day options. Without a doubt, one can expect the highest quality of fishing and

chartering crews in Costa Rica.

GOLF

Following is the current golf course situation in the closest “proximity” to Hacienda Matapalo:

Los Suenos: 18‐hole course outside of Jaco in Los Suenos Resort, about an hour north of

Quepos. Completed and open to public.

Cabo Caletas Ocean and Golf Club: Planned 18‐hole course 35 minutes north of Quepos in the

town of Esterillos.

Del Pacifico: 18‐hole planned course in Esterillos. Currently stated to be a private course.

San Buenas: Planned 18‐hole course a little over 30km south of Dominical.

Villa Ives Kena Golf Course Project: 18‐hole PLANNED golf course in Golfito, Osa.

For More Go To http://www.thecostaricanews.com/travel-costa-rica.html

New Frog Species Discovered in Costa Rica

2009-06-24T04:22:00Z

University of Costa Rica scientists discovered a new species of frog in a mountainous region of their country. The frog is about 2 cm. in length and lives in the Altamira-Valle de Silencio area at an altitude of around 8,000 feet. The habitat there is rainforest with cool temperatures.

The frog was named Diasporus ventrimaculatus. Females are black and the males are orange, or grey.

“This differentiation in the skin of males and females was a feature that had only been detected in the country in the late golden toad of Monteverde,” said the biologist from the UCR, Gerardo Chaves.

Males typically make their calls in the early evening. Females don’t vocalize in exactly the same manner, but respond with vocalizations that sound like hissing. Currently the population is estimated at at least 1,000. They live at ground level between bromeliads and shrubs.

For More On Costa Rica Go To http://www.TheCostaRicaNews.com

Seven Deadly Sins in Central American Small Business Start Ups

2009-06-09T22:47:00Z

Many associates and friends have said to me, they were thinking about moving their money and or business, or starting a new business in Central America… and ask “what can I do there?” Well, it is an “underdeveloped region” which means pretty much everything needs development. The lure of the tropics, new markets, corporate incentives, lower labor costs are attractive, and the Central Americas are an “emerging market”, so opportunities abound.

You will have to be a “hands on” leader. You cannot take your eyes off the ball in Central America.

The Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFT) has/is and will continue to alter the business landscape. New industries such as Biofuels and Medical Tourism, to name a couple, are fast rising, providing new opportunities and subsequent value chains.

You will be dealing with a social/nationalist mentality that is in a state of flux as the region adjusts to the “international” mindset.

If you have not been in business or at least lived here for a number of years you will need good intelligence of the region and the market you are entering.

Unforeseen costs in start up phase and Bad accounting... for more go to http://www.thecostaricanews.com/seven_deadly_sins_business.html

Five Costa Rica Adventures

2009-05-10T16:59:00Z

With its exotic wildlife, sun-soaked coasts and dramatic mountains, this Central American playground offers trips for all types of explorers.

Catch a wave

Surfing enthusiasts from around the globe will be focused on Costa Rica this August, when the Billabong World Surfing Games are held at Jacó's Hermosa Beach. While this Pacific stretch's notorious breaks are mainly for experts, novices can learn to hang ten along the calmer shores of Manuel Antonio Beach, at the Manuel Antonio Surf School (lessons from $65). Just a short stroll away are the 38 quiet and spacious rooms and suites of the Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort (doubles from $260).

Hit the trails

Clouds perpetually blanket the upper reaches of the 26,000-acre Monteverde Reserve, home to pumas, jaguars and thousands of plant and tree species, including 300 types of orchids. Selvatura Park (506-2645-5929, hikes from $40) arranges two-hour guided natural-history walks through the low-lying rain forest.

Touch the sky

A 1.7-mile zipline network in the Monteverde Reserve operated by Costa Rica Sky Adventures (tours from $65) gives airborne guests close-up glimpses of forest-dwelling mammals, like the fuzzy brown martilla, as well as views of the smoldering Arenal Volcano. A nighttime tour offers views of the volcano's brilliant orange lava flow.

Ride the river

Float quietly past the howler monkeys, green iguanas, crocodiles and toucans that reside on the thickly forested banks of Guanacaste's Tenorio River while rafting with Ríos Tropicales (half-day trips from $95). Expert guides can lead you through adrenaline-pumping rapids or slower, meandering waters. Recover two hours away in one of the 310 dark wood-accented rooms -- all have balconies -- at the new JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa (doubles from $369).

Lend a hand

More than 500,000 species thrive in Costa Rica's diverse landscape, an impressive 25 percent of which is under official protection. Eco-minded Green Magic Travel (pricing depends on project) organizes customized itineraries with volunteer activities -- protecting green, hawksbill and leatherback turtle nests with park rangers in Tortuguero National Park, or counting species like the endangered rainbow-hued scarlet macaw in Corcovado National Park.

for more visit http://www.thecostaricanews.com

Global warming 'irreversible' for next 1000 years

2009-05-07T05:26:00Z

AFP/Getty Images/File – The Department of Water and Power (DWP) San Fernando Valley Generating Station is seen in Sun Valley, …

WASHINGTON (AFP) – Climate change is "largely irreversible" for the next 1,000 years even if carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions could be abruptly halted, according to a new study led by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The study's authors said there was "no going back" after the report showed that changes in surface temperature, rainfall and sea level are "largely irreversible for more than 1,000 years after CO2 emissions are completely stopped." NOAA senior scientist Susan Solomon said the study, published in this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, showed that current human choices on carbon dioxide emissions are set to "irreversibly change the planet."

Researchers examined the consequences of CO2 building up beyond present-day concentrations of 385 parts per million, and then completely stopping emissions after the peak. Before the industrial age CO2 in Earth's atmosphere amounted to only 280 parts per million. The study found that CO2 levels are irreversibly impacting climate change, which will contribute to global sea level rise and rainfall changes in certain regions. The authors emphasized that increases in CO2 that occur from 2000 to 2100 are set to "lock in" a sea level rise over the next 1,000 years.

Rising sea levels would cause "irreversible commitments to future changes in the geography of the Earth, since many coastal and island features would ultimately become submerged," the study said. Decreases in rainfall that last for centuries can be expected to have a range of impacts, said the authors. Regional impacts include -- but are not limited to -- decreased human water supplies, increased fire frequency, ecosystem change and expanded deserts.

for more go to www.thecostaricanews.com

AIRPORTS, FLIGHTS, AND FLIGHT TIMES TO COSTA RICA

2009-04-21T01:43:00Z

For Daily Updated Arrival & Departure Info visit http://www.thecostaricanews.com

It takes between 2 ½ and 6 hours to fly to Costa Rica from most U.S. cities. Most international flights still land in San Jose's International Airport. However, more and more direct international flights are touching down in Liberia's International Airport. Also, the regional airport in Quepos can easily be reached from the San Jose Airport by way of Sansa or Nature Air. A quick 30 minute flight brings you to the coast and opens up all that the Central and South Central regions have to offer.

Daily flights begin early in the morning and continue into the afternoon. Delta, American, US Airways, America West, and Continental have regular nonstop commercial flights to Liberia from their hubs in Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, Phoenix, and Houston. Liberia is the gateway to the beaches of the Guanacaste region and the Nicoya Peninsula, and a direct flight here eliminates the need for a separate commuter flight in a small aircraft.

The new Palma Sur International Airport is scheduled for operation in 2010 (it will be the largest in Central America). It will be about a forty ‐five minute drive south from Dominical, all on a very smooth, paved road. The airport has been in the works for a couple years now, but very recently, a significant amount of necessary funding was received and the project is moving forward.

Numerous airlines fly into Costa Rica. These are some of the major carriers and major cities: American Airlines has flights from Los Angeles, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Dallas ‐Fort Worth to San José and Liberia. Continental offers flights daily from Houston and Newark to San José, and a daily flight from Houston to Liberia. Delta offers two daily flights from Atlanta to San José and one daily flight from Atlanta to Liberia. Delta also has a once ‐weekly direct flight from Los Angeles to Liberia. Frontier offers non ‐stop service between Denver and San Jose. Mexicana flies from many North American cities, most connecting through Mexico City. Spirit Air has three weekly direct flights between Ft. Lauderdale and San José. US Airways has direct flights from Charlotte to San José and Liberia. Taca is a group of Central American airlines, with direct flights or connections to and from Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New Orleans, New York, Miami, and Washington.

Here are some flight times from some major U.S. cities:

New York: 4 ‐5 hours non ‐stop or 6 ‐7 hours via Miami

Los Angeles: 5 ‐6 hours non ‐stop or 7 ‐8 hours via Mexico

Miami: 2 hours

Chicago: 4 ‐5 hours

Atlanta: 4 hours

Houston: 3 hours

Seattle: 7 hours

Ft. Lauderdale: 2 ½ hours

Traveling for Treatment

2009-04-19T00:54:00Z

Americans are looking overseas for less-expensive medical care

http://www.forbes.com/

(HealthDay News) -- David Boucher celebrated his 50th birthday this year by jetting to Bangkok for his first colonoscopy. There he was seen by a California-educated physician and no shortage of nurses, who verified his identity 15 times before the procedure.

To be sure, Boucher had a secondary motive: He is founder and president of Companion Global Healthcare, a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina that includes in its network 13 hospitals around the world that have been accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI).

The JCI, which calls itself the "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval," has accredited more than 170 hospitals outside of the United States.

An estimated 6 million Americans are traveling each year to such countries as India, Costa Rica, Mexico and Thailand in search of less-expensive treatments for simple and complex procedures. Even France and Belgium tend to be cheaper than the United States.

"People are going abroad for necessary medical treatments such as knee and hip replacements and cardiac procedures," said Devon Herrick, senior fellow with the National Center for Policy Analysis, in Dallas. "And in many countries, especially places like India, the quality is very high and the price can be up to 80 percent less expensive." And that often includes the airline ticket.

Major U.S. health-care players are jumping on the train, including BlueShield of California. Its "Access Baja" health plan caters to Americans and Mexicans wanting to get medical care in northern Mexico. BridgeHealth International, based in Denver, also has an overseas network.

What's driving the trend?.... For more go to http://www.thecostaricanews.com/health-costa-rica.html http://www.thecostaricanews.com/

Central American Investors shift focus to Biofuels

2009-04-17T00:40:02Z

Biofuel investing has seen a sharp rise over the past year, but spiked just since President Obama took office. Obama’s push for green energy investment and growing demand for Green Fuels is seen as the major cause for the increase in investors shifting focus to Biofuels in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s national fuel supplier gets serious about Biofuel

Costa Rica’s National fuel company, Recope, is getting serious about the economic and climatic benefits of Biofuel. They are looking at a local seed bearing plant called Jatropha Curcas, or tempate by the locals.

They are investigating this opportunity through Central and North America’s most advance Jatropha plantation, found right here in Costa Rica, the Costa Rica Seed Company.

Costa Rica’s carbon neutral goals have been set for 2020, and the Costa Rican Banana industry recently announced its goal of 2012.

Growing Biofuel is the only way these goals can happen. The plants not only produce cleaner burning fuel, and are renewable and sustainable, but the plants also have a very high carbon absorption rate.

Jatropha has become the plant of choice in the Biofuel industry for several reasons. First, it is not a food crop, so has no impact on global food supplies. Second, it has extremely high oil content, 36-42%. Third, it is a very hardy plant and can be grown on marginal land. Fourth, it can go directly from the processing machine into diesel engines!

United Biofuels of America (UBA)

The UBA consortium consists of agricultural entities, industrial companies, universities, non-profit organizations and governments with the objective of developing Biofuel standards and promoting Biofuel research, development and commercialization. UBA organizes and develops feedstock producers to provide market channels and the highest quality control and standards for the end users.

UBA works towards sustainable, renewable solutions for its members. Setting standards that are both environmental and socially responsible, and building sound Biofuel Farming Practices are primary goals of UBA.

Currently UBA has The 1,000,000 Gallon Challenge to meet US government and regional contracts for Jatropha Crude Oil (JCO). This will require significant plantation development to ensure feedstock to Biofuel capacity for these contracts. This project will require over 800,000 hectares of Jatropha plantation development over the next 5 years.

This represents approximately 2,000,000 gallons per day production when operations are at full capacity.

This Challenge will generate over 45,000 jobs in the region.

Research Center

UBA has already initiated the development of the research center and lab on the Costa Rica Seed Company (CRSC) plantation. When the center is complete, it will house the proprietary pilot system for conversion of JCO to jet fuel; in addition the lab will be used for further Biofuel development and testing.

UBA as a Standards Regulatory platform will provide a testing capabilities to regulate Biofuel quality and technical standards. The UBA label will ensure quality standards that are required by our buying members. Initially this includes JCO for Biodiesel and for conversion standards of JCO to jet fuel, as well as providing full technical specification for member feedstock providers.

United Biofuels of America to Launch 1,000,000 Gallon Challenge in Costa Rica

2009-03-24T02:03:00Z

United Biofuels of America (UBA), announces the 1,000,000 Gallon Challenge to meet US government contract for Jatropha Crude Oil (JCO). This will require significant plantation developments to ensure feedstock to Biofuel capacity for USA Aerospace government contracts for conversion of JCO to Jet Fuel and Green Diesel. This project will require over 800,000 hectares of Jatropha plantation development over the next 5 years.

This represents over 1,000,000 gallons per day production when operations are at full capacity. This will also produce over 40,000 jobs in the region... | FIND OUT MORE http://www.jatrophaworldcostarica.com

US Vice President Joe Biden to head south of the border

2009-03-21T02:19:00Z

VP Joe Biden Costa RicaPresident Oscar Arias
(CNN) – Vice President Joe Biden will travel to Latin America later this month, according to White House statement released Friday.

Biden will head south of the border March 27-30, arriving in Chile and Costa Rica to meet with Latin American leaders to discuss the Summit of the Americas — a meeting between heads of state and government taking place April in Trinidad and Tobago.

The vice president will also attend the Progressive Governance conference in Chile, along with the presidents of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, and the Prime Ministers of Norway and the United Kingdom.

`For More Go To http://www.thecostaricanews.com

Empowering Local Communities

2009-03-20T17:58:00Z

What is an intentional community?

Kelly N Patterson

There are thousands of intentional communities all over the world: for a better idea, just visit the intentional community international directory at www.ic.org. There are hundreds of intentional communities in Costa Rica alone. There are so many of these communities in Costa Rica that an online, open-source directory of these Costa Rican communities is currently being constructed, called the Intentional Conscious Communities of Costa Rica (ICCCR) directory (coming soon to www.icccr.info).

By definition, an intentional community is a planned, usually residential community designed, operated and maintained by a group. The members of an intentional community typically hold a common social, political, religious, or spiritual vision. Community members also share responsibilities and resources.

Intentional communities are all inclusive; they include co-housing communities, residential land trusts, eco-villages, communes, holistic and alternative health retreat centers, organic farms, kibbutzim, ashrams, student co-ops, and housing cooperatives. They are often called "Conscious Communities" throughout Costa Rica. Usually new members of an intentional community are selected by the community's existing membership, rather than by real-estate agents or land owners (if the land is not owned collectively by the community.)

The ICCCR’s definition of an intentional conscious community is any shared work and housing group, community or program that seeks to do a combination or elements of mind-body-spirit-earth work that is eco-sustainable and empowers the local community (Ticos!): nonprofit organizations, social entrepreneurial programs, and small businesses alike.

The ICCCR, seeks to identify, assess, and unify these communities through an informational, open-source web portal, with the ultimate objective of empowering these communities through networking; skills-share; marketing their products and services locally, domestically and internationally; information exchange; capacity-building workshops; matching them with conscious investors and stewards; as well as keeping them up to date on funding opportunities such as social entrepreneurial grants and carbon credits.

Ultimately, the ICCCR seeks to empower these intentional conscious communities in Costa Rica in order that they can be economically sustainable, as well as eco-sustainable, stimulate their local economies, and protect Costa Rica’s natural resources (the rainforests are just one of many!) from big development. The ICCCR seeks to be a valuable tool for Costa Rica’s natural resource management.
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The ICCCR, in collaboration with Fincas Amanecer and Fincas Paraiso Verde (both organic farm communities in Londres, Quepos) are holding their very first workshop for intentional communities in Costa Rica:

Intentional Conscious Community Planning Hands-On Workshop (For Beginners/Forming Communities to Established Communities): March 27-30, 2009

Workshops include how to write a short-term and long-term business plan for people who do not speak Business; how to market your products and services on the internet (social media network marketing); how carbon credits work; how to procure social entrepreneurial grants and seed money; pigs for propane; an edible and medicinal plant tour (which can be used as an income generation tool for eco-communities!); and then valuable information about legal, business and residency issues in Costa Rica.

More details about the development of the ICCCR and the upcoming workshops can be found at http://icccr.wordpress.com.

http://thenonprofitguru.wordpress.com/

http://icccr.wordpress.com/

http://www.examiner.com/x-2454-SF-Alternative-Recreation-Examiner

I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of
a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
E. B. White
For More Visit http://www.thecostaricanews.com

THE TAX POEM

2009-03-12T06:15:00Z

At first I thought this was funny...then I realized the awful truth of it.
Be sure to read all the way to the end.

Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table
At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.

Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts
Anyway!

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax this lass.

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which 0ne's laid.

Put these words
Upon his tomb,
'Taxes drove me
to my doom...'

When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service FeeTax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation

was the most prosperous in the world.

We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle

class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'

And I still have to 'press 1' for English!?

I hope this goes around THE USA at least 100 times!!! YOU can

help it get there!!! GO AHEAD - - - DO LIKE THE REST OF US AND RELOCATE TO COSTA RICA!

For More Visit www.thecostaricanews.com

Costa Rica Government backs medical tourism

2009-03-11T02:21:00Z

Costa Rica is encouraging and supporting medical tourism. Published on Wednesday, a decree pledges the executive branch speed up the processes approving firms involved in medical tourism or medical travel.

The executive branch also agreed to support and stimulate organizations that would promote and regulate medical tourism.

Medical tourism brings in worldwide, about $60 billion a year, a number that is expected to grow to $100 billion a year by 2012, thanks to the high cost of health care in developed countries and the rapid advancement of technologies in countries like Costa Rica.

As the “baby boomer” citizens in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand get older it is expected that 220 million will need major medical care by 2015. These numbers do not take into account cosmetic medical procedures, which are expected to positively impact the numbers substantially.

Costa Rica is well positioned as an ideal location for medical travel including manufacturing of medical equipment and the production of pharmaceuticals.

Other countries in Latin America are heavily promoting the medical travel industry attracting large investments.

Asia has seen a drop in this industry primarily due to political unrest.

The competitive advantage of geography, a stable economic and political system and an international reputation for the quality of its health care system, makes Costa Rica extremely attractive to potential clients and investor alike.

For more visit http://www.thecostaricanews.com