Protecting global water sources

A study by research group Ecosystem Marketplace noted that 80 percent of the world’s countries are facing issues related to threatened water security.

A report released this week finds that more countries are turning to environmental services programs to protect sensitive water sources.

Facing increasing water scarcity, many countries are turning to environmental service payments to help mitigate the effects of climate change and pollution.

From 2008 to 2011, initiatives to protect and restore forests, wetlands and other important ecosystems have doubled in number. The report covers 205 programs around the world, 21 of them in Latin America. Globally, the number of programs has increased by 100 in three years, totaling $8.2 billion in investment, a significantly greater amount than in 2008.

Ecosystem Marketplace analysts noted that investing in programs to protect water at the source, rather than spending on treatment, could result in considerable savings for governments. It also helps to guarantee water security and provide environmental and social benefits to communities.

Another problem Latin Americans face is a general lack of water treatment infrastructure. Coupled with the effects of pollution and climate change, the lack of treatment facilities is converting a region rich in hydrologic resources into one that is highly vulnerable to problems with accessing potable water.

The study notes that China is a global leader in investing in programs to protect hydrologic resources at the source. The Asian giant accounts for 91 percent of global investments in environmental services programs protecting water. Chinese officials, for example, offer new health service benefits for residents in mountainous communities in exchange for better groundwater management, which they say will help improve potable water access.

In the United States, officials in New York chose not to invest heavily in new water treatment facilities, opting instead to implement compensation programs for farmers in the Catskills who agreed to work to reduce pollution in regional lakes, rivers and streams that provide New York City with potable water. Thanks to these efforts, New York had enough drinking water to make it through the recent Hurricane Sandy.

The study also notes that 68 other environmental services programs operate in all of North America.

“The benefits of these hydrologic programs extend well beyond water; they support biodiversity, reduce emissions and provide income to rural families,” said Genevieve Bennett, the report’s lead author.

But private-sector participation in these types of programs remains limited, despite the fact that many companies have reported problems related to water availability. Most of these types of programs are operated by nongovernmental organizations or by governments.

Posted by Costa Developers

Why Costa Rica is the Destination of Choice for New Retirees

costadevelopers.com

Expats have long been attracted to Costa Rica for many reasons; accessibility, safety, low cost of living, beautiful beaches, modern inexpensive health care, some of the best real estate opportunities in Central America, good infrastructure, lush tropical rainforests, ocean, mountain and valley views, weather unparalleled, theaters, art galleries, and so much more.

Currently by some estimates there are more than 150,000 expatriates living full time or part time in Costa Rica and in many of established expat communities throughout the country.

These numerous and growing expat communities have been a major factor in the growth of the Costa Rica real estate market especially in the past 10 years.

In Costa Rica you will find rich coastal areas along both the Central Pacific and Caribbean, metropolitan lifestyle in the Central valley, adventure and biodiversity National Geographic calls the richest in the world.

Costa Rica is a nature-lover’s dream. The country has a very pro-active philosophy towards conservation and its extensive bio-reserves, ensuring that its jungles, with their renowned biodiversity, continue to be home to a truly stunning assortment of species, from birds to butterflies, monkeys to wild cats, and spectacular flora.

The marine sanctuaries of the Caribbean and Pacific oceans and the rich “bio-corridor” of Costa Rica although being a very small country packs in 5% of the world’s biodiversity.

Costa Rica the largest middle class of all the Central American countries and as well the fastest developing economy, with a long standing tradition of democracy; this could be the biggest driving factor in the Costa Rica real estate market being consistently attractive for the past 2 decades.

Expatriates from all over the world already living in Costa Rica, enjoy one of the most diverse environments and highest standards of living in Central America.

The Costa Rica life expectancy at birth is one of the world’s highest, topping both the U.S. and the U.K.

Tourist services are extensive and with English as a second language, Costa Ricans consider themselves “cultural cousins” to the USA, making the country very visitor-friendly.

The expat population is expected to see tremendous growth over the coming decade with 10,000 baby boomers retiring per day in North America; many are looking to Costa Rica, “The Jewel of Central America” as a place to call home.

Posted by Costa Developers

Living in Costa Rica

Are you considering moving to Costa Rica? 9 Important Points to Life in Costa Rica.

Are you considering moving to Costa Rica? More North Americans are making the move to the tropical highlands or hot coastal lowlands of Costa Rica, and Costa Rica has become the country of choice for the ever growing number of baby boomers seeking new lives, fresh starts, less expensive living and the ultimate eco experience. Life in Costa Rica is an adventure, here are a few points we hope will help.

1. Research your options. Look carefully at the different areas of the country you are considering. Choose your information sources carefully. Talk to as many people as you can who have experience with life in Costa Rica.

2. Visit the country for at least 3 months first. Don’t just come down to Costa Rica for a vacation and then make a snap decision to move. Going back to point #1, an extended stay to learn and acclimate to the culture should be part of your research plan.

3. Choose your neighborhood with care. Look for communities where you will feel comfortable.

4. Recognize things move slower down here. Don’t expect things to work at the same pace the US or Canada. Things just take longer to get done in Latin America. You will have longer waits in the lines for banks or anywhere for that matter.

5. If you planning a business, get help. One highly recommended point if you are planning a business, get help and advice from someone you trust, for legal advice, or corporate identify, a good business consultant will save you thousands of dollars. Costa Developers would be happy to assist you in anything related to this matter. Please contact us to give you more information in info@costadevelopers.com

6. Try to learn about the culture. Don’t make the mistake of just surrounding yourself with your friends; you need to get out and learn what makes the culture tick.

7. Learn the language. Make the effort to learn the language; the locals appreciate your trying and will be much more helpful.

8. Watch out for the con. There are scams down here and many of them prey on the newbie. Most of the scams are actually run by expats. Trust is earned. Do your due diligence on deals, especially real estate deals, where you should get yourself a good real estate consultant.

9. Enjoy the Pura Vida.

We hope these points are helpful if you are planning on living in Costa Rica. If you need any assistance with your adventure from planning to rent to transportation help do not hesitate to contact with costa developers, we will be happy to help you with your new life in Costa Rica.

Posted by Costa Developers

Curú National Park The first private wildlife refuge in Costa Rica

Curú National Wildlife Refuge can be found on the southern Nicoya Peninsula of northwestern, Costa Rica, just south of Paquera. Most traveller to the area are in search of Sandy beaches, the surf of Santa Teresa or the very popular tourist destination, Montezuma, and the Peninsula’s primary wildlife park can sometimes get over looked. Curú offers easy access to seeing some of the most sought after species such as White-faced monkeys, Howler monkeys, Spider Monkeys, Scarlet Macaws, White-tailed Deer, Collared Peccary, Coati, Raccoons, Coyotes, Iguanas, and hundreds of species of tropical and migratory birds.

It is an important place to visit as it is Costa Rica’s first private National Wildlife Refuge.

There are 3 different species of monkeys (the mantled howler monkey, white faced monkey and the spider monkey), the American Crocodile, Agouti, Coati, beautiful birds such like woodpeckers, manakins, toucans, herons, hawks; iguanas and squirrels. That is without mentioning the abundance of marine wildlife, including many species of tropical fish, sea turtles, sting rays, and occasional whales.

Posted by Costa Developers.