November 1st: “World Ecology Day”

Ecology is a science that studies the interrelations between living beings and the environment that surrounds them, therefore their complexity and diversification depend on the elements that make up the environment and the actors involved in its study. Hence, there is Human, Vegetal, and Animal Ecology, among others, becoming as specific as the Ecology of the Populations (to study the relationships between individuals of the same species), or Communities (to analyze the linkages between organisms of diverse populations).

From the point of view of ecology, it is that when a species disappears the existing relations between it and other living beings are distorted, as happens with the disappearance of the forests and the climatic and hydrological regulation, and the production of garbage, which introduces pollutants to water, soil and air.

For its part, the population explosion is so great, sources of United Nations consider that we are already more than 7 billion people, of which, 1.9 billion live in extreme poverty and 900 million lack a safe water service drinking water and sanitation. Such population growth will demand more resources, and by 2050, we will have lost more than 50% of natural ecosystems, at the rate of the current destruction.

Ecology should not be seen only as the science that takes care of plants or develops environmental awareness through oxobiodegradable plastic bags. The ecology must be linked to the daily life of citizens, and to improve their quality of life, rescuing the value of life in all its forms and expressions, and respecting the complex network of interactions between all living beings.

This crisis is present through the climatic changes that we are suffering: desertification, the increase of temperature, the erosion of the land, the destruction of biodiversity, the global crisis of water resources and air pollution, soil and water.

Biodiversity is about to collapse, according to a recent US study published in the journal Science. Although not everything is lost, just as we have put the global ecosystem on the ropes, experts say that “avoiding it also depends on us.” Currently, the species disappear ten times faster than we thought and a thousand times more than they did before the humans began to attack them. In addition, the pressure on natural resources is increasing as a result of overpopulation (we are more than 7 billion), with almost two billion people living in extreme poverty and almost half without safe access to drinking water and sanitation.

Although there is only one day that is commemorated throughout the annual calendar, there should be more; we must all keep in mind the word ecology throughout the remaining 364 days. Why ? because in a day you can not recover all the annual damage we do to our planet. With a little dedication and care each day we can have a healthier and less harmful environment for living beings.

On the other hand, countries such as Costa Rica have advanced to raise “green” awareness among their population and avoid further pollution. It is considered one of the most ecological countries in Latin America.

Approximately 25% of the territory is protected. It is divided into 28 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, 71 wildlife refuges and 31 protective zones.

Sustainable Tourism

More and more establishments and agencies are distinguished with the CST (Certification for Tourism Sustainability) brand. It recognizes those projects that seek “balanced interaction in the appropriate use of natural and cultural resources, the improvement of the quality of life of local communities and the economic success of the activity, which also contributes to the development of the country”.

Professionals in Ecological Tourism

 Having so much to offer in that sense, Costa Rica has a career in Ecological Tourism that trains professionals “trained in the legal knowledge that governs tourism activity aimed at the preservation and sustainable development of ecosystems.” That is why, in addition to its attractions, Costa Rica has trained personnel and that is one more point in favor of the destination.

Concern and Recognitions

Costa Rica’s concern for being a sustainable country means that, among other things, it has the Ecological Blue Flag award. It “rewards the effort and volunteer work in the search for conservation and development, in accordance with the protection of natural resources, the implementation of actions to address climate change, the search for better hygienic sanitary conditions and improvement of the public health of the inhabitants” of the country.