Roundtable about Unsustainable "Development" on Costa Rica's Beaches and Islands

This Saturday June 17 the Fund for Costa Rica is co-hosting an important Roundtable Discussion with the Costa Rica Federation of Conservation Organizations (FECON).  The title of the meeting is "Tourism: Problems and Proposals in the Maritime Zone".  The purpose of the meeting is to bring together community and environmental activists from across Costa Rica to discuss the problem of illegal and environmentally irresponsible building on the coastline.  We will be sharing experiences and proposing solutions to the serious threats Costa Rica's islands and coastlines face.  Ultimately we hope to develop a united front to confront the serious threats to Costa Rica's coastal environment and to the country's international reputation as a natural paradise.  Participants include representatives from the following communities:

Santa Cruz, Samara, and Playa Zapotillal, Guanacaste

Quepos and Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas

Isla Venado, Isla Chira, and Isla Caballo, Puntarenas

Osa Peninsula, Puntarenas

Southern Caribbean, Limon

This meeting would not be possible without the generous support of the Middle School students at Country Day School in San Jose, Costa Rica.  Thanks to all the students and especially to CDS Roots and Shoots for helping us find sustainable development solutions for Costa Rica!!

Any agreements or declarations from the roundtable will be posted here.  Matt