Costa Rica

[alextemplet]

My university has recently partnered with a few other schools to arrange a trip to study ecology and agriculture in Costa Rica next summer. Being both an honors and a biology student, I get first priority for a seat if I choose to go! It's looking like a great opportunity but I'm curious to know if anyone else has been to this country, is familiar with its ecology, and might be able to offer some thoughts for me.

I just met with the professor in charge of the trip this morning. The cost to me will be fairly inexpensive, and the opportunities for research seem excellent. One of the places we're scheduled to visit is a farm that is completely self-sufficient by using the cow's manure as a source of methane to power the farm. Now that just sounds cool! We'll also be studying political and economic factors concerning ecological sustainability, to approach the issue from every conceivable angle. Plus I get to practice my Spanish!

I'm excited about this opportunity; being an ecology major this should be right up my alley!

[JAP1st]

Hi, I have not been to Costa Rica, but I can tell you that it is regarded as probably the 'greenest' country as well as one of the 'most sustainable' countries in Latin America, having an enormous surface of forests (both natural and planted), a huge biodiversity and a certain tendency for ecotechnologies. A few friends (also biologists) have been there and they come back fascinated.

It is one of the preferred countries in Latin America for ecology studies, specially in forest ecology and biodiversity studies. So, if you have the opportunity and at a rather low price, I would recommend you to not let it go. Felicidades.

[Darwin420]

Costa Rica eh? My school offers a similar thing. Sounds like an awesome learning experience.

[mcar]

I have not been there either but I had watched a segment featuring the rich cultivation of potatoes in Costa Rica. After harvesting, the farmers went on their traditional way of cooking their potatoes on hot stones along with meats and they covered the somewhat hot "ground" pot with wide leaves and lastly, soil. The food there were cooked for about 2 to 3 days.

I feel that having an ecological trip there seems to be good. Just let us know of your trip after you have been there. Ingat!