Law for biological corridors
would enhance tourism here

Dear A.M. Costa Rica:

Phil Matingley's letter on palm oil biofuel reminded me of something that has always bothered me — the lack of biological corridors through Costa Rica's sprawling plantations of all types. They may look green enough, but they are virtual wildlife deserts. Travelers can see this problem from the air, for example flying into Quepos on one of the small airlines.

The never-ending palm plantations effectively isolate the few remaining forested areas from each other, making it impossible for the wildlife to interbreed or feed properly. Tourists are vital to Costa Rica, and they come to see its beautiful natural wealth, not the sterile devastation of mono-agriculture.

So since the Costa Rican government seems to like to pass laws, here is one I would suggest: all large plantations be required to have 10 percent of their land dedicated to effective wildlife corridors. As well as helping the animals, such a measure would retain the most of the (low wage) employment provided by the fruit production, and the improved situation for wildlife will also benefit tourism that is so important for Costa Rica.

I'm afraid I'm not as enthusiastic as Phil about the possibilities and benefits of palm oil production. There is little good land left that is suitable for agriculture. Converting what limited forest is left to plantation use is an environmental disaster, and one of the main causes of global warming. So until we find the magic energy bullet, conservation and using less fuels of all types may be the smartest way to approach the dilemma of petroleum over dependence.

Crime reporting is called
a great public service

Dear A.M. Costa Rica:

As a frequent visitor to and a lover of Costa Rica. I want to again applaud your coverage of crime and other dangers in Costa Rica to tourists and expats alike.

I have read elsewhere that your Web site is irresponsible for publishing criticism of Costa Rica. Au Contraire !!! The truth of the matter is you are doing a great service in telling people what they might expect in Costa Rica. You all are about the only ones doing so. You all are pretty balanced in your coverage of what is happening there.

I know certain vested interest there do not like negative criticism, but it is essential to making sound decisions about travel to Cost Rica. While I do not always agree with certain positions of A.M. Costa Rica, you are dead right on this one .


Palm oil plantations ruin
ecosystem, add pollution

Dear A.M. Costa Rica:

Extraordinary!! Palm oil plantations destroy ecosystems, cause massive destruction and create huge levels of pollution. You only have to see what is happening in Asia, specifically Indonesia and Borneo to witness the destruction wrought by palm oil plantations. Plantations have ruined vast stretches of the Pacific coast already and this kind of suggestion flies in the face of everything Costa Rica stands for. Job creation!! I wonder, when all the rainforests in Costa Rica disappear and the tourists stop coming whether Phil will think that it was such a good idea. Ridiculous!!

The only things that survive once the forest has been cleared to plant palm oil are rats that eat the seeds and snakes that eat the rats. African killer bees are also quite partial to them because they don't get bothered by any other creatures. Pollution is on a number of levels — the forest is cleared, either by slash and burn, which releases vast quantities of carbon into the atmosphere, in addition to which, nature's very effective ability to recycle carbon dioxide is diminished because palm oil trees are not very good at this in relation to primary and secondary rainforest. Also, when the palm oil is processed this is not cleantech and is typically done close to site with little regard for health and safety. Acrid smoke and runoff in to the water system are several undesirable outcomes.

In addition the notion of job creation is laughable. Palm oil plantations essentially take care of themselves so people are only involved during planting and harvesting, and even then numbers are small. Work at processing plants is largely mechanized. Offset that against job losses in tourism and negative press and it is clear that palm oil is a dreadful idea.

Lastly there is now so much pressure on African nations to plant palm oil that they are actually replacing food crops with it. Imagine, a continent ravaged by famine and disease being forced to plant crops to convert in to fuel rather than food to eat!! Simply ludicrous.

---

Judicial agents said Friday that a North American left his home in Pérez Zeledón July 9 and has not been heard from since.

They identified the man as Roger Peter Biennvennu, 64.

Information is being sought at the following telephone numbers: 2771-3449, 2785-0378 or 800-8000-645.

Agents of the Judicial Investigating Organization said that Biennvennu was 1.75 meters tall, abut 5-foot, 9-inches. They said he preferred to dress in shorts and tennis shoes.

There was no information as to why there was such delay in going public with the case nor was there additional information on the circumstances preceding the disappearance.


Weapons office will move
to location in Sabana Sur


The licensing agency for weapons is moving at the end of the month to better quarters in Sabana Sur.

The Ministerio de Gobernación, Policía y Seguridad Pública announced Friday that the Dirección General de Armamento and the Departamento de Armas y Explosivos would be closed from Aug. 23 to 27 during the move. The agency now is in San Pedro in a building that everyone agrees is substandard.

The ministry said that the new facility will have air conditioning. It will be 50 meters east of the Authoridad Reguladora de Servicios Públicos, a local landmark.

In addition to being the agency where expats can obtain several types of weapons permits, the office also handles applications from private security guards and others.

Prensa latina photo