Unfortunately, the country's heavy reliance on tourism has produced serious social and environmental problems. The extensive development of natural areas for tourism has caused the destruction of ecosystems and the displacement of local people whose livelihood depended on those natural resources. The government's insistence in attracting foreign investors has promoted the unrestrained development of beach resorts and real estate projects. This, in turn, has produced conflicts over land and water resources with peasants and local communities. The sexual exploitation of local women and children constitutes yet another distressing repercussion of Costa Rica's unregulated tourist industry.

Its natural wealth, ironically, has also led to other environmental destructive ventures. Oil exploration threats to destroy fragile coastal ecosystems. Multinational fruit companies and US corporate backed cattle industries are responsible for a deforestation rate in Costa Rica second to none. The government open doors policy to foreign investors has promoted bioprospecting and the spread of genetically modified crops, activities that not only place the country's biodiversity in danger but also affect the local communities' health.

Join Global Exchange as we explore the advantages and disadvantages of having a tourism-based economy. As we travel across this naturally rich and strikingly beautiful country, we will examine the social and environmental problems Costa Ricans are facing and meet the important players who are creating sustainable solutions. The local solutions to these challenges will inspire our action and involvement with these issues.

Program Highlights:

• * Enjoy a canopy tour in the Braulio Carrillo National Park and explore alternative development projects.
• * Learn about local peasant land struggles against a transnational banana-producing corporation in Bambuzal, Guacimo.
• * Enjoy the beaches of Cahuita National Park and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the Southern Caribbean Coast.
• * Meet with local leaders committed to preserving their coastal resources against oil exploration activities in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
• * Examine the repercussions of sexual tourism in the town of Cahuita.
• * Learn about Afro-Caribbean culture and history.
• * Hike through the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve and the Gandoca-Mazanillo Wildlife Refuge.
• * Meet with indigenous groups in Talamanca and learn about their efforts in developing organic agriculture projects such as banana vinegar production as a way of generating an additional source of income.
• * Learn about the Bribri people: their customs, cosmology, and their struggle to maintain their indigenous culture.
• * Stay at the Punta Mona Center of Sustainable Living and take an Organic Farm tour and a permaculture workshop; explore the wisdom and the methods behind the success of food gardens.
• * Learn about medicinal and edible uses of trees, fruits, and plants.
• * Kayak and watch dolphins at Punta Mona.

Cost: $1575

Price Includes:

• * Double-room accommodations (Single rooms are available for an additional $200); two meals per day; transportation to and from all programmed activities; a bilingual trip leader; all programmed activities; and reading materials.
• * NOT INCLUDED: International airfare, airport departure taxes, lunches, tips and personal expenses.
• * *Please note: Participants should arrive and depart from the San Jose International Airport.

How to Register:

This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.

Make your reservation online now!

Contact Sneh with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 221.