With my limited perception of the country’s policies, I believe that the Costa Rican approach to sustainability is very impressive. The Costa Ricans involve the government, scientists, citizens, and private companies to tackle environmental issues, which is why their approach is so effective. They believe that decarbonizing their economy and fighting climate change make both economic and social sense. Knowing this, I view the country of Costa Rica and its people in a very positive way because they seem to genuinely care about the wellbeing of the planet and future generations. 

Another sustainability approach the nation has taken includes a goal to increase forest cover to 60 percent of the country. I will see this forest cover first hand, when the group visits the cloud forest in Monteverde. If Costa Rican approaches to reforestation are successful, other nations can use their strategies as a guide to replenish the natural beauty and resources of their own country. I could see this happening in Amazon Rainforest nations, which find themselves at an environmental turning point. Taking after the Costa Rican ways of life could be very beneficial for these countries. The Costa Ricans also value natural resource protection when it comes to the agricultural industry. The Banana Environmental Commision oversees sustainable banana production and monitors water usage, resulting in water savings around 90 percent. All banana plantations are required to comply with solid waste and plastic regulations because of regular audits, but Costa Rican farmers generally don’t need the oversight for them to think sustainably.

I am excited to go to Costa Rica to experience a new culture, as I have never been to a non-English speaking country. Seeing how these sustainable practices are executed in terms of supply chains and agriculture will be extremely beneficial for me as a business student looking to gain a more global perspective. The Costa Rican lifestyle, represented by the phrase “Pura Vida,” meaning “pure life,” is also something that I am looking forward to experiencing. I think that the laid back, slow atmosphere will be a nice break from the chaotic nature of college in the US.