Today was a great day that introduced us to sustainability, from the strawberry farm to La Paz. I got to learn so much from these experiences and how these businesses work with the land. For example, the strawberry farm that plants fruit for the birds, as it keeps them away from the strawberries but also brings more plants. La Paz Waterfall Gardens stood out to me though, with its beautiful waterfalls and animals. While walking through, I started to wonder: is this truly a sustainable relationship between the people, land, and commerce?
After reflecting, I believe La Paz has a sustainable relationship between people, land, and commerce. It adds to the economy, as people pay to visit and experience what Costa Rica naturally has to offer. However, it also took the land and animals into consideration, rather than just being a money grab. Their care for animals was evident in the types they take in, such as rescued and poached animals. They also prioritized preserving the land, even building by hand with no machines, shaping the business around conservation rather than destruction. However, the attraction did make me pause, it is similar to a zoo, which can cause “zoochosis” and often prioritizes revenue over animal welfare. Although I do not think La Paz falls victim to being profit-driven, it is always important to consider if they are treating the wildlife as a product or as living beings. Overall, La Paz conserves the wildlife while benefitting both the people and the economy.
