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geography and environment
Geography and Environment in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known as one of the most biodiverse places in world due to its inhabitance of thousands of plant and animal species, as well as its different types of terrain.
Maps
Type of map: Cultural/ Human Characteristics
Costa Rica Map - Costa Rica Satellite Image. (2007). Retrieved from http://geology.com/world/costa-rica-satellite-image.shtml
This map shows the different regions of Costa Rica, as well as the different cities and locations around the country. In addition to this, it shows the political borders of the country.
Type of map: Physical Characteristics
Place. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://factsoncostarica.wordpress.com/place/
This map shows the different elevations of land across Costa Rica. The higher elevations represent mountains and volcanoes.
Type of map: Physical Characteristics
McLaughlin, R. (2013, June 22). Climates, Tropical Forests and National Parks of Costa Rica. Retrieved from http://hubpages.com/travel/Tropical-Forests-and-Parks-of-Costa-Rica
This map shows the entire country of Costa Rica and classifies specific areas as the type of forest that they are: tropical rain forest, cloud forest, and tropical dry forest. From this map, it can be determined that the initial settlement in Cartago was in a cloud forest.
Images
Arenal Volcano
Physical Feature
This active volcano is located in the northwest portion of country, along the eastern shore of Lake Arenal (Ball, n.d.). This landmark would pose a serious risk to the many people that live around it if it were to erupt (Ball, n.d.). Reference Ball, J. (n.d.). Arenal Volcano (Volcán Arenal), Costa Rica. Retrieved from http://geology.com/volcanoes/arenal/ |
Three- Toed Sloth
Physical Feature
These slow moving animals inhabit the trees of the rain forests in Costa Rica. They spend nearly all of their time hanging in the trees, only going to the ground about once a week. (Austin, 2015). Reference Austin, D. (2015, December 01). 10 Weird and Amazing Animals of Costa Rica. Retrieved September 12, 2016, from http://www.reckontalk.com/10-weird-and-amazing-animals-of-costa-rica/ |
Beach
Physical Feature
Numerous white and black sand beaches can be found alongside all sides of Costa Rica. Over 19,000 miles of land meet the Pacific Ocean or Caribbean Sea (Welcome to the official site of Costa Rica, n.d.). Reference Welcome to the official site of Costa Rica. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/home.asp?ididioma=2 |
Costa Rican Frog
Physical Feature
There are several different species of the Costa Rican frog, including the well-known, red-eyed tree frog and poison dart frog (Costa Rican Frog, n.d.). In Costa Rica, frogs are national symbols (Costa Rican Frog, n.d.). Reference Costa Rican Frog. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.destination360.com/central-america/costa-rica/costa-rican-frog |
Rainforest
Physical Feature
The surface of Costa Rica is covered by miles of rainforest, which houses thousands of animal and plant species. The climate of the rainforest is humid, but the temperatures are different throughout Costa Rica (Costa Rica Weather, n.d.). Reference Costa Rica Weather. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vacationscostarica.com/travel-guide/weather/ |
Keel- Billed Toucan
Physical Feature
These colorful birds call the rainforest their home. They are only about 20 inches tall and live in small groups (Keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), Costa Rica | Animals, Habitats, and Ecosystems, n.d.). Reference Keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), Costa Rica | Animals, Habitats, and Ecosystems. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ar3262-001-animals-habitats/keel-billed-toucan-ramphastos-sulfuratus-costa-rica-animals-habitats-and-ecosystems/ |
Bridge
Human Feature
Several different bridges have been built across the rainforest of Costa Rica. They allow for the viewer to see a different angle of the land that cannot be achieved by being on foot or in the plane. Reference Hunter, M. (2012, July 15). Relax, it's only a vacation. Retrieved from http://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/13/travel/vacation-planning-stress/index.html |
House
Human Feature
Many different designs of houses can be found throughout Costa Rica. They are situated all over the country, including along the beach, in the rainforest, and in town. Reference Farley, S. (2016, April 06). Cool Designs for Tropical Architecture in Costa Rica. Retrieved from http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/cool-designs-tropical-architecture-costa-rica/ |
Hotel Costa Verde
Human Feature
This one-of-a-kind hotel consists of numerous, ocean view rooms, including a suite that is in a retired Boeing 727 (Hotel Costa Verde, n.d.). The hotel overlooks the Manual Antonio National Park (Hotel Costa Verde, n.d.). Reference Hotel Costa Verde. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/costa-rica/manuel-antonio-national-park/daily-escape/hotel-costa-verde |
San José
Human Feature
As the capital of Costa Rica, San José is a common place for travelers to experience during their time in the country. Not only does it provide information regarding places to see outside of the city, but it encompasses several unique experiences as well, including many museums (San José, n.d.). Reference San José. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://travel.usnews.com/Costa_Rica/Things_To_Do/San_Jose_62603 |
Sky Trek Canopy Tour
Human Feature
These tours provide guests with breathtaking views of the rainforest from above the trees. This unique method of sightseeing can be compared to a bridge, but it moves along the treetops, rather than being stationary. Reference Sky Trek Canopy Tour Photo Gallery. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/canopy/photo-gallery.htm |
National Theater
Human Feature
The National Theater was built in the 19th century and hosted a variety of performances (Teatro Nacional, n.d.). Today, the theater is still in use and also acts as a major tourist attraction in San José (Teatro Nacional, n.d.). Reference Teatro Nacional. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.travelocostarica.com/destinations/teatro-nacional/#.V9Y0tvorLIU |
Biodiversity and Cultural Diversity
In certain countries, cultural diversity and biodiversity go hand in hand. For example, when one thinks of Australia, they will most likely think of koalas, kangaroos, and the beaches. These are specific examples of biodiversity in the country, but are also examples of icons that help define the culture of the country. This is also the case in the country of Costa Rica. In numerous ways, cultural diversity and biodiversity in Costa Rica are linked together.
The people in Costa Rica are known for their laid back lifestyle. They pride themselves on their friendliness and generosity. Fittingly, the motto of Costa Rica is “Pura Vida”, which stands for “pure life” (About Costa Rica, n.d.). “As a term that Ticos use day in day out, it is a constant feature in both the spoken language and every day life of Ticos. It basically means that Ticos live their lives to enjoy it. They relax and they enjoy the little things that life gives them, while taking full advantage of the beautiful place they live” (Costa Rican Culture, n.d.). They are appreciative of the land that they have been given and use it to live. This mentality has been around for decades and teaches the people to enjoy their natural environment, while considering its importance. The entire country is based on these values, therefore, the culture directly correlates to the land and its biodiversity.
To this day, Costa Rica is still considered to be one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. From the coast to the rainforests, thousands of animal, insect, and plant species reside throughout the country. “Costa Rica is home to approximately 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity, but only occupies around 0.3 percent of the planet’s surface” (About Costa Rica, n.d.). Of the entire country, “Costa Rica has devoted an estimated 26% of its land to national parks, wildlife reserves and protected lands” (Ecotourism in Costa Rica, n.d.). Because of its desirable features, tourism is the main source of income for the country. In 2008, the country received over 2 billion dollars as a result of tourism (Tourism Statistics, n.d.). Figure 1 shows the reasons why visitors, who were surveyed in international airports in Costa Rica, chose to go to the country in 2007 (Tourism Statistics, n.d.). As one can see, a vast majority of individuals go to Costa Rica for leisure purposes. The same group was also asked which activities they had or will be participating in during their time in the country. They were allowed to choose more than one option and the results can be found in Figure 2 (Tourism Statistics, n.d.). Nearly all of the activities that a person chose involved nature. As one can see, ecotourism is a main component of not only the economy, but the lifestyle, in Costa Rica.
Environmental issues are a huge priority in Costa Rica. Deforestation is one of the main issues facing the country (Smith, 2015). However, “in 1996, Costa Rica passed a ban on the razing of mature forests” (Smith, 2015). Because of this, “Costa Rican agriculture has been able to thrive with this ban in place and the country is currently among the most effective in the world in combating deforestation” (Smith, 2015). Other issues that have not been handled as well in the country include poaching and illegal hunting activities (Smith, 2015). Some instances of these activities include poaching of endangered sea turtle eggs on the beaches, as well as shark finning in the waters (Smith, 2015). Costa Rica is also an advocate for using renewable energy. The country “marked a major clean technology milestone in 2015 when it was powered for the first 75 days of that year by renewable energy” (Smith, 2015). Overall, combatting environmental issues is a significant to the country of Costa Rica, which helps maintain its biodiversity.
References
About Costa Rica. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vacationscostarica.com/travel-guide/about-costa-rica/
Costa Rican Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://studiesabroad.com/programs/country/costa_rica/city/san_jose/cultureCorner/culturalHighlights
Ecotourism in Costa Rica. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.govisitcostarica.com/travelInfo/ecotourism.asp
Smith, B. (2015, July 14). Costa Rica: Environmental Issues, Policies and Clean Technology. Retrieved from http://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=554
Tourism Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://costarica-information.com/about-costa-rica/economy/economic-sectors-industries/tourism/tourism-statistic
The people in Costa Rica are known for their laid back lifestyle. They pride themselves on their friendliness and generosity. Fittingly, the motto of Costa Rica is “Pura Vida”, which stands for “pure life” (About Costa Rica, n.d.). “As a term that Ticos use day in day out, it is a constant feature in both the spoken language and every day life of Ticos. It basically means that Ticos live their lives to enjoy it. They relax and they enjoy the little things that life gives them, while taking full advantage of the beautiful place they live” (Costa Rican Culture, n.d.). They are appreciative of the land that they have been given and use it to live. This mentality has been around for decades and teaches the people to enjoy their natural environment, while considering its importance. The entire country is based on these values, therefore, the culture directly correlates to the land and its biodiversity.
To this day, Costa Rica is still considered to be one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. From the coast to the rainforests, thousands of animal, insect, and plant species reside throughout the country. “Costa Rica is home to approximately 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity, but only occupies around 0.3 percent of the planet’s surface” (About Costa Rica, n.d.). Of the entire country, “Costa Rica has devoted an estimated 26% of its land to national parks, wildlife reserves and protected lands” (Ecotourism in Costa Rica, n.d.). Because of its desirable features, tourism is the main source of income for the country. In 2008, the country received over 2 billion dollars as a result of tourism (Tourism Statistics, n.d.). Figure 1 shows the reasons why visitors, who were surveyed in international airports in Costa Rica, chose to go to the country in 2007 (Tourism Statistics, n.d.). As one can see, a vast majority of individuals go to Costa Rica for leisure purposes. The same group was also asked which activities they had or will be participating in during their time in the country. They were allowed to choose more than one option and the results can be found in Figure 2 (Tourism Statistics, n.d.). Nearly all of the activities that a person chose involved nature. As one can see, ecotourism is a main component of not only the economy, but the lifestyle, in Costa Rica.
Environmental issues are a huge priority in Costa Rica. Deforestation is one of the main issues facing the country (Smith, 2015). However, “in 1996, Costa Rica passed a ban on the razing of mature forests” (Smith, 2015). Because of this, “Costa Rican agriculture has been able to thrive with this ban in place and the country is currently among the most effective in the world in combating deforestation” (Smith, 2015). Other issues that have not been handled as well in the country include poaching and illegal hunting activities (Smith, 2015). Some instances of these activities include poaching of endangered sea turtle eggs on the beaches, as well as shark finning in the waters (Smith, 2015). Costa Rica is also an advocate for using renewable energy. The country “marked a major clean technology milestone in 2015 when it was powered for the first 75 days of that year by renewable energy” (Smith, 2015). Overall, combatting environmental issues is a significant to the country of Costa Rica, which helps maintain its biodiversity.
References
About Costa Rica. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vacationscostarica.com/travel-guide/about-costa-rica/
Costa Rican Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://studiesabroad.com/programs/country/costa_rica/city/san_jose/cultureCorner/culturalHighlights
Ecotourism in Costa Rica. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.govisitcostarica.com/travelInfo/ecotourism.asp
Smith, B. (2015, July 14). Costa Rica: Environmental Issues, Policies and Clean Technology. Retrieved from http://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=554
Tourism Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://costarica-information.com/about-costa-rica/economy/economic-sectors-industries/tourism/tourism-statistic