Weekly review

World natural wonder

Costa Rica’s Cocos Island is a strong candidate to become one of the world’s seven natural wonders, since the sponsor of the election, the Swiss foundation New7Wonders, has enlisted it among on of the favorite spots around the globe. If chosen, Cocos –which is a national park– would get a boost from donations and research. The island is home to a vast array of marine and land species which are found nowhere else, therefore its outstanding condition. Anybody can cast his or her vote in the election of the new natural wonders by accessing www.new7wonders.com, which will be receiving ballots through December 31, 2008. In January 2009, a panel of experts will establish a list of 21 sites for the public to vote through the balance of that year. Finally, in mid 2010, the seven natural wonders chosen will be announced.

Re-stocking macaws

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The population of macaws is growing scarcer; they are badly threatened, and their extinction seems imminent. However, those big colorful birds are abundant in Rio Segundo, Alajuela, not far from Juan Santamaria International Airport. This is the outcome of the efforts by the Friends of Birds Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the two species of macaws present in Costa Rica, the green and the scarlet ones. U.S. Richard and Margot Frisius are the founders of the program, which has released 64 couples of scarlet macaws in the wild since 1999. Green macaws have not been reinserted yet, but the Frisius expect conditions to improve for these birds to have a good chance of surviving in the wild, just like the scarlet ones are doing.

Inflation reached 10.81 percent

The overall increase in consumer prices last year was 10.81 percent, much higher than the 8 percent goal the Central Bank had defined for inflation in 2007. The figure is even higher than the one forecast by several experts at the end of 2006, when they said it was going to be 9 to 9.5 percent. In 2006, it had closed at 9.43 percent. The increase in the prices of food, non-alcoholic beverages, transport, meals away from home, and education were the major contributors to the marked increase in the index. In December alone, consumer prices went 1.67 percent up, according to the National Statistics and Census Bureau (INEC in Spanish). Central Bank chairman Francisco Gutierrez pointed out that there were several external factors influencing inflation, but the major ones were the increase in the price of oil and that of the euro.

Savings hurt

The higher-than-estimated inflation and the low rates of interest delivered a heavy blow to those who have savings accounts, term certificates, and current accounts. This is so because the rates of interest paid by banks do not compensate for the increase in prices. While inflation reached 10.81 percent, the banks paid around 6.60 percent interest. Analysts say that there is no stimulus for savers, who are likely to resort to investment options abroad.

No benefit from beach real estate

Even though beach properties –which belong to the State– command the highest prices, almost no revenue comes from them to the local and national governments. So, while beach properties are sold for half a million or a million dollars, the municipal corporation –and much less the Government– barely gets a few dollars –if any– from each deal. Congresswoman Maureen Ballestero admitted that this situation is inconceivable, that there is the will to amend the laws regulating the sector, but that the Legislative Assembly is currently focused on the Free Trade Agreement with the United States; therefore, chances for a change in the trend are almost nonexistent.

Thousands of illegals

Costa Rican authorities have been busy along the border with Nicaragua, sending back to their country thousands of Nicaraguans who do not bear a passport. Out of the estimated half a million Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica –a large number of them illegally–, many go back to their country for Christmas and, when trying to return, are rejected at border crossings. However, many other thousands are able to dodge the police and immigration agents, and return to resume their life here.

Chinese tourism

Costa Rica is betting on conquering the Chinese tourism market. The first step was recently taken in Beijing, where the Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica Carlos Benavides and his Chinese counterpart, Qi Wei Chao, signed a memorandum of agreement. With the signing of the document, Minister Benavides said, Chinese tourists will enjoy now ease in visiting Costa Rica and enjoying her natural wonders.