Weekly review

Only 500 wardens

Twenty-six percent of the territory of Costa Rica is protected, but there are only 500 wardens for the prevention of deforestation, poaching –particularly of endangered species–, and the misuse of wilderness areas. According to the National Conservation Areas System (SINAC in Spanish), the 500 have to cover 1.3 million hectares (over 3.2 million acres). If it were possible to divide that area, it would mean that each warden is responsible for 2,654 hectares (6,558 acres). According to The Nature Conservancy, as of 2005, an additional 888 wardens were a must, but in the last two years only 12 new positions have been opened. To add to their woes, the protectors of wildlife are underpaid (a little over $465 a month), work 20 days in a row, and lack even basic equipment, SINAC sources pointed out.

Bio-fuels

	Imprimir		Recomendar
	Disminuir		Aumentar

As part of the efforts to be less dependent on oil, starting next October, only gasoline with ethanol and diesel with bio-diesel will be available at Costa Rican gas stations. Vice-Minister of Energy Julio Matamoros explained that all types of gasoline will have 7.5 percent of ethanol, obtained from sugar cane, while diesel will have 2 percent to 5 percent bio-diesel, from oil palm. He added that an information campaign will start in July, so that drivers will be prepared for the changes, expected to be minimal, if any, in modern vehicles. Regarding prices, authorities do not know yet if there will be changes. According to the program, the percentage of bio-fuels will increase in the future.

Public prosecutor

Last April 24th, the Public Prosecutor of Costa Rica Francisco Dall’Anese was held by Immigration officials upon arrival in Miami. He had traveled to interview Christian Sapsizian, a former Alcatel executive for Latin America, who is in jail in Florida after having pleaded guilty to bribery in Costa Rica. The incident caused lots of controversy. However, now things have apparently been ironed out and the Costa Rican official will travel again to the United States, in order to interview Sapsizian, a key participant in a corruption scandal in Costa Rica which involves even a former President of the Republic.

Everest defeats Tica

Costa Rican climber Gineth Soto started the conquest of Everest in mid April, but she had to quit 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) from the top. She had planned to reach the top by May 23rd, but strong snowstorms and general bad weather, as well as a pulmonary problem, prevented the Costa Rican from fulfilling her dream. In recent days, two Swiss climbers died at Everest. “I want all Costa Ricans to know that I did my best. Had it not been for the cough, I would have reached the top. Be sure that I will attempt the climb again in the future”, she said in a message from base camp, at 5,300 meters (some 17,388 feet) above sea level.

$40-million tower

Real Intercontinental Hotel is building an annex tower at its facilities in Guachipelin, Escazu, to the west of San Jose. The new building will be home to Club & Tower, which will be eight stories high and will have 98 rooms, including 13 suites, three master suites, and a presidential suite. According to Real Intercontinental sources, the new facility will open to the public next August 15th.

Ex-marine kills doctor

Frederick Marlon Kelch, 48, an ex-U.S. marine, opened fired with an M-16 from his house in Moravia, northeast of San Jose, and killed Dr. Harlen Fonseca, 28, who was in the kitchen of his apartment. Kelch has been in Costa Rica for eight years but his visa has long expired, according to Immigration officials. Police sources said that the ex-marine has a record of armed and violent robberies in the United States. According to some neighbors, Kelch used to open fire and had hit several houses in the neighborhood. Authorities negotiated for eight hours, before Kelch surrendered, because he had made himself strong in the house he shared with his wife and two boys, ages 5 and 14.

Research in biodiversity

In order to search in Costa Rican biodiversity a cure for cancer, asthma, and other diseases, the South Korea-Costa Rica Biodiversity Research Center started operations. Located at the National Institute of Biodiversity, the center is located in a building that houses several laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The program demanded a $1-million initial investment by South Korea, which will invest an additional $5 million during the next 10 years to keep it operating. The Center’s co-director Ana Guevara said that the benefits obtained from the research will be shared by the two nations.