Valeria Baker’s Post

Historically, when the Spanish Cristóbal Columbus arrived in Puerto Limon (1502), Costa Rica was a piece of land that proved no interest to the Spanish Crown, because like Cristina Figueres well said, we had no gold, nor silver neither any other gemstones resources. I also agree with Cristina that rather than a disadvantage, this lack of reserves constitute one of our pillars of who we are today. However, there are other historical elements that must be addressed to understand what makes us so unique in the world. Firstly, and perhaps the most important one, were our democratic principles and process that stablished the foundation of our State. Secondly, the construction of our democracy with strong institutions such as access to free education for all up to Tertiary education, Universal access to Medical Insurance and the guarantee of our Labour Rights, respect of the Law and promotion of free market with a substantial State Participation. Thirdly, the bravely and remarkable political leaders during the foundation of our country. And finally, our geopolitical location next to Panama Canal (which is a huge topic to cover), and the abolition of our army in December 1st 1948. I am proud of what we have accomplished. Moreover, I am also conscious that we still have a long path ahead to cover the needs of the disadvantaged population who were left behind in our social and economic progress.

As our global economy shifts toward quality of life (QoL) with greener environments and healthier places, regions wealthy with #nature, #clean #water, #food security and #biodiversity will become the "richest" areas.

Did you know that Costa Rica is a pioneer in sustainability? This Central American country has been generating nearly 100% of its electricity from renewable sources since 2015. In comparison, Southeast Asia and the US are still at around 20%. I recently watched Episode 7 of "Dying Earth," an eight-part documentary series by Al Jazeera English, which highlighted Costa Rica’s efforts. Here are some key takeaways and thoughts: - Nature doesn't need us; we need nature. Human survival is intrinsically linked to the health of our environment. - Should GDP be the key measure of a country's development? Despite ranking 71st in GDP nominal (Wikipedia), Costa Rica is leading in sustainability, arguably making it more developed in this critical aspect. - To combat the climate crisis, we need a fundamental shift in our mindset, balancing the Triple Bottom Line of People-Planet-Profit. The pressing question is: Can we get there by 2050? Costa Rica’s achievements offer hope and a model for the world. Let's strive to make the light at the end of the tunnel shine brighter and soon enough.

Thank you Christiana Figueres for your continued work and leadership for mitigating climate change. I hope to work with you to help Costa Rica be green again. Although we don’t use fossil fuels for energy, we use it in excess when we use agrochemicals in our soil. We are number one pesticides per capita with two United Nations warnings. Our rivers are filled with agrochemicals and a small percentage of our waters are treated. Most black waters end up in the rivers. Lots of deforestation still happening and we need your leadership now more than ever. You are the force that can help make Costa Rica Green again! Buena Vida Specialty Coffee we are keenly focused on the power of soil regeneration as a solution to mitigate climate change. We screened Common Ground (Movie) on June 10th Cine Magaly and had a full theater with atendees from the government sectors, farmers, corporations, non for profits and individuals. And we are also working on an economic model to pay farmers more. In collaboration with Instituto del Café de Costa Rica Universidad EARTH CATIE Oficial Universidad de Costa Rica UCR Universidad para la Cooperación Internacional and many others we are developing a regenerative on the farm manual for farmers. 80% of farmers worldwide are living on the poverty line or below and its not different in Costa Rica. We need your help so our agricultural government entities support regenerative farming and encourages the reduction in agrochemical use. Unfortunately today, not only we lack support, but we encounter complete resistance to change towards regenerative agriculture. There is more money than what is needed for projects like Eduard Müller and Universidad EARTH for training agronomists and helping farmers change to regenerative agriculture, but the money is stuck at 30,000 feet high and does not flow to the right projects or farmers. You can help lead the transformation!

Climate action is crucial for our planet's future. Higher education institutions have a unique responsibility to prepare students to address environmental challenges. By embedding sustainability into our programs, we cultivate future leaders who are ready to drive meaningful change in industry, governments, their communities and beyond. #regenerativeculture #studyabroad

Some would say that Costa Rica is the poorest nation in the world because it has none of the riches that were valued before. We have no fossil fuels, no metals, no minerals. Today we realise that was a blessing because having no fossil fuels, we had no other option but to produce all electricity with clean energies. And our richness lies in nature, tragically undervalued in so much of the world, but treasured here. Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse nations on earth, and despite being one of the smallest countries in Latin America, it has become a leader in sustainability and conservation efforts. Our high levels of wellbeing have very little to do with money or economic growth. Learn more in Episode 7 of Dying Earth, directed by Fatima Lianes. This new eight-part @aljazeeraenglish documentary series exposes the reality of the climate crisis, exploring what it will take to tackle the emergency. I was pleased to contribute to a few of the episodes. You can watch on YouTube: aje.me/DE7 #dyingearth #costarica

Dear Christiana Figueres, as mentioned below, we would love your guidance and leadership in Costa Rica. World Wildlife Fund and Conservation International as well as The Nature Conservancy and many organizations have left Costa Rica years ago as they thought the country does not need their help and investment. We are number one pesticides per capita with two United Nations warnings. Many of the agrochemicals used in Costa Rica are prohibited around the world. We have a green preception, but it is far from reality. Organic and regenerative are less than 1.5% and its an uphill battle to expand. Our agricultural products are grown with harmful and toxic agrochemicals that in most times, are outdated. There are no incentives, just obstacles to growing regeneratively. Cancer rates increasing fast and deforestation and the chemical pollution in our rivers are at all time high. The country keeps increaing the purchase and use of agrochemicals. Could you please help guide many of the efforts to change this? Eric Palola and Guanacaste Dry Forest Conservation Fund with the leadership of America’s Evolutionary Ecologist and conservationist, Daniel H. Janzen are doing an amazing conservation work, but they need more funding to save the only biological corridor that houses the four tyes of forests and its wildlife, flora and fauna. Bloque Verde CR is trying their best as well, but only a voice like yours can change the course of the country. Here is a recent and most concerning article as one of too many examples https://lnkd.in/eDwCzaYH As you know, there are so many more articles about our marin life, rivers, plantations and more that are hurting!!!! Thank you in advance for your help and leadership! We urgently need a plan!!

Ever heard of the Great Green Wall? Similar to the Great Wall of China, 15 countries in Africa are building something monumental. But this time, it's not a wall made of stone; it's a living, breathing wall of trees and vegetation stretching across the continent. This ambitious project, known as the Great Green Wall, spans over 8,000 kilometers across the Sahel region and is designed to combat desertification, restore degraded land, and help communities adapt to climate change. By revitalizing 100 million hectares of land, the initiative aims to not only halt the advance of the Sahara Desert but also provide sustainable livelihoods, improve food security, and promote economic growth for millions of people. It’s a bold answer to some of Africa’s most pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. Will this green wall succeed in transforming the continent's future? Our article provides a comprehensive information on the Great Green Wall. Read: https://lnkd.in/dxpNEshB

🌍 How do you protect a river basin across two countries from the impacts of climate change? The Mayo-Chinchipe River, connecting Ecuador and Peru, is the lifeline for over 230,000 people. From coffee plantations to rice fields, its waters sustain communities and ecosystems. But with climate change, deforestation, and poor land management threatening the region, urgent action is needed. Led by Join For Water, in partnership with Protos Andes, Naturaleza y Cultura International, and De Watergroep, local communities are being empowered to protect this vital resource. Through education, ecosystem restoration, and the creation of a binational water fund, social and ecological resilience is being built across borders. 🎤 Hear directly from Gabriela Gonzaga Vallejo, communication expert at Protos Andes, as she explains how these efforts are creating a sustainable future. 🌿 Visit https://lnkd.in/eJTmZcdD to learn more! This project received funding from the Government of Flanders through the Flanders International Climate Action Programme, an initiative coordinated by G-STIC and Departement Omgeving. #ClimateAction #WaterManagement #Sustainability #Ecuador #Peru #ecosystems #biodiversity Kim Vercruysse Brent De Smedt Ortwin Deroo 

In today's International Earth Day, PAM joins forces with the UN and other international partners to implement concrete actions to restore harmony in nature and promote sustainable production and consumption. These steps are necessary not only to protect the planet, but also to pave the way for job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. As the UNSG - @antonioguterres said, "Repairing relations with Mother Earth is the mother of all of humanity’s challenges. We must act – and act now – to create a better future for us all". PAM has always accorded the greatest importance to the protection of the only planet we have, and related topics, such as climate change, environmental degradation, crimes against the environment, loss of biodiversity, safe access to water, renewable energy transition, will be addressed during the PAM 18th Plenary Session, in Braga, next May. PAM has also just released “The Parliamentarian’s Guide to Protecting the Mediterranean Sea and Coast”, which is the result of a joint collaborative effort between PAM and @UNEP/@UNEPMAPNews, available on the following link: https://lnkd.in/dusDecpT 🌍 #EarthDay @GlobalGoalsUN