Costa Rica Is The Worlds Greenist, Happiest Country

Costa Rica Is The Worlds Greenest, Happiest Country
Published on Sunday, July 5, 2009 by the Observer/UKCosta Rica is World's Greenest, Happiest CountryLatin American nation tops index ranking countries by ecological footprint and happiness of their citizensby Ashley SeagerCosta Rica is the greenest and happiest country in the world, according to a new list that ranks nations by combining measures of their ecological footprint with the happiness of their citizens.A rainbow over San Jose in Costa Rica. Photograph: Juan Carlos Ulate/ReutersBritain is only halfway up the Happy Planet Index (HPI), calculated by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), in 74th place of 143 nations surveyed. The United States features in the 114th slot in the table. The top 10 is dominated by countries from Latin America, while African countries bulk out the bottom of the table.The HPI measures how much of the Earth's resources nations use and how long and happy a life their citizens enjoy as a result. First calculated in 2006, the second edition adds data on almost all the world's countries and now covers 99% of the world's population.NEF says the HPI is a much better way of looking the success of countries than through standard measures of economic growth. The HPI shows, for example, that fast-growing economies such as the US, China and India were all greener and happier 20 years ago than they are today."The HPI suggests that the path we have been following is, without exception, unable to deliver all three goals: high life satisfaction, high life expectancy and 'one-planet living'," says Saamah Abdallah, NEF researcher and the report's lead author. "Instead we need a new development model that delivers good lives that don't cost the Earth for all."Costa Ricans top the list because they report the highest life satisfaction in the world, they live slightly longer than Americans, yet have an ecological footprint that is less than a quarter the size. The country only narrowly fails to achieve the goal of what NEF calls "one-planet living": consuming its fair share of the Earth's natural resources.The report says the differences between nations show that it is possible to live long, happy lives with much smaller ecological footprints than the highest-consuming nations.The new HPI also provides the first ever analysis of trends over time for what are supposedly the world's most developed nations, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).OECD nations' HPI scores plummeted between 1960 and the late 1970s. Although there have been some gains since then, HPI scores were still higher in 1961 than in 2005.Life satisfaction and life expectancy combined have increased 15% over the 45-year period for those living in the rich nations, but it has come at the cost of a 72% rise in their ecological footprint. And the three largest countries in the world - China, India and the US, which are aggressively pursuing growth-based development models - have all seen their HPI scores drop in that time.The highest placed western nation is the Netherlands. People there live on average over a year longer than people in the US, and have similar levels of life satisfaction - yet their per capita ecological footprint is less than half the size. The Netherlands is therefore over twice as environmentally efficient at achieving good lives as the US, Nef says.The report sets out a "Happy Planet Charter" calling for an unprecedented collective global effort to develop a "new narrative" of human progress, encourage good lives that don't cost the earth, and to reduce consumption in the highest-consuming nations - which it says is the biggest barrier to sustainable wellbeing

Whisper Of The Past, The Pre Colombian Indians of Lake Arenal

On September 18, 1502 on Columbus’s last voyage he landed on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica where he encountered very diverse and autonomous groups of Indians all with distinct cultures and customs. Estimates vary greatly but somewhere between 10,000 and 12,000 years ago it is said that Indians settled this area having crossed the Bering Strait land bridge called Beringia sometime around 15,000 years ago and eventually migrated all the way to the tip of South America.

It is estimated that the Indian population at the time of Columbus’s discovery was somewhere in the area of 20,000. In the space of a few short years, as in all the lands the Spanish touched and conquered the populations were decimated by disease, warfare and slavery. It is estimated of this number that only one percent of the original pure blooded Indians remain in Costa Rica in small reserves throughout the country mainly in the far south and far north.

In the northern area immediately surrounding what is now known as Lake Arenal and to the north lived the tribe called the Maleku. These were said to be an aggressive warlike people who sometimes lived in conflict with their neighboring tribes,

They had several sacred sites in the area including the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, which was one third its present size at that time. The Lake offered great opportunity for the Indians to fish as well as the great diversity of foods and wildlife which were plentiful.

As an amateur archeologist my entire life and having several collections in museums in the United States and the Caribbean I am extremely interested in pre Colombian Indians in this area and spend the little spare time I have combing the shores of the lake for artifacts. The level of the lake can vary 30 feet or more depending on the needs for hydro electricity and agriculture and the best time to look is when the lake is at its lowest. This exposes the wave lapped shores which have eroded to expose a tremendous variety of shards and entire pieces of pottery.

Aside from household and ceremonial pottery, there are gorgeous jade pieces and sometimes even gold.

There is one island in particular near the western shore of the lake known as the island of the Tombs because on this small spit of land are at least 30 graves, a few of which have been dug by grave robbers, but most are untouched.

The Costa Rican Government is very concerned about private collection, ownership or sale of any of its historical treasures, unlike many of the Caribbean and latin countries and it is illegal to own or collect any artifacts.



To be sure there are lots of private collections out there and in my opinion it would be far better for the government to permit collection of these artifacts if they were registered with the government and publicly displayed with the express stipulation that they belong to the people of Costa Rica and may not be sold. This would open the doors to all those people who have sometimes extensive collections and would allow not only the people of Costa Rica but also the tourist industry to view this rich heritage, other than in Government owned museums.

So when you are in the Lake Area I will be happy to point you in the right direction, even hire a boat and send you on a very interesting tour.

Happy Hunting

COSTA RICA - THE BEST INSURANCE POLICY YOU WILL EVER BUY

COSTA RICA – THE BEST INSURANCE POLICY YOU WILL EVER BUY

Does any thinking man or woman think for one minute, I mean really believe, that gas prices are ever going to go down. That the price and availability of food will be less or more available. That the threat of worse wars or more terrible terrorist attacks will ever lessen. That electricity prices will decrease, that the weather patterns will not become more and more destructive. That the Government or the church or some savior from somewhere is going to step in and save you.
If you do not believe this is going to happen, and do not think this inevitability is happening in a more and more rapidly increasing progression then I have some terrible news for you, and some good news also.

There is no better place in the world for you to buy a one time, reasonably priced, safe haven insurance policy for you and your family forever than right here in Costa Rica. When, and not if, one or all of the things that can get worse very quickly happens, what are you going to do. Plant garden on the porch of your condo – I don’t think so. Will it get as bad as a scene from THE ROAD WARRIOR, yes maybe it will. You can do something right now that will give you a wonderful option, and peace of mind for you and your family. Buy a small farm plot right here in Costa Rica.
The United Nations has determined that a family of 4 living on one hectare of land {2.5 acres} with good soil and the availability of water can survive off the land.
It will be a drastic lifestyle change for almost everyone, but you will live and you will provide food and water for your family. And I am not talking hundreds of thousands of dollars, I am saying you can buy a rich parcel of land on a river or a spring for around $50,000. or less.

There are also 2 planned developments here at Lake Arenal that are aiming at self sustaining off the grid communities. One is The Preserve At Lake Arenal, and another is yet un-named. There are several companies in Costa Rica that specialize in state of the art electrical supply via solar, wind, hydro electric and geo thermal.
The idea is to buy now, something with sufficient land to support you and your family and start planting your long term producing fruit trees such as Orange, Lime/lemon, Mango, Avocado, breadfruit and many many others that will be of great benefit later.

I am working with both of the developers planning these developments and they will offer a menu of trees you can have planted on your land which they will care for until you are there.





So the soil is excellent, rich black and volcanic, can grow anything, the rainfall is more that sufficient to provide all the water you will ever need for yourself and your crops, the climate is perfect, never need heating or cooling, the sun and the wind will provide your power needs. Then you are ready for the next step, to build an environmentally friendly home, which you can rent until they day comes you may want to live there full time.

Yes, think about this, watch the news, follow the trends and you will become more and more convinced that you have just purchased the absolute best and most important insurance policy you will ever buy for yourself and your family.
You have nothing to lose, the land will gain value and if by some incredible miracle I am wrong, you will have a great vacation spot, which you should never sell, ever.

Lake Cote, Lake Arenal's Little Sister

Less than one mile north of The 50 square mile Lake Arenal and at a higher elevation sits LAKE COTE, a 3 square kilometer very, very deep heart shaped lake shrouded in mystery.

The mystery begins in 1989 when a plane being used by the Government of Costa Rica flying a mapping task with a high resolution camera mounted on the plane pointing downward programmed to take photos every 17 seconds. It shows in extraordinary detail all the features of the terrain, the lake, trees, topography and what appears to be a UFO which was determined by very careful study to be about 600 feet across and just entering the lake 10,000 feet below.
This photo has been studied and analyzed by experts from all over the world and there is simply no explanation due to double exposure or deliberate fabrication of this photo.
Due to this and the fact that the bottom of the lake had never been recorded by sonar or other means The famous French Diving pioneer Jaques Costeau mounted an expedition to explore the lake. What he found is what appears to be that Lake Cote is the chute of an extinct volcano which extends downward in a twisted tunnel making sonar unusable.
Because Lake Cote is at a higher elevation than Lake Arenal and the northern shore is all National Park with pure mountain rivers pouring into the lake, the Government decided to put a pipe to run this overflow which otherwise went north down the Cote River and send it into Lake Arenal through a small hydro electric plant, before entering Lake Arenal.
The entire southern part of the lake and the surrounding area was purchased by European immigrants to Costa Rica over 50 years ago {of course for almost nothing theses days} who eventually were assimilated into the Costa Rica family and culture. This land encompassed thousands of acres and as time passed some of it was sold here and there, one parcel of note now includes the famous eco hotel The Eco Lodge.
But saving the best for last, the decedents of the visionary original European owner have finally decided to give it up and sell the remainder, which includes all of the Lake Cote water frontage.



Lake Cote is one of the purest, most pristine, untouched lakes in all of Central America. Bounded on the north forever by the primeval National Park, which contains an encyclopedia of Central American flora and fauna as a backdrop for the several hundred acre remainder which the owners have entrusted me to sell.
The peace and the tranquility of this particular area are palpable. The lake exudes a deep appeasing calm that over comes your senses as you get closer to the shore. The lake is also full of fish including the Rainbow Bass and other fish which are not being fished at this time.
Part of the area surrounding the southern shore of the lake, which is for sale was once planted with hundreds of orange trees, which were left to go wild some years ago.
Lakefront property, only sold by the hectar {2.5 acres} is for sale at $200,000, with many of the parcels running from the public road on one side and the lake frontage on the other. This is truly spectacular one of a kind property and for more information please contact Terry Moran at moranrealestate@gmail.com

Lake Arenal The Undiscovered Jewel Of Costa Rica

Lake Arenal Real Estate - The undiscovered jewel of Costa Rica.
Up until just a few short years ago people visiting Costa Rica had never even heard of Lake Arenal.
Gradually and mostly because of the spectacular active Volcano Arenal and the nearby tourist mecca town of Fortuna with its hot springs, the tourists started driving past the lake to or from San Jose, three and a half hours to the south, or the Pacific beaches one and a half hours to the west on their tours which included Volcano Arenal, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.


I remember seven years ago while doing exactly the same thing, going to Fortuna to the hot springs I drove another few minutes down the road and got my first glimpse of Lake Arenal. It literally stops you in your tracks, and most people pull their cars over to the side of the road to take in what they are seeing.
To me it was exactly like seeing Lake Como in northern Italy. To others it reminds them of some other beautiful lake they have seen in the world. But mostly, why hasn't someone mentioned this to me?


Lake Arenal is a 22 mile long, 50 square mile pristine fresh water lake at an elevation of 1,500 feet. In a bowl surrounded by verdant jungle mountains with islands, gorgeous secluded bays and most unique of all right on the eastern bank of the lake is the Arenal Volcano towering to a height of 5,000 feet, and which can be seen erupting day and night from vantage points all around the lake.
Far from the scorching heat on the coastal areas, the average temperature at the lake is 75 degrees, making air conditioning unnecessary.


Another point worth mentioning is that in all the microclimates that make up Costa Rica, the lake area in my opinion is one of the best for several reasons.
The temperature is truly delightful and coupled with this is an average of 100 inches of rain per year which not only keeps everything always green, no dry season, but also contributes to the springs, rivers and waterfalls that dot the landscape.
And very best of all, because it is just being discovered, the real estate prices are still a fraction of those at the beaches and in the Central Valley.
Lake Arenal - Really only now being discovered.


Humble Tico styled homes can be found for around US$25,000 and up. Lake view homes sites will start at about US$35,000 for 1,000 square meters and if a view is not important to you, other home sites can be found for US$12,000+
PS. I am sure some of you are wondering, how safe is the volcano? Volcanologists have stated that this type of an active volcano is safer as is it is continuously venting and letting off pressure every day, rather that having it build to become a major eruption, so don't worry, just enjoy the free fireworks display nightly.
Written by Costa Rica Realtor Terry Moran. Before moving to Costa Rica Terry Moran co-owned the largest real estate company in the Caribbean for over 20 years, originating in the U.S. Virgin Islands and expanding to six offices on four islands with over 50 agents and affiliates on virtually every island in the Caribbean. Terry has lived and worked in Costa Rica since 2001 and has more experience helping people to find their dream homes than 95% of the Realtors in Costa Rica.
If you are interested in buying real estate anywhere near lake Arenal and would like to contact Terry Moran

Hints For Happier Living At Lake Arenal

HINTS FOR HAPPIER LIVING AT LAKE ARENAL

Lake Arenal is one of the most beautiful, bio diverse, peaceful places on planet earth, but here are some suggestions and information to make your life here easier and more comfortable.

UTILITIES
Utilities in Costa Rica are dependable and relatively inexpensive. The telephone and electricity companies are government owned and a monopoly called ICE. Costa Rica produces more electricity than in consumes through wind, hydro electric and geo thermal and actually exports electricity to Nicaragua and Panama.
Satellite TV service is available via Direct TV and other systems which provides TV coverage throughout the world. Payments for Satellite TV may be paid at the Banco National and they will deduct the cost from your account if you make arrangements with them.

Electricity and phone may be paid through a cooperative available throughout Costa Rica called COOPEMEX by setting up an account there, where they will receive your statements and pay your bills.

WATER
Water in the Lake Arenal area is abundant and clean, in the towns and on most of the main public roads it is supplied by the municipalities. If you are in an area not serviced by public water lines there are springs everywhere and if not you can drill a well with almost certainty of finding water.

GARBAGE
Garbage is picked up in and near the town of Nuevo Arenal several times per week by putting your garbage on the curb in front of your home or business. Municipal taxes pay for this service.

SEPTIC TANKS

Sewage is disposed of in this area via septic tanks and drainage fields, which if adequately designed and built will almost never need care.

ZONING, BUILDING CODES

The Arenal region is in an agricultural zone and thus has particular rules and regulations pertaining to development. There is no zoning as such, so that land may be used as you wish, without special permit. The law regarding the sub division of land is as follows. If you are within 60 meters (roughly 200 feet) of a public road, you may sub divide into whatever lot size you wish. Beyond 60 meters you are restricted to a minimum lot size of 5000 meters, or approximately 1.25 acres. A licensed engineer is needed to sub divide land and register the new parcels with the government, a process that is normally very quick and trouble free.
Another important factor of note is that there exist areas that are designated primary forest. If a property includes land designated as such, the trees may not be cut or used without permission, however if you can find a clearing in the forest you may use it for development.
Building codes do exist and it is advisable to have a licensed architect draw your plans and submit them for permitting. For residential purposes this is normally very quick and easy. The fees for such work are set by the government, but may be negotiated somewhat.

CONSTRUCTION AND LABOR

The current rough rule of thumb for construction cost in this area is about $70 per square foot for quality construction. There are numerous reputable contractors available. If you wish to build or renovate yourself labor costs are between $1 and $2 per hour and there is plenty of willing skilled labor available. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the local laws pertaining to the health insurance you must provide to your workers while they are working for you.

INSECTS AND ANIMALS

There is a tremendous variety of flora and fauna to be found around the Lake. Yes there are snakes, but luckily you very seldom even see them. And surprisingly insects are not a problem either. There are virtually no mosquitoes, or sand flies.

CLIMATE

With up to 150 inches of rain annually, there are some months that get more rain than others. Generally December and January are rainy months here, but the rainfall varies significantly in the various micro climates surrounding the Lake. Ask for a copy of the rainfall map to get a clearer picture.
The climate around the lake is for the most part pleasant and cool and there is no need for air conditioning, with the average mean temperature about 75 degrees, and never gets oppressively hot and dry as is common in the coastal areas. There are many homes in the area in fact that have fireplaces and the temperature in the winter can get as cold as 60 degrees.


THE PEOPLE

The Costa Rican people are for the most part warm, open, helpful and friendly.
However the lake region is experiencing a real estate boom and things are changing rapidly. There is more work, more prosperity and more opportunity than ever in the history of the area. Opportunistic petty crime does exist and it is not advisable to build or live in a remote area without either a full time caretaker, or an alarm system, as robberies do occur when you are away from your home. If several of the gated communities do not appeal to you, then be sure to make other arrangements, so that you will not have any surprises. Otherwise there is little or no violent crime in the area and you can live here in peace, harmony and tranquility.

SHOPPING

The town of Arenal has several small grocery stores which are adequate for everyday shopping. For more variety and availability the residents around the Lake make weekly trips to the nearby town of Tilaran, which has several large supermarkets, several pharmacies and a variety of other stores which are not available in the smaller towns. Many residents of the area make periodic trips to San Jose to shop at Price Mart (similar to Sam’s Club, or Cost U Less), Office Depot and others for more intense shopping, as well as some very large supermarkets which sell almost all products found in supermarkets in the U.S.

MEDICAL

Arenal has a day clinic that provides service for most emergency medical needs. If more is necessary there is a larger clinic in Tilaran. There is ambulance service available in Arenal. 20 minutes from Tilaran towards the Pan American Highway in Canas, there is a new modern state of the art hospital, which is fully equipped and staffed.
San Jose has one of the most modern, state of the art hospitals in Central/South American, called CIMA, which is owned and operated By Baylor University. The care and quality is first rate and equals anything you will find in the US.
Health insurance is available to foreign nationals at a fraction of the cost in the US, check or list of recommended professionals for the insurance agent we suggest in the area for further details.

TAXIS, TRUCKING, BUS SERVICE AND CARE RENTAL

Inexpensive taxi service is available in Arenal and arrangements can be made for airport pick up or even day trips to the beaches and San Jose. There are several trucking services available that will pick up or deliver cargo from San Jose for a reasonable fee (check the hardware store in Arenal). Regular bus service is available in Arenal with connections throughout Costa Rica and even to Nicaragua and Panama.
Bus service is also provided to and from the International Airport in San Jose.
There are cars for rent in Arenal through the Hotel Rana. Otherwise all the major companies have outlets at the International Airports in San Jose and Liberia.
Be sure to check the small discount car rental companies that you can find advertised in either the Weekly English speaking newspaper Tico Times or AM Costae Rica on the internet. Strongly advisable to rent a 4 wheel drive when coming to the area. The roads are far improved from where they were years ago, but still have a ways to go. Also if you want to take some of the local sightseeing side trips on unpaved roads you will need 4 wheel drive.


SECURITY

An important subject in Costa Rica, and not to be of concern if you are aware and precautious. In the Lake Arenal region and throughout Costa Rica for that matter there does exist petty crime and theft, usually petty crimes of opportunity. Never leave anything of value in your car and always lock it where ever you go. If you are considering buying or building a home not in a gated community or a close knit residential community, we strongly advise you have a full time live in house keeper/caretaker, either in an apartment in your home, or in a small cottage on your property. This will prevent any unfortunate problems which can easily be prevented. Just remember you are seen as wealthy foreigners moving into what had been a poor rural farm community. The people are happy to see you as you are providing jobs and opportunities that did not exist before, but be aware of the criminal element that exists in all societies and you will be fine.

THE LAKE AND THE RIVERS

Lake Arenal is a 50 square mile unspoiled and unpolluted fresh water lake at an elevation of approximately 1500 above sea level. Fishing in the Lake is excellent and it is famous for its very good eating Rainbow Bass, or Guapote. Boating, sailing and windsurfing are also popular and growing. There are numerous beautiful bays and islands that offer peaceful, private vantage points to view the exotic and abundant wildlife around the Lake. ICE, the governmental monopoly that provides electricity and phone service in Costa Rica also controls the Lake. They have a set back that varies in width within which you cannot build or develop. You may apply to cross this set back for access to the lake, or to apply for a dock. The rules and regulations pertaining to the uses and access to the lake are being written right now and will be available soon.

Before the Lake was expanded, public roads which ran into what is now the lake remain as public access points to the lake and may be used by all for access and to launch boats. Several small marinas exist and there are many larger ones planned and in the permit process.

If you are lucky enough to have a river or stream running through your property there are several rules and regulations you must abide by. You may not stop the flow of the water to the adjoining land. If you wish to build, you may not build closer than 15 meters from the stream. You may build a pond or dam as long as the flow is permitted to continue.

Turtle Cove Lake And Yacht Club

TURTLE COVE LAKE AND YACHT CLUB
LAKE ARENAL COSTA RICA

Almost 5 years ago, an ecologically friendly developer named Kendall Sanborn came to Lake Arenal for the first time to escape the hustle bustle and the heat of the coast where he had a development underway called Lomas Del Mar. He like almost everyone who almost stumbles upon the undiscovered beauty of the lake was struck by the pristine virgin quality of the land surrounding the lake and recognized a unique opportunity to create something special with this secret jewel.

An exceptional 30 acre lakefront parcel had just come on the market at a reasonable price which he immediately purchased, and thus were planted the seeds for TURTLE COVE LAKE AND YACHT CLUB.
I might also point out that lakefront land with lake access is a very rare commodity as most of the land on the lake side of the Lake Shore road that rings the lake is owned by the Government and only a small percentage is available for sale and development.

The concept for Turtle Cove has been very a carefully designed master plan, using only the best professionals familiar with the lake and its peculiarities to take painstaking care of the land and the environment.

What evolved is a low density 40 lot sub division., including several villas, a small boutique hotel, a spa, pool, fitness center and the lakes first yacht club and marina.
The views from Turtle Cove are truly spectacular spanning 180 degrees and taking in the entire lake as well as the volcano. Just above the marina is a dry land boat storage facility for those owners who wish to keep their boats on a trailer and launch it at the ramp a short distance away. Security was addressed early on in the planning and there will be 24 hour security personnel at the elegant gate house and the marina. The development is well underway, with the marina in, the boat storage facility, security building, the gate house, all the roads, landscaping well underway and several homes under construction.

Another unique feature about Turtle Cove is that all construction will require a sewage treatment plant rather than septic tanks as further protection of the pristine nature of the lake.

The home sites range in price from just $70,000 including one remaining lakefront lot at $92,500, all available with terms. The 2 bedroom, 2 bath villas begin at $175,000 with construction of the first phase to begin very shortly. Luxury custom Homes are also available beginning at $350,000.

Turtle Cove is one of just two lakefront residential sub divisions with lake access developed at the lake, the other Rainbow Bay about the same size has long been sold out. There are no other comparable lakefront developments on the horizon at this time and with the permit process becoming more and more stringent, the values at Turtle Cove will become more and more attractive for those that wish to be close to the lake with boat and swimming access.