In early 2009, Amigos of Costa Rica and the CRUSA Foundation established the Costa Rica Earthquake Relief Fund to help those affected by the January 8, 2009 earthquake. The 6.2 magnitude earthquake leveled homes, isolated entire villages, destroyed schools and devastated local economies and ecosystems.

Here is an opinion piece on CNN by Ricardo Ernst, University of Georgetown regarding Costa Rica's economic and political position in Latin America. The analysis provides good insight into what Costa Rica is doing well, and the critical link between political and economic stability, and progress against human development indicators. While the statistics he mentions are accurate, it is important to also recognize that this success is not without significant challenges.

https://www.amigosofcostarica.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=21

Check out the 2nd part of the 2 part evening news series on our project with MarViva Foundation, FINCA and the CRUSA Foundation, from the Costa Rican TV Channel 7.

Check out Part 1 of a two part evening news series on our project with MarViva Foundation, FINCA and the CRUSA Foundation, from the Costa Rican TV Channel 7.

As we celebrate our 233rd birthday here in the United States, there is certainly much to be proud of in terms of the country's progress.

We should also give pause, however, to recognize the broader context in which we evaluate our success as a nation and as a planet. This recently released study ranks countries based on a combination of ecological footprint (consuming it's fair share of the world's resources), life expectancy and life satisfaction of it's citizens.

Project Profile - Partnering to save the Leatherback Sea Turtles