For many natives of Costa Rica, community means everything. The country is close-knit, with people living together and supporting senior citizens through life transitions. Costa Rica also has historical traditions about biodiversity that go back hundreds of years.
Communities unite to practice them even today. These traditions are passed over to future generations since many residents live in shared households. Lately, science circles have shown keen interest in these ancient traditions to understand the natural world’s secrets.
This Central American country is devoted to sustainability, and its commitment to renewable energy inspires other countries. The UN even called it a Champion of the Earth, recognizing its dedication to environmental conservation. Community traditions that honor nature play a pivotal role here.
Science researchers are increasingly paying attention to them as Costa Rica struggles to maintain its environment-friendly edge, with rising vehicular emissions and wastewater management troubles.
The Power of Community Health Traditions
Costa Ricans are known for their healthy lifestyles that combine physical activity with clean, whole-food diets. It is customary for people to socialize over gallo pinto or rice and beans in a neighborhood soda. The preference for foods like bananas, squash, and shrimp shines bright, and processed items take a backseat.
Physical activities like yoga are also integral to Costa Rican communities. Nosara is recognized as the country’s yoga capital and offers many classes and activities for tourists and locals. The Washington Post reports that yoga in Costa Rica focuses on working the muscles, joints, and bones.
It is common for tourists staying in a hotel in Costa Rica to experience the restorative power of physical activity on the beach. One can manifest it in many ways, from going for a morning jog to signing up for surfing or boating. The benefits also come from sharing the experience, as it brings motivation and companionship.
Properties close to the beach allow tourists to experience the rejuvenating power of sunsets and unite with the community over a shared spectacle. Domo Hotel recommends seeking shared spaces like loungers and cabanas to interact with others in a refreshing setting. It can strengthen the power of one’s experiences and help imbibe the traditions that impact us.
Another health practice among some tribal communities in Costa Rica is using medicinal herbs for traditional healing. Studies have found that the natives use leaves of Annona muricata for gastrointestinal illnesses and even cancer. Checking whether these treatments are safe and effective can pave the way for healthcare developments.
Coming Together Over Coffee
Costa Rican coffee is world-famous, and most locals appreciate the process of brewing a fresh cup every day. The aroma and strength of those beans have long mesmerized coffee lovers. Interestingly, substandard coffee is against the law as the government requires 100% Arabica or top-quality beans. The warm temperatures and altitudes of the country are ideal for excellent coffee that tastes delicious.
The country practices traditional organic farming, which supports many families. Almost 85 percent of the groups managing the production are small-scale. The community has now become one to make this technique sustainable.
In 2024, the UNDP helped Costa Rica produce deforestation-free coffee. Further scientific research in this area will make coffee production more sustainable as top players like Starbucks invest in Costa Rican coffee.
Research is ongoing on the traceability of coffee beans. The IAEA and the FAO, parts of the United Nations, are working on creating a geographic database for coffee in this region. Nuclear techniques can help researchers track the journey of the beans you use in your morning cup. This essential intervention in an era of climate change will help consumers make informed choices.
Costa Rican Tribal Communities and Animal Tracking
In 2024, the CRIRE, or the Costa Rica International Research Experience, organized a unique program for scientists to collaborate with and learn from indigenous experts.
The program exposed them to cross-cultural experiences and let everyone feel one with their cultural identity. Of unique interest were the legends of the Ngäbe people and their deep-rooted knowledge of the ecosystem.
Ngäbe tribal leaders have expertise in setting hunting traps, which are immensely valuable for animal tracking. They can help scientists examine zoonotic diseases that may transfer to humans from wild animals like armadillos.
The WHO notes that zoonotic pathogens can be bacterial, parasitic, or viral. The risk has become severe in light of rapid urbanization, making people who live near wilderness susceptible. Zoonotic diseases are rising globally, with some levels reaching their highest in the EU since 2007.
Understanding animal habits and behaviors helps scientists develop a detailed picture of the biosphere. In fact, the rich wildlife in Costa Rica is also supporting space research. Frontiers reported that scientists are studying microbial activity in the Poás Volcano. Perseverance of life can signify that life may have existed in an analogous environment on Mars.
Understanding the history and mythology of the people around is core to feeling one with the world as a global citizen. Many community practices in Costa Rica stem from a firm belief that the country has blessings of natural abundance and splendor. People here come together to practice healing and revival, helping each other to enjoy nature’s gifts.
It is heartening to see science researchers trying to understand the power of these traditions. The scope for advancement in healthcare, ecological preservation, and sustainability is immense. Multitudes lie in the lush forests and calcium-rich waters of Costa Rica.