When it comes to making a choice, there is a clear preference by travelers for "green" hotels and tourism products, confirming that the sustainability of the tourism business only makes sense when the sustainability of the area is guaranteed.
In her blog in Elfinancierocr.com, Katiana Murillo highlights the growing preference of tourists worldwide for hotels which have environmentally friendly practices, even if it means paying higher rates.
On April 24 in Guatemala City an event will be held on the implications of environmental legislation in manufacturing.
From a statement issued by the Guatemalan Exporters Association (AGEXPORT):
The Plastics Commission at AGEXPORT and Guatemalan Plastics Commission (COGUAPLAST) will be holing, on April 24, 2015, a course on "Interpretation of important environmental regulations for the manufacturing industry."
From November 24th to 27th representatives from the industry in Central America and other regions will be gathering together in Panama City to discuss issues related to maritime safety and port development.
From a statement issued by the Network for Protection of Ships and Port Facilities:
The PBIP Network Mexico-International and the Panama Maritime Chamber, together with the Maritime Authority, Panama Canal Authority and the International Maritime University of Panama; have presented the 'VIII International Forum on Maritime Safety and Port Security', which will be held in Panama City from 24 to 27 November 2014.
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in Guatemala is one of the institutions that is holding up construction projects by issuing licenses up to two years late.
At the moment the process of obtaining a license takes from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the size of the project. This has been the subject of discussions aimed at achieving reform in order to counter this problem.
What is Costa Rica's actual position in the world in terms of environmental quality? Is it in fifth place as established two years ago by Yale University, or 54th as it has now been assigned by the same "scholars" ?
EDITORIAL
A country can not in two years jump from 5th place to 54th place in the world in terms of environmental quality, as happened to Costa Rica according to the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University.
Progress is being made on an environmental law which establishes regulations to prevent and respond to climate change threats.
The Framework Law to Regulate the Reduction of Vulnerability, Compulsory Adaptation to the Effects of Climate Change and Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases creates a National Council as a regulating body and will be represented by members of the government, rural organizations, municipalities, and environmentalists in addition to the private sector.
An Environmental Business Management Unit is to be created in order to promote the environmental competitiveness of the export sector.
From a note by the Guatemalan Exporters Association (AGEXPORT):
AGEXPORT is in the process of creating the Corporate Environmental Management Unit, which will operate under the Development Division, in order to promote systematic and continuous environmental competitiveness of the export sector of Guatemala, through responsible environmental practices.
Within real estate valuations, the presence of natural resources and their ecological value are increasingly more appreciated.
In his column ‘Legal Ambiente‘ in M2.cr, Carlos D. Angulo discusses the importance of a new approach to the valuation of the properties.
"A few decades ago, the value of non-urban land was determined based on its agricultural potential, such as the land being traded in coffee producing areas.
The next stage for recycling will see companies recovering their own used products and recycling them in a responsible and innovative manner.
Even though in times of recession economic interests tend to mean environmental issues get ignored, the search for sustainable lifestyles will remain a pressing issue in the coming years.
Consumers are increasingly aware not only of the financial value of their purchases, but the ecological and material value of things, and of their responsibility to care for the environment. This whole-view awareness is known as "eco-psychology."
According to a study by Tetra Pak, comparing 2005 to the present day, 30% more consumers are making their purchasing choices based on the impact that the packaging may have on the environment.
The study shows a global preference for green packaging.
Consumers around the world are increasingly taking measures to protect the environment through recycling programs and environmentally responsible consumer awareness, reveals the latest Environmental Research Study 2011, developed by Tetra Pak.
More and more consumers are choosing environmentally responsible brands.
Three studies in different parts of the world have concluded that the efforts made by companies for their sustainable production processes have not been in vain.
Consumers with "green awareness" are on the increase. They look for products and service whose brands are committed to protecting the environment, and are willing to pay up to 10% more when what they are going to buy has been produced according to standards of environmental sustainability.
Solving environmental and sustainability problems in developing countries.
Organization that operates in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama
Phone: (502) 5752 3838 - (502) 6637 1786
Manufacturers should prepare for the not so distant day in which mandatory labeling for carbon footprint will arrive.
Approval in France of the so called Gernelle Act 2 in July of this year, states for the first time obligations regarding environmental labeling.
It is adequate to note that the driving force for such measures came not from governments but from supermarket chains, including Wal-Mart, which leads the market in Central America.
The renewal of the concession to Perenco was in doubt and Germany had offered to create a compensation fund to substitute it.
The contract, number 2-85, represents almost 98% of Guatemalan oil production and is unpopular among environmentalists. The extraction operations take place within the area of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, world renowned for its unique qualities and biological diversity.