Sustainable Development

Of the following choices, manufacturing locations is affected by environmental laws (it may not be eco-friendly to manufacture products in certain areas), labor availability (a product should be manufactured in an area where labor is plentiful), and access to markets (a product should be manufactured in an area where it can be marketed and compete with other similar products). GDP and property tax rates are not necessarily impacted by all three factors.

The term “sustainable development” is used to describe attempts to marry environmental and social welfare concerns with economic interests. The primary principle behind it is that rampant pursuit of economic gain, without consideration of the environment and social welfare, is overall detrimental to the planet and to human society. Proponents of sustainable development contend that economic pursuits should be tempered by other considerations.

“Ecotourism” is a facet of sustainable development that is particularly popular in Costa Rica. The goal of ecotourism is to direct tourists towards threatened and endangered natural regions so as to raise awareness of environmental concerns at the same time as making a profit.