Costa Rica's sustainable tourism, once a key driver of its economy and conservation efforts, faces challenges from mass tourism and illegal logging. Jurgen Stein, a prominent ecotourism operator, highlights the increasing deforestation and the economic pressures leading to illegal activities. Despite successful policies reversing deforestation, the rise in cruise tourism and mass tourism threatens the country's ecological balance. Experts like Glenn Jampol and Mario Socatelli advocate for a shift from sustainability to a regenerative approach, integrating local communities into the tourism value chain to preserve Costa Rica's natural assets.

A coalition of NGOs, including the Climate Action Network and the Global Legal Action Network, has filed a lawsuit against the European Commission, claiming its climate policies are inadequate and illegal. The NGOs argue that the EU's current target of a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 is insufficient and not based on scientific evidence, potentially violating EU treaties and the Paris Agreement. The case, filed in February 2024, seeks to establish a legal precedent for future climate legislation. The European Commission maintains that its targets align with the Paris Agreement, but the NGOs are determined to push for more ambitious climate goals.

The article discusses the recent Venezuelan elections, where Nicolas Maduro was re-elected amid accusations of fraud and repression. Protests erupted across the country, with opposition leader Maria Corinna Machado contesting the results, claiming Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the rightful winner. The international community, including the UN and the Carter Center, criticized the election process for lacking transparency. The situation remains tense, with ongoing protests and calls for election result verification. The article highlights the political and economic challenges facing Venezuela under Maduro's leadership.

Ecuador has rejected international arbitration, a system criticized for favoring corporations over states, as demonstrated by the ongoing Chevron-Texaco dispute. Despite arguments for arbitration's neutrality, Ecuadorians voted against it, influenced by past legal battles with Chevron. The article highlights the broader global skepticism towards Investor-State Dispute Settlements (ISDS), with countries like Italy and India moving away from such treaties. Critics argue ISDS undermines environmental and human rights protections, while proponents emphasize legal certainty for investors. The debate reflects a tension between national sovereignty and international investment rules.

The death of 19-year-old Carlos Javier Vega in Guayaquil, Ecuador, has sparked national attention on human rights concerns amid President Daniel Noboa's security measures. Vega was killed by military gunfire at a checkpoint, with the military labeling him a terrorist. His family and human rights advocates dispute this, alleging excessive force and human rights violations. Human Rights Watch has called the incident an extrajudicial execution and criticized Noboa's policies for failing to dismantle organized crime while increasing human rights abuses. The Attorney General’s Office is investigating the incident, and the Vega family seeks justice.

PLACE aims to address the inequality of mapping data by establishing a non-profit data trust that provides accessible, affordable, and high-quality mapping data for public and private sectors. The initiative emphasizes ethical use, privacy, and data security, partnering with governments and local entities to ensure data meets local needs. PLACE operates on a membership model, ensuring sustainable funding and member involvement in governance. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders to promote data ethics and transparency, aiming to create a global community focused on the public interest.

The article discusses the Ecuadorian government's push for sustainable mining, highlighting the tensions between economic development and environmental concerns. President Daniel Noboa's administration views mining as crucial for economic growth, attracting significant foreign investment. However, local communities, particularly in Las Pampas and Palo Quemado, express skepticism and fear environmental degradation. The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie) opposes the projects, citing historical exploitation. The article underscores the challenges of balancing economic interests with environmental and social responsibilities, amid ongoing protests and legal battles.

In northwestern Ecuador, the La Plata mining project has sparked significant controversy, with local communities divided over its potential benefits and environmental risks. While the Ecuadorian government and Atico Mining emphasize economic growth and job creation, residents of Las Pampas and Indigenous groups express deep concerns about water pollution and the destruction of their livelihoods. President Daniel Noboa's efforts to attract foreign investment, particularly from Canada, have been met with resistance from environmental and Indigenous organizations. The conflict has led to protests, legal challenges, and clashes with security forces, highlighting the broader tensions between economic development and environmental preservation in Ecuador.

Ecuador, once considered an island of peace, is now grappling with escalating violence and one of the highest homicide rates in Latin America. Organized crime has surged, and the economy has weakened since 2018. Guayaquil, a port city, has seen businesses close and residents flee due to gang warfare. Maria, a resident, paid an extortion fee to protect her children. President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in response to riots, prison breaks, and public threats. Guayaquil and Duran are particularly affected, with Duran becoming the most violent city in Ecuador. Gangs are extorting businesses and residents, leading to increased private security measures and self-policing communities. Truck drivers face kidnappings and violence, with 30 murdered in two years. The violence has spread fear beyond the coastal areas, affecting life in the capital, Quito. Social researcher Blanca Rivera criticizes harsh crackdowns and advocates for investment in social services and education as a solution.

Diana Torres, a guide in Yunguilla, Ecuador, leads tourists through the cloud forest, showcasing the area's biodiversity. Yunguilla, a community of 50 families, transitioned from logging to sustainable tourism in 1995 with the help of NGOs and international cooperation. The community now offers various tourist activities and accommodations, contributing to local development and conservation. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and rising national insecurity, Yunguilla continues to diversify its economic activities. The success of Yunguilla's community tourism is attributed to its mix of productive activities, empowering local residents and reducing migration.