Costa Rica News – It flat out amazes me that Costa Rica even boasts that it is trying to protect its environment, when the actions of the Costa Rican government over and over again show that money trumps animal and environmental conservation.
The latest joke comes from Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas or SINAC.
SINAC’s Executive Director, has confirmed the institution has separated from the criteria set by the Council of Scientific Authorities regarding the restriction on export of shark fins.
The decision has been met with lots of criticism and opposing opinions, with the executive saying this “separation of judgement” has been brought about by Smalley Development’s request for fin exportation with the intent of “benefiting small fishermen” and public interest.
Costa Rica’s INCOPESCA and System for Conservation Areas (SINAC), has given permission for the export of hammerhead fins, a protected shark species.
One of these permits was given to Smalley Development SA to export these fins to Hong Kong, to be distributed throughout Asia, for soup.
Why don’t they just say it is mire important for us to sacrifice these animals for money than it is to protect species that is being pushed to the edge of extinction.
PRETOMA environmentalist and President Randall Arauz pointed to incoherency regarding country policy which is perpetuating species extinction. He also blames Smalley Development and Cruz Investments for being the ones actually buying and exporting the product.
Local environmental institutions will call on the government to take action in preserving the endangered shark species in the country and to clear up any misunderstandings in new policies.
No one is believing the smoke and mirrors anymore Costa Rica. Your legislation banning shark finning had loopholes so that the practice continued. You attend conferences preaching animals and shark protection and your actions say your policies are the exact opposite.
At least this director at SINAV said what we already knew…… Shark fin money is more important than conservation.
China truly has bought Costa Rica or at least the rights to the shark in their waters.
