Costa Rica confronts environment blocks to economy

The lack of action against illegal gold prospectors, an increase in the pineapple crop and the use of pesticides that include neonicotinoids in farming, are among the environmental challenges that face the Costa Rican government.

Environmental leaders are demanding steps to solve the problems. In some cases they have inferred that the government has been protecting the interests of business groups.

Other demands include a strengthening of the laws on landholding, and restrictions on the exploitation of rivers for hydroelectric schemes.