Transgenic-Free Costa Rica: Rejecting GMOs

Topic proposal for FOR365 Group Project

Introduction:

Much of the world is involved in a continuing debate about the function of Genetically Modified Organisms in society and the potential and unknown effects on biodiversity and health. As one of the 20 countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world, Costa Rica has much to risk in this debate. Currently, much of Costa Rica is transgenic-free and there is a push on both sides of the argument. As one of the leading nation states in environmental sustainability, I would like to look at the comparisons and contrasts between the effectiveness of environmental group’s resistance and governmental policy.

            The debate in the USA over labeling of GMO foods is ongoing and environmental group’s opposition to the use of GMO foods is strong, but has not stopped GMO seeds from being used prolifically here. 

           

            This topic is hotly debated because it has both the potential to feed a growing population, along with risks of ecological disaster in biodiversity. Costa Rica may very well take the lead as being an example at remaining a natural ecosystem without potential GMO hazards.

References

Biodiversity in Costa Rica. (2013). Retrieved October 23, 2013, from Instituto National de Biodiversidad website: http://www2.inbio.ac.cr/en/biod/bio_biodiver.htm

Byrne, P. (2010, September). Lebelling of genetically engineered foods [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09371.pdf

Genetically modified foods. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2013, from http://chge.med.harvard.edu/topic/genetically-modified-foods

Lopez, J. (2013, August 21). Stay out, Monsanto: Costa Rica is almost 100% transgenic-free. Costa Rica Star. Retrieved from http://news.co.cr/stay-out-monsanto-costa-rica-is-almost-100-transgenic-free/25046/

Pearson, T. W. (2013). “Life Is Not for Sale!”: Confronting free trade and iIntellectual property in Costa Rica. American Anthropologist, 115(1), 58-71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1548-1433.2012.01535.x

Sand, P. H. (n.d.). Labelling genetically modified food: The right to know. Review of European Community & International Environmental Law, 15(2), 185-192. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9388.2006.00520.x

Welsh, R., & Ervin, D. E. (2006). Precaution as an approach to technology development: The case of transgenic crops. Science, Technology, and Human Values, 31(2), 153-172.