Chapter 1: A Nostalgic Reflection on Costa Rica's Beaches

In the past, Costa Rica offered a vastly different beach experience. I vividly recall, over three decades ago, when the country had just a couple of beach hotels. Visiting the beach was a unique opportunity to connect with nature, where one could appreciate the simplicity of small, local accommodations. These trips were a humbling experience.

Back then, we accepted the inevitable sand in our beds, the absence of air conditioning, and the necessity of learning to cook at home due to the scarcity of affordable dining options. It was a time for familiar bonding, where laughter echoed among strangers, and exploring the shoreline and rocky formations replaced today's social media. The quest for beautiful shells, which we admired without taking home, occupied our entire day.

However, the commercialization of beaches in Costa Rica is driving economically disadvantaged individuals out of the beach experience. Many of my relatives encountered the ocean for the first time in their teenage years, as the cost of a day trip was prohibitive. Today, there are still those who struggle to afford a visit, and the emergence of beach clubs only exacerbates the barriers for the underprivileged.

Puntarenas, known for its beach areas, grapples with significant issues such as high unemployment, drug trafficking, and rising crime rates. Reports indicate a disturbing increase in homicides, from 42 in 2017 to 84 recently, underscoring the struggles faced by local communities. Furthermore, a staggering 90% of cocaine entering Costa Rica passes through this region, leading to many fishermen becoming entangled in criminal enterprises due to a lack of opportunities.

Interestingly, just 20 kilometers south, within the same canton of Garabito, lies a lavish beach resort adorned with opulent villas and beachfront hotels. The area is bustling with English-speaking residents, predominantly from North America and Europe, who enjoy golfing or leisurely walks along private docks lined with luxurious yachts.

"It's disheartening to witness such wealth so close to those who can barely support their families," commented a local navy guard, as reported by BBC Mundo. Many locals struggle to feed their families and lack even the means to own a small fishing boat, which could provide them with sustenance from the ocean. This disparity breeds resentment, often leading some to resort to robbing tourists in hopes of showcasing wealth that remains elusive to them.

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Section 1.1: The Economic Divide

The presence of private beach clubs highlights an economic divide that is increasingly hard to ignore. Those who once cherished the ocean's simplicity now face barriers that restrict access to their natural heritage.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Struggles of Local Communities

Chapter 2: A Call for Awareness

The first video, How the Rich Stole America's Most Elite Beaches, delves into the history and implications of beach privatization, highlighting how wealth can impact access to natural spaces.

The second video, Why Can't Jamaicans Access Their Own Beaches?, discusses similar themes of access and equity in beach communities, prompting viewers to reflect on the broader implications of privatization.