Whenever I take a political science course, I am always frustrated by all of the world’s seemingly irresolvable problems. The conditions on banana plantations in Central America are so egregious that I often feel hopeless. Here are these global issues that need to be remedied, but I am just a little American college student. How is anyone ever going to fight the exploitative multinationals like Fresh Del Monte? In my classes, however, there is some encouragement. Community organizations can make a difference. I believe in the concept of starting local for a global impact.
Local organizations in Costa Rica are not only speaking up but also enabling change. Foro Emaus, founded in 1992, is a network of environmental, community, religious, and labor organizations that confront the social and environmental problems of conventional banana production in Costa Rica. Current production practices cause social and labor problems that the state does not control nor have any interest in controlling. Limitations on economic development and infrastructure of public services result are hindrances to community development and unionization.
These are significant challenges in the banana industry. But Foro Emaus is taking real action to make a difference. They are developing alternative products to replace pesticides that will create a better equilibrium between humans and nature. Experiements in various banana production methods have proved that alternatives are possible. Minimum standards have been developed from the contributions of workers and organizations in the banana industry that dictate the socio-environmental conditions that should be respected on the banana plantations. Organic production methods are another alternative, and Foro Emaus is consulting with campesinos (rural farmers) for information about natural pesticides from plants and providing support for alternative farms. Finally, Foro Emaus is working to organize consumers and to educate and encourage them to buy smart in an effort to help their fellow Costa Ricans.
Foro Emaus provides a light of hope in a dark and depressing industry. They have succeeded in kick-starting the wheels of positive change, and have managed to do so without state funding. Social movements are strong. I am optimistic that local organizations in Central America, combined with better buying decisions here in the United States, will put a stop to violations of human rights.
