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Monthly Archives: October 2017

5 Ways Nicaragua is One of the Most Sustainable Central American Countries

October 13, 2017

While many countries are trying to make the switch to being more sustainable, I found on my recent trip to Nicaragua that the country is far ahead of many other locations in Latin American for ethical travel. I traveled with a company devoted to creating eco-friendly and socially aware experiences. That way, I was able to learn about Nicaraguans’ efforts to make their world a better place. Here are five ways I found Nicaragua to be one of the most sustainable Central American countries I’ve been to.

 

1.    They care about their jungles

Along with regular deforestation, Central America also has issues with narcotics and the loss of trees through the cocaine trade. Thankfully, Nicaraguan tourist organizations recognize how important their jungles are and that they are needed for a better world.

All eco-lodges in Nicaragua are subject to certain environmental laws. Even coffee growers have to abide by guidelines created by sustainable organizations in order to succeed. Also, many coffee farms have eradicated child labor and have built schools for the children of workers.

2.    They’re into farm-to-table

What used to seem like a trend has now taken off in Nicaragua. Not only is farm-to-table shown to be beneficial for those eating the food, but it also tends to help local farmers who might have a difficult time surviving in a difficult economy. It’s not always easy for those living in rural areas to make a living, but with many restaurants, hotels, and organizations buying from the farmers who need customers, the tourism industry is helping out those who need it.

3.    Markets are alive and well

The traditional farmer’s market has been a staple of life in Central American countries for hundreds of years. While many supermarkets have wiped this tradition out, major cities and tiny towns in Nicaragua still see the importance of providing fresh fruits and local goodies. Whether you are looking to pick up a gift or you want to taste some of the best avocados in the world, you can find it at a market. Plus, you know you are supporting the local economy.

Click here for the full article.

 

 

Tourism in Nicaragua

Nicaragua Posts Huge Growth in Tourism Numbers

Nicaragua received almost 1.2 million visitors between January and August of this year, up almost 22% on the same period from 2015. Last year’s total at year end was a little over 1.5 million visitors who left US $642.1 million in foreign exchange. This year the target is US $700 million in foreign exchange. Lucy Valenti (President of the National Chamber of Tourism of Nicaragua – CANATUR) noted that explained that the growth in the arrival of tourists (22%) is well above the world average of 4.5% which will have a significant positive impact on the country. Valenti again called for a policy of sustainability in relation to tourism development and highlighted the need for more infrastructure and better air connectivity for visitors.

Click to see this article online.

 

 

Nicaragua: Private Investment Up 5.6%

Nicaragua: Private Investment Up 5.6%

In the first half of the year private fixed investment increased by almost 6% compared to the same period in 2016, driven mainly by the good performance of the construction sector.

Monday, October 9, 2017

From the Central Bank’s “Quarterly GDP Report II”

Private fixed investment grew by 2.8% (5.6% in the first half of the year), as a result of increases in construction (9.3%) and other investments (3.25) and a decrease in machinery and equipment (-2.2%). Fixed investment increased by 2.2% (4.6% in the first half of the year), as a result of a positive performance in machinery and equipment (15.3%) and decreases in other investments (-8.1%) and those under construction (-1.0%).

Gross capital formation (GCF) decreased by 3.5% as a result of mixed behavior in its components. Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) or fixed investment registered growth of 2.2%, which was offset by a decrease in inventories. The latter was associated with the greater dynamism of exports.  The component of gross fixed capital formation grew by 2.2% (5.1% in the first half of the year).  This result was due to increases in construction (5.1%) and other investment expenses (3.2%), and a decrease in machinery and equipment (-0.6%).

See Quarterly GDP Report for the second quarter of 2017. (In Spanish)

Link to article

 

News from Nicaragua

LATEST NEWS FROM OUR STAFF IN NICARAGUA
Tropical Storm Nate hit Nicaragua hard yesterday and served us the strongest Pacific-Coastal storm in more than forty years. Over twenty inches of rain fell in 24 hours, along with an 85 mph maximum wind speed. Our local community had many hillsides collapse and severe mud slides and flooding. Along Lake Nicaragua sink holes closed down the PanAmerican Highway, and here in San Juan del Sur every single vessel in the bay ended up either on the the beach or crushed against the beachfront restaurants under huge onshore winds and swells.
We are happy to report no damage was experienced on our farms and forests. In fact, rains like this are a welcome event for agriculture.
But this isn’t the case for our friends, neighbors, staff, and the community at large. As soon as we had determined that our operations were all in order, our entire staff were given the option of returning home or volunteering in the clean-up efforts. Every single person chose to volunteer.
Under the direction of Ken Ross, Hugo Rodriguez, and Aroldo Martinez, teams were formed and off they set to work alongside the local authorities. We loaded up our fleet of trucks, heavy equipment, ropes and chain saws and spent well into the night pulling trees off of homes, off of roadways, and out of ditches that needed to be kept clear so flood waters could pass.
We began again early this morning and things are starting to look a little better and the rains and wind  are much less severe than yesterday. San Juan del Sur will require many months to get back to normal, but working together as the community did, anything is possible.
We are very proud of every member of our Precious Timber / Maderas Futuro staff who gave it their all to pitch in and help those in need. Tropical Storm Nate has not yet fully left the area and we intend to remain vigilant in our support of the community and our collective agricultural holdings.
Two crews have been set up to monitor all of our properties 24/7, and keep us informed of any necessary measures needed. The staff are tired, but they are relentless in their desire to serve (as are we), so we are once again this afternoon conducting additional local help and assistance.
We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and are working around the clock to keep you updated.
The Precious Timber Team.

Café nica awarded by Starbucks

Special coffee represents 30% of Cisa’s exports.

Café nica awarded by Starbucks

The Starbucks chain included in March the Monimbó coffee farm, located in Jinotega , as part of its exclusive Starbucks Reserve coffee line. This estate is part of the brand ‘Premium Estates’, the selection of specialty coffees created by the Mercon group, with the best of its harvest from Nicaragua, Guatemala and Vietnam.

In both cases (Premium Estates and Starbucks), the selection criteria not only focus on the quality of the beverage that can be served from these grains, but also on the production process being sustainable, and taking into account the welfare of the community and the protection of the environment.

Federico Argüello, commercial manager of Cisa Exportadora , the main national exporter of coffee, explained in the television program Esta Noche that the connection between a chain like Starbucks and a farm like Monimbó, is not a matter of moment.

In its wide portfolio of producers, Cisa has several profiles similar to those of Monimbó, with a rather special product, above the national average. The exporting company sends several samples to the toasters and if one is to the taste of the companies, the orders are filled and the coffee from the selected farm is sent.

 

For the complete online article click here.

Once at the site click the Translate button in the top right to get it in English.