Kalu Yala Problems
A great idea doesn’t come by very often. This is especially true if that idea could potentially change the world. We come by the likes of Einstein and Hawking, but we do not simply have them too often, and some may miss that chance of a lifetime. This is why great ideas should be executed, preserved, and developed for all future generations to see.
An idea for sustainability
Such an idea is by James Stice, a former land investor who passed by the forests of Panama. Being a nature-lover, he had the vision to create a village that is eco-friendly and self-sustaining. He wanted to make people understand that development doesn’t have to be at the expense of damaging the earth.
From this vision, Kalu Yala was born. Kalu Yala was born out of the heart for protecting the earth, and James did his best to propose his ideas to many like-minded individuals. He went to many conferences such as TED Talks and even went out of his way to show his idea to other businesses and professionals who can think and see the big picture.
This idea of sustainability eventually grew and got the attention of many people. News sites, media outlets, and other distinct sources tried to see what’s really going on in the village.
A victim of sensationalism
Being a victim of another business does not always equate to being outnumbered or outperformed by competition. Sometimes, you can also be a victim of sensationalism which is exactly what happened to Kalu Yala.
Kalu Yala, a sustainable community that only had good intentions, suffered at the hands of media sources and news outlets that try to show otherwise. Dramatizations of people attempting to leave the place try to suggest that it was because of the village and not for personal reasons.
Some reports would claim that there are Kalu Yala Problems that the community is facing. Others would say that there’s a lawsuit being filed–when the truth of the matter is, there are no Kalu Yala problems of such kind at present. There is no basis to these claims and there are far more important issues to be addressed for the world rather than these stories of sensationalism.
The real Kalu Yala problems
The only Kalu Yala problems that the community is facing are the same problems that plague the world. How many times have we heard the news that the earth is suffering from massive amounts of degradation? Through the establishment of this sustainable community, there are some problems that they are trying to solve.
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The mainstream use of renewable energy resource.
Little do we realize that most of the energy sources that we are still using now, especially in urban communities, still come from depletable resources. These are gas, coal, and oil plants that generate electricity for us. In Kalu Yala, students and professionals are finding out ways to make use of mainstream renewable energy resources such as water, sun, and wind. These are renewable energy sources that do not cause pollution and can be constantly used without the risk of depletion. Kalu Yala hopes that they will serve as a model for the mainstream use of these natural sources.
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The idea of supporting local industries.
When we support local industries, such as farmers by buying local products, we also lessen the chance of unsustainable business practices. Commercial establishments and factories make use of sometimes unethical production and operational systems that are harmful to the environment. Small farmers and business owners tend to make use of natural ways to make their products, which helps the environment too. Kalu Yala encourages the support of local industries, using local products, and getting resources from the environment sustainably.
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The protection of ecosystems.
As individuals perform all the steps in promoting renewable sources, using local materials, and leaving zero carbon footprint, it inevitably results in the protection of ecosystems. People can produce less waste, contribute less pollution, and still develop the community. The idea of Kalu Yala is helping people understand that they can use their ideas and learn from others to make sustainable living practices that they can utilize as they go out to their respective homes. It is not just about building the community in that local area, it is also about inspiring others to make a difference in their scope of influence.
As we protect the planet, we also come to terms with protecting ourselves and the generations to come. The earth is our only home, and Kalu Yala is one of the many projects to keep this home safe, secure and livable. These are the problems we should try to address because it is not merely for attention or media purposes–it is meant to change the world for the better.