Abstract
Important contributions in identifying natural hazards and vulnerability in Costa Rica have been made by individuals and institutions; however, relatively little effort has been aimed towards prevention, preparedness and mitigation of natural disasters. Recognition and prevention campaigns which were initiated in the late 1980s and early 1990s lacked momentum and their benefits have vanished without the required continuity. Heavy economic losses caused by natural disasters such as the Limon-Telire earthquake (April 22, 1991; Mw = 7.6; 5 to 8.5 percent of 1991 Gross National Product, GNP) and a GNP loss average of close to 2 percent/year (around U. S. $2 billion between 1988 and 1993) should be a testimonial motivation to reinitiate and improve a general preventive and mitigative program for natural hazards. Essential elements in this program are planning and land-use zonation endeavors, design and implementation of expedite information flux systems, educational programs for students, as well as the general public, and sponsorship for multi-disciplinary technical groups. The image and credibility of organizations such as Comision Nacional de Emergencia (CNE) should be appraised and strengthened, working with specific communities upon which situations urgently require help in the natural hazards field.
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