ABSTRACT
In a time of crisis, environmental uncertainty and increased social metabolism, environmental conflicts abound. Costa Rica is a good example of this statement. The latest administrations have developed high-profile environmental programmes which have been criticized as very strong on public relations but lacking substance and representing a double discourse. The double discourse accusation refers to policies that have restricted public participation in environmental matters while stimulating/endorsing unsustainable practices such as mega touristic projects in coastal areas, laxly controlled real estate development and threats from open-pit mining. Meanwhile, recent public opinion polls show that environmental concerns are still high in the priorities of the Costa Rican population and a determinant of their voting trends (Rodríguez, 2009).
