Communities Caught in the Crossfire: Unintended Consequences of Phasing Out Palm Oil
What does it mean to ban or boycott unsustainable crops and products? For a small community in rural Costa Rica, it can have devastating consequences. Silencio’s local community, culture, and economy are intimately tied to its palm plantation, making them vulnerable to eco-friendly policies and behaviors.
Silencio: A Palm-Dependent Community
800 people make up the village of Silencio. There, a locally-based co-op relies on a palm plantation for its local economy. A quarter of the town relies on the palm plantation for income.
More than Jobs
Before palm became the local cash crop in 1986, people relied on a Chiquita banana plantation until an uprising in the 70s. Working conditions cost locals their lives. Workers who left their posts due to bites from the extremely poisonous fer-de-lance viper would not be compensated for the day’s work. After driving Chiquita out, a palm oil company contracted the community to harvest palm. The palm plantation is now a symbol of the community’s collective power.
Palm Oil and Stability
Since the palm plantation started, Silencio has seen life changing growth. The village was able to get electricity for the first time. In the 90s, their own money was printed, cementing their independence.
The Community Backdrop
The village's only restaurant is located on a vista overlooking the plantation. For decades, views of the cash crop have been communal tapestry.
The Unfortunate Reality
Local leaders, like Juan Carlos, understand the complex issues surrounding palm oil. They are aware of the environmental degradation caused by the monoculture, as well as the need to diversify income streams in the face of climate change. He and others are trying to address the negative aspects of palm production without harming the community.
Broken Promises of the Pandemic
In an effort to find other options, Silencio invested in the promising eco-tourism industry. The COVID-19 pandemic, though, resulted in unfilled rooms and abandoned projects.
A Resilient Spirit
Silencio is actively trying to develop solutions to its palm oil dependency. The local saying "sí o sí" rings true. In the meantime, special attention should be given to those most impacted by eliminating palm oil and other unsustainable products.
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