A UVM blog Frankie’s NR 175 Blog

1. Brief Overview – Originally founded by Kōnosuke Matsushita in 1918 as a lightbulb socket manufacturer, Panasonic is now a major Japanese multinational company that manufactures a broad range of products, including: televisions, cameras and camcorders, home entertainment, home appliances, personal and healthcare, cooking, and home phones (All Panasonic Products). Panasonic headquarters are in Kadoma, Japan, and have 70 office locations across 52 countries around the world. It has been active in Costa Rica for over 50 years, and has facilities in San Rafael de Alajuela. According to the Tico Times, in March last year (2021) Panasonic announced plans to “invest $10 million to expand its operations in Costa Rica, with the ultimate goal of replacing a production line the company currently runs in Asia” (Panasonic to expand Costa Rica-based operations). It is estimated that this project will create 25 new jobs in the plant, as well as 40 jobs during construction. As cited by their website, Panasonic Latin America has a total of 243,540 employees across Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Dominican Republic and other Caribbean Islands (Panasonic Latin America, S.A.). Presently, the plant in Costa Rica manufactures Type D and Double-A batteries, and packages and distributes Triple-A, Alkaline and Panasonic car batteries. As for output, 20 percent is sold domestically, while the remaining 80 percent is exported, primarily to Mexico, the United States and Peru (Panasonic to expand Costa Rica-based operations). 

• 

2. Potential Impacts – Panasonic is committed to environmental sustainability and working towards carbon neutrality. As stated by Public Technologies Incorporated, Panasonic emits 110 million tons of CO₂ each year (Strategic Move To Ensure A Prosperous Future: Panasonic’s Carbon Neutral Challenge). Obviously, this has tremendous negative effects that can be felt around the world. Currently, Panasonic is working to reduce its carbon footprint and undertaking a number of initiatives to support the achievement of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to their website, “Thanks to a joint venture with the national government and state-run electric company, Panasonic and the country of Costa Rica are making great strides in reducing their environmental burden to reach their goals of net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050” (Panasonic Costa Rica’s Zero-CO2 Factory Driven by Multi-sector Collaboration). In fact, it is the first factory in Costa Rica run entirely by renewable energy (solar other sources). This initiative is a step in the right direction for the company, and is a good example of effective public and private collaboration (which is socially beneficial). In addition, by providing jobs and markets in Costa Rica, the plant is certainly economically beneficial for the country.

3. Discussion/Reflection – The theoretical framework that best represents the presence of Panasonic in Costa Rica is neo-colonialism. This is a good example of how the United States has taken on a neo-colonial role in the development of other countries. Some political and economic systems in Costa Rica are controlled by the United States through trade, political relationships, and foreign aid and loans. An argument can also be made for Panasonic’s presence being a part of neoliberal politics, because Costa Rica’s economic markets are open to transnational investment. In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan (President of the United States) and Margaret Thatcher (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom) brought about neoliberal politics, and they have been dominant in the global sphere ever since.

Works Cited

“All Panasonic Products.” Panasonic, Panasonic UK & Ireland, https://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/all-products.html. 

“Panasonic Costa Rica’s Zero-CO2 Factory Driven by Multi-Sector Collaboration.” Panasonic Newsroom Global, Panasonic Corporation, 12 Nov. 2020, https://news.panasonic.com/global/stories/2020/83867.html. 

Panasonic Global, Panasonic Corporation, https://www.panasonic.com/global/home.html. 

“Panasonic Latin America, S.A.” Panasonic, Panasonic Latin America, S.A., https://www.panasonic.com/caribbean/corporate/profile/overview.html. 

“Strategic Move To Ensure A Prosperous Future: Panasonic’s Carbon Neutral Challenge.” Public., Public Technologies Inc., 18 Jan. 2021, http://www.publicnow.com/view/07C3D78197AD29C745E63E36A72D52078C7AD744. 

Zúñiga, Alejandro. “Panasonic to Expand Costa Rica-Based Operations.” The Tico Times, The Tico Times Company, 3 Mar. 2021, https://ticotimes.net/2021/03/03/panasonic-to-expand-costa-rica-based-operations-2. 

1. Material basis of the colony – The colonial economy was built on the production of agricultural commodities, primarily sugarcane, as well as the extraction of raw materials, primarily gold. In addition, tobacco and coffee were farmed by the United States after they annexed the island in 1898, and were both highly profitable. Extensive land was cleared to provide space for plantations, and American Indian slaves, African slaves, and those indigenous to the island (the Taíno culture dominated before Spanish colonization) were used as the primary sources of labor.

2. Political and judicial basis of the colony – Both Spain and the United States maintained power and order in their economic systems through strict enforcement of laws and rules. Those who disobeyed faced harsh punishment, which was at worse severe harm or death. The rulers were Spanish and American leaders entrusted by their governing bodies. In 1508, Juan Ponce de León, a former lieutenant under Christopher Columbus, founded Caparra, the first European settlement in Puerto Rico. According to Yale University researcher Russell Schimmer: “Within a year, Ponce de León had subdued a majority of the native population and gained control over most of the island. As a result of this success, he was named Governor and Captain-General of the island in 1509” (Puerto Rico).

3. Ideological basis of the colony – Both Spanish and American colonizers justified their presence in Puerto Rico in many ways. Common belief was that the indigenous people were uncivilized and the country needed intervention. Puerto Ricans were stripped of their rights, and all authority was given to the colonizers. Josiah Strong, an American Protestant, went as far as stating that God gave the Anglo-Saxon race the right to expand their power and control. He thought the races were all in competition, and that European people were set to win and conquer all the other races. This ideology of racial superiority was not uncommon.

Works Cited

The Associated Press. “Puerto Rico Questions Spain’s Legacy as Statues Tumble in US.” Latino Rebels, Futuro Media Group, 12 July 2020, https://www.latinorebels.com/2020/07/12/puertoricostatues/.

“Exploring Castillo San Felipe Del Morro in Old San Juan.” Discover Puerto Rico, Discover Puerto Rico, https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/exploring-castillo-san-felipe-del-morro-old-san-juan.

Gwenn. “Check out La Lucía Sugar Mill Ruins.” Puerto Rico Day Trips, PuertoRicoDayTrips.com, 7 June 2015, https://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/lucia-sugar-mill/.

Gwenn. “History and Nature Combine at Aguirre Sugar Mill.” Puerto Rico Day Trips, PuertoRicoDayTrips.com, 8 Feb. 2021, https://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/aguirre-sugar-mill/.

Lisaparavisini. “Puerto Rico Wants Spanish Royals to Inaugurate Giant Columbus Statue.” Repeating Islands, 23 Oct. 2014, https://repeatingislands.com/2014/10/22/puerto-rico-wants-spanish-royals-to-inaugurate-giant-columbus-statue/.

Schimmer, Russell. “Puerto Rico.” Genocide Studies Program, Yale University, https://gsp.yale.edu/case-studies/colonial-genocides-project/puerto-rico. 

1. Tourism – The tourism industry is a major part of the Osa Peninsula economy. As discussed in class, the product of tourism is not physical, but rather an experience. Golfo Dulce, Corcovado National Park, and other nature reserves draw visitors from around the world. However, as cited by National Geographic, with 2.5 percent of the world’s biodiversity, the Osa has the potential to be negatively affected by increasing foot traffic (The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula). This is where ‘ecotourism’ or ‘sustainable tourism’ come in. These industries are helping to mitigate potentially harmful effects of tourism on the natural environment of the region. As tourism continues to evolve, so does the available lodging and activities for tourists. According to Tripadvisor, most people stay in or near Drake Bay (north of Corcovado National Park) or in lodgings around Puerto Jimenez or Carate (south of Corcovado National Park). Tourists are attracted to the region for its nature and adventure, and enjoy surfing, hiking, ziplining, waterfall rappelling, bird watching, and more.

2. Cacao – The Osa Peninsula is home to hundreds of cacao trees. To add value to cacao, it is often turned into chocolate, a highly valued commodity. In addition, cacao farms often offer tours to generate income beyond solely selling their product to local, regional, and national markets. An example of this is the farm at Finca Kobo, which according to their website produces and sells 100% pure organic cacao. Cacao is also exported to international markets. 

3. Bananas – In the Osa bananas are sold to locals, people in other regions of the country, and internationally. According to CropLife International, “In 2015, Costa Rica grew and supplied one out of every 10 bananas consumed globally and ranks as the world’s third largest banana exporter” (Bananas in Costa Rica). This industry supports the Costa Rican economy by providing over 100,000 jobs. To add value to the product, plant scientists are working to fight pests and protect banana crops by producing environmentally sustainable and effective pesticides and fungicides. However, it is important to mention that unchecked pesticide use leads to negative health effects for farmers (The Deadly Side of America’s Banana Obsession).

4. Palm oil – Palm oil production in Costa Rica has soared in recent years to try and keep up with increasing demand around the world. Palm farms have taken over much of the country, including land in the Osa that had previously been used to grow other agricultural commodities such as bananas (before a deadly herbaceous fungus ruined banana crops in the 1940s). According to the Osa and Golfito Initiative (INOGO): “The Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture reported that as of 2007, there were 260 growers in Osa and 249 in Golfito.” In order to make palm oil, the fruit has to be processed, which is often costly for producers. As stated in the report by the INOGO: “The producers we interviewed sold their fruit at the Palma Tica processing plant locally known as Coto 54, and at the Valle del Coto Sur de Laurel de Corredores (administered by Coopeagropal) processing plant, locally known as CIPA, both located in Guaycara” (The Social Landscape of African Oil Palm Production in the Osa and Golfito Region, Costa Rica).

5. Cattle ranching – Raising livestock is an important source of income for many locals living in the Osa. According to World Animal Production, “Nationally, more than 45,000 livestock farms employ at least 12% of the Costa Rican work force and 5.5% of its GDP” (Protecting Costa Rica’s Animals – Safeguarding People’s Futures). Citizens depend on livestock for food and to make a living. Many farms on the Osa are not large-scale, with farmers having little left over for trade. Cattle, pigs, goats, poultry and in some cases fish are sold locally to various businesses.

Works Cited

Archer, Makayla. “Investigating Palm Oil in Costa Rica over J-Term.” GreenHawks Media, Miami University, 12 Feb. 2020, https://greenhawksmedia.net/2020/02/12/investigating-palm-oil-in-costa-rica-over-j-term/.

“Bananas in Costa Rica.” CropLife International, CropLife International, https://croplife.org/news-views/sharing-the-story/brilliant-bananas-from-costa-rica/. 

Beggs, Emily & Ellen Moore. The Social Landscape of African Oil Palm Production in the Osa and Golfito Region, Costa Rica. San José, Costa Rica: INOGO, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, June 2013.

“Chocolate Tour.” Finca Kobo, Finca Kobo, Costa Rica, http://www.fincakobo.com/tours_choco.html. 

Fitzgerald, Sunny. “The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula.” National Geographic Travel, National Geographic, 25 Sept. 2018, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/osa-penninsula-sustainable-solutions-golfo-dulce. 

NeJame, Jessica. “Redefining an Industry: Costa Rica’s Alternative Model for Palm Production.” Headwaters Magazine, Headwaters Magazine, 18 May 2019, https://uvmheadwaters.org/redefining-an-industry-costa-ricas-alternative-model-for-palm-production/. 

“Protecting Costa Rica’s Animals – Safeguarding People’s Futures.” World Animal Protection, World Animal Protection, 19 June 2018, https://animalsindisasters.org/country-profile/costa-rica. 

Stewart, Madison. “The Deadly Side of America’s Banana Obsession.” Pulitzer Center, Pulitzer Center, 30 Mar. 2020, https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/deadly-side-americas-banana-obsession. 

“Where to Stay on Osa Peninsula? – Drake Bay Forum.” Tripadvisor, TripAdvisor LLC, Oct. 2011, https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g313830-i5270-k5791022-Where_to_Stay_on_Osa_Peninsula-Drake_Bay_Osa_Peninsula_Province_of_Puntarenas.html.