Costa Rica is issuing all new banknotes, partially to replace the old ones, but also because inflation has gained on the economy making it necessary. This is rather common in Latinamerican nations: inflation and currencies that involve a lot of ceros, yes, before the comma/period.
The new bills are not out yet, but in digital they look quite good. The front is dedicated to a notable historical character, while the back shows a habitat/ecosistem. The 1,000 colones bill depicts the tropical dry forest, one of the most endangered life zones of the central American isthmus.
On the reverse of the 2,000 colones bill, the coral reefs are illustrated. These are rare in Costa Rica and are under severe threat from erosion caused by deforestation, tectonic rising of plates and last but not least climate chage. In addition there is a shark on it, reminding of the ongoing sharkfin fishing in Costa Rica.
The 5,000 colones bill portrays mangroves. Costa Rica is lucky to have large extentions of these, but they are also the least protected. In addition these ecosystems have to deal with contaminated rivers as almost no waste water is treated in the country. Still, a mangrove’s resilience is astonishing since they keep processing heavy loads of organic matter, as one of the most productive habitats on the planet.
On the 10,000 bill the classic rainforest is shown. It is the most common, but also the one that has suffered most from deforestation. Most of the remaining forests -and species, like the sloth- are isolated and just now efforts to link them are starting to arise.
The páramo is seen on the 20,000 colones note. No other ecosystem in Costa Rica can boast as much endemism as this one. These high altitude islands are isolated from similar habitats in north and south America and frecuently among themselves. Climate change will make these a true conservation challenge, as species will have no chance to escape rising temperatures.
On the 50,000 bill one can find the iconic Morpho butterfly in the cloud forest. This is probably one of the first ecosystems in Costa Rica to evidence scientifically proven extictions caused by anthropogenic disturbance. More species will surely follow if current efforts are not multiplied.
The Costa Rican Central Bank launches the new banknote-set as a recongnition of the country’s biodiversity. I say lets go further, lets raise awareness. Biodiversity is the true richness, not the bill.
Images from the official site of the Costa Rican Central Bank. Read more: Nueva Familia de Billetes del Banco Central de Costa Rica.
dailylifer 
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