Question

In the early 1990s, Miguel Sanchez, a subsistence farmer in Costa Rica, was offered \(\$ 600,000\) by a hotel developer for a piece of land that he and his family had been using sustainably for many years. An area under rapid development surrounded the land, which contained an old-growth rain forest and a black sand beach. Sanchez refused the offer. Explain how Sanchez's decision was an application of the ethical principle of sustainability. What would you have done if you were Sanchez? Explain.

Short answer

Sanchez's decision exemplifies sustainability by preserving ecosystems over monetary gain. If in his position, considering future impacts is crucial.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Situation

Miguel Sanchez was offered $600,000 for land that his family used for sustainable farming. The land includes valuable ecosystems such as old-growth rain forests and a black sand beach. An important factor is that the area is under rapid development by hotel companies.

Identifying Ethical Principles

The ethical principle in question here is sustainability, which involves meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainability often means maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems for long-term ecological balance.

Analyzing Sanchez's Decision

Sanchez's refusal of the offer indicates that he prioritizes the long-term ecological benefits of preserving the rainforest and beach over short-term financial gain. This decision supports sustainability by keeping these natural resources intact for future generations.

Personal Reflection

Consider the importance of sustainability and the legacy left for future generations. If you were Sanchez, you would weigh the immediate financial benefits against the long-term ecological consequences and the preservation of biodiversity.

Key concepts

Sustainability

Sustainability is a fundamental ethical principle focused on meeting our current needs without compromising the future. It requires finding a balance between economic, social, and environmental priorities. Miguel Sanchez's decision to decline the monetary offer is an excellent demonstration of sustainability in action.
His refusal to sell his land, which boasts rich ecosystems like rainforests and pristine beaches, stresses the importance of this principle. By doing so, he ensured that the land remains preserved for future generations, maintaining its ecological integrity.
This principle involves considering long-term consequences over immediate gains. In Sanchez's case, embracing sustainability meant prioritizing the health of his land and its natural resources over a large sum of money. This balanced approach is essential in preserving our environment for the future.

Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity conservation focuses on protecting the variety of life found on Earth. This includes preserving species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity. In the context of Miguel Sanchez's decision, his refusal to sell the land highlights a commitment to maintaining the area's biodiversity.
The land Sanchez chose to protect contains an old-growth rainforest and a unique black sand beach. Both are home to diverse species of plants and wildlife, which are vital to the health of the environment. By preserving this land, Sanchez supports efforts to maintain biodiversity in a rapidly developing area.
Conserving biodiversity helps to ensure that ecosystems remain resilient and can adapt to changes, such as climate change. It also supports ecological processes and provides benefits such as clean air and water. Protecting biodiversity is essential for sustaining life on Earth.

Ecological Balance

Ecological balance refers to a stable state within an ecosystem where living organisms coexist in harmony with their environment. Maintaining this balance is crucial for the health of our planet. Sanchez's decision plays a significant role in preserving the ecological balance of his land.
By refusing to sell to developers, Sanchez has helped maintain the natural interactions between different species and their habitats. This includes the balance between flora and fauna, which is essential for the ecosystem's health. Disturbance from constructing hotels could disrupt these relationships, leading to potential ecological imbalances.
Ecological balance also supports sustainable farming practices, like those Sanchez uses. Such practices help ensure that natural resources are not overexploited, allowing ecosystems to thrive. Maintaining this balance is key to ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from the natural world.