Opinion

With its striking Pacific and Caribbean beaches, lush rainforests and imposing volcanoes, Costa Rica is considered a global leader for its environmental policies.

The country currently faces major difficulties in selling its cocoa, hit by a slowdown in exports amid buyers' liquidity problems and a drop in global prices.

This month, AFP reported from OceanXplorer, a high-tech marine research vessel owned by billionaire-backed non-profit OceanX, as it studied seamounts off Indonesia.

In the heart of Nepal's capital Kathmandu, the charred remains of a police station attacked during September's unrest stand in stark contrast to a brand-new, fully equipped police van parked outside.