OVERVIEW

'Sustainable ecotourism' is the term we have given to this effort to provide information about groups and businesses that are addressing sustainable development and sustainable living in their communities. 

These listings offer the opportunity to support the work being done to protect natural resources while exploring the wonders of Costa Rican resources. Sustainable ecotourism promotes direct interaction with local residents who have the knowledge and who are the caretakers of their environment and can share this with visitors -- these locals are the true guides for their forests, waterways and mountains.

Unfortunately, not all ecotourism protects the ecosystem involved due to overuse, infrastructure development or fragmented habitat. Much of the economic profit is also exported by foreign businesses with sometimes only minimal local employment or benefits. Tourists see a patch of green protected at a local cost which may not be viable for the future unless sustainable social and economic issues are addressed as well.

Sustainable ecotourism provides a means for local communities to benefit directly from ecotourism revenue which has been shown to better protect environmental resources. It also provides visitors an opportunity to learn more about the local culture and support economic activities that are compatible with resource protection. Hospitality is provided by local families who have small tourist accommodations; recreational amenities such as hikes, horseback riding, kayaking or guided tours are coordinated by the local inhabitants.

A profile and photo is provided in the list at the left and in links on the map below, for each group, with the ecotourism amenities that are offered and a brief description of the natural resources, products and services available at their site. 

Prospective visitors may either make contact with the ecotourist hosts directly or make arrangements through Selva Mar in Costa Rica for a fee based on the number of places to be visited. Representatives of Selva Mar speak English and have Internet contact. However, final approval of visits is between the host and the tourist. It should be remembered that these accommodations are usually basic and that the tourist is sharing in the local lifestyle rather than being catered to using western standards. The prices charged reflect this and are extremely reasonable. Such an experience is best for those who are ready and able to participate in a different lifestyle.

We shall be happy to hear suggestions and comments from you and feedback as to the results of your visits. And, though we are not directly responsible for your trip planning, we do hope to have contributed to your enjoyment.

For questions or comments, email: ajhaig@sonic.net 

COSTA RICA

SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM OPPORTUNITIES

Costa Rica is a stable democracy with average temperatures varying only a few degrees throughout the year. Actual temperatures and rainfall amounts are influenced by altitude, with San Jose, the capital, averaging 75 degrees Fahrenheit with approximately 3 months of dry weather between December and March.

Costa Rica has the second highest floristic diversity after the Amazon for its size and a variety of life zones with distinct ecosystems. It is well served with public transportation and air lines. Boats and horses are also readily available for rent. San Jose, with almost half the population of 3 million people, has a wide spectrum of hotels and stores and has a good transportation network to all locations within the country.

The ecotourism sites listed on the map are all located near to national parks or reserves and many have horseback riding and/or rafting opportunities. Many of them also offer opportunities to learn about the local activities that help protect against further forest loss and/or ecosystem damage. In addition, tourists have the opportunity of sampling the local cuisine and interacting with local families.

Most importantly, however, a visit by a sustainable ecotourist pays the local people directly, which helps them to further their efforts to promote sustainable development in their communities.

LIST OF SITES
For further details follow links to specific sites

Contacts may be made either directly to phone numbers for each listing (use 506 prefix for dialing to Costa Rica) or by contacting Noel at selvamar@sol.racsa.co.cr who will make arrangements for you for a small fee for each place to be visited.

Click to enlarge images below, or follow link for same image & enlarge there.

1. Amrta


View from the top of the finca

2. Arbofilia


Guest accommodations at the Research Station

3. Vida Nueva


Sofia in outdoor kitchen & workshop

4. Fundacion Agroecologica Cotobrusena


FAC Office in San Vito

5. Kekoldi Reserve


The Casa Cultural of the Kekoldi

6. Longo Mai

Dona Edith in front of guest house

7. Mujeres Unidas de Sarapaqui (MUSA)


Herb garden

8. New Dawn


Student weighing out dry herb ingredients

9. Finca La Flor


Goats

For questions on sites, email Joanna at groundplan@hotmail.com