Ecotourism
Uniting conservation, community, and sustainable development through travel
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the economy and consequently the tourism sector in Costa Rica has plummeted. We are trying to revitalize the tourism industry in our region and increase awareness for sea turtle conservation. We have seen an increase in poaching in the last few months and we are hoping to mitigate that problem by reminding people about the importance of protecting the vulnerable sea turtle populations.
What makes the Osa Peninsula so special?
This remote area of Costa Rica is less than a thousandth of a percent of the planet's total surface area, yet home to 2.5% of the entire world's biodiversity
What the goal of ecotourism?
The purpose of ecotourism is to build environmental and cultural awareness while minimizing impact. Ecotourism combines travel and education to promote conversations about appreciating and preserving nature. Local communities and economies are often centered around natural areas, so it is vital to demonstrate this concept to travelers and emphasize the importance their protection.
How do we contribute to ecotourism?
Our camp welcomes travelers to experience the beauty of the Osa with us! We continue to work towards being a zero-waste facility and are constantly looking for ways to improve. Not only are we improving our on-site sustainability, we also work with local vendors and organizations to provide travel opportunities as well. A few examples of this include:
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horseback riding
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surfing lessons
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tour of local coffee farm
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guided hike in Corcovado National Park
Taking the commercialization out of travel allows for visitors to not only have a unique experience, but positively contribute to conservation and the local economy.
How can you contribute to ecotourism?
Saving the world is a daunting task, but there are many small ways to be a part of the solution, such as:
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buy local: skip the tacky souvenir store and opt for a unique purchase that has a direct impact on the local economy
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do your research: while some accommodations and tour companies appear to be eco-friendly, it is important to look into their practices and sustainability initiatives (better known as greenwashing!)
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support public transportation: or better yet, opt for walking or biking! These options are friendlier to both the environment and your wallet!
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reduce single use plastic usage: bring reusable water bottles and containers and avoid purchases wrapped in plastic
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be respectful of wildlife: do not purchase items made from animals as this contributes to the continuation of the illegal wildlife trade. Additionally, do not touch or feed animals; you're in their home!