Eco Tourism and Environment

Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST): This is a certification that the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) administers to those hotels that actively work on environmental and social sustainability. A “Leaf” system is used for rating businesses instead of the classic “Star” rating given to large scale and truly unsustainable establishments.
Four categories are considered in the rating:

1)    Biological/ Physical: Protection of surrounding environments
2)    Services and Infrastructure: Product use and disposal, water and energy management
3)    Social-Economic Environment: Impact and benefit for local communities
4)    External Client: Teaching the visitors about responsible tourism and conservation

Environmental Issues: Despite the rapid increase in ecotourism, deforestation is still happening at an ALARMING rate of 4% per year, one of the fastest. The Guanacaste region is being built up so rapidly, mostly by resort owners that are not so eco-conscious, and the facilities needed to sustain the mass numbers of people are causing more development of natural terrain. The dry tropical forests of this region are now down to merely 1%!! Also, some of these resorts are not taking necessary actions when treating waste and are subsequently polluting nearby waters.

Taking the time to investigate a hotel before you choose to invest your money is a wise choice that all travellers should make. Sometimes spending a little more means that you will be contributing to the right “cause” and helping us sustain the environment and the beautiful nature that we all love and need for Biophilia (Mental well-being that is satisfied in the presence of natural surroundings). Let us maintain awareness in our travels so future generations can also share in this enjoyment. Take Only Pictures... Leave only Footprints.