Eco-Tourism and Lapa Rios: Goals and Action

How does it help?

The continuous ongoing deforestation by locals of numerous dispersed areas of varying acerage is the greatest environmental threat to the Osa Peninsula. Lumber industry interests is the force behind the movement. Inadaquate controls, policing and funding guarantee it's continuation. Poaching of wild birds and animals, illegal hunting, pollution, disregard for ocean and river setbacks by developers and subdivision of real estate into smaller and smaller lots are all significant problems as well. Apathy, corruption, lack of education and awareness contribute to the problems.

With the enormity of the problem and it's root causes change is going to be gradual at best. While immediate action can delay or prevent some immediate consequences of specific situations education, conscience-raising and role modelling is the primary path chosen by Lapa Rios.

Lapa Rios is striving to be a model demonstration of responsible ecotourism by adherring to the following:

1. Utilizing tourism to acquire and protect endangered prime rain forest wilderness.
2. Educating and motivating guests into being actively aware of conservation and rain forest preservation.
3. Aiding and integrating with the local community for sustainable development.

Lapa Rios does the following:

• Lapa Rios is a private nature preserve protecting 1000 acres of lowland tropical rain forest and also acts as a buffer area for nearby 100,000 acre Corcovado National Park.
• Reports illegal logging and cutting activities to the local authorities and the press.
• Refuses to cut the rain forest canopy above roads adjacent to the reserve (contrary to local law) in order to preserve "monkey bridges." The government has backed down recognizing its value to the preserve.
• No caged animals or clipped birds.
• No live trees were cut for the construction.
• Access to the interior of the 1000 acre private reserve is by professional guide only.
• Volunteer reforestation program utilizing guests to plant native trees as a tour they can select.
• Hiring only local people from the immediate community with an emphasis on education and training.
• Building a school for the local community which offered no education previously to its children.
• Organizing local chamber of tourism with an emphasis on ecotourism.
• Utilizing local time-tested natural materials for the construction of the rooms and main lodge.
• Architectural design by international ecotourism design architect.
• All buildings and paths incorporate erosion control.
• Local guides to inform guests of local customs and cross cultural issues.
• On-site managed waste disposal and separation system.
• Helping initiate the area's first glass and plastic recycling system.
• Solar heated water.
• Minimized use of plastic and non-returnable containers.
• No carry-out purchases to eliminate litter.
• Program of student interns from other countries for in-service graduation requirements in tourism.
• Invitation of research groups and scientists for rain forest study.
• Planned education and research center for 8-10 persons with library, laboratory and dormitories.
• Distribution of literature to guests and others about global and local environmental topics.
• No pesticides nor herbicides are used except in the maintenance of the thatched roofs.
• Over 25,000 native "suita" palms have been planted for future thatch roof replacement.
• Hydropower will be considered with sufficient funds.
• Some typical dishes using locally grown food are on the restaurant menu.
• Lapa Rios is intentionally small with only 14 units for minimal impact on the environment.