Osa Peninsula ecolodge, Costa Rica

We strive to conserve our natural resources and operate in a way that is sensitive to the local environment. The main lodge and guest cabins were constructed with sustainability in mind, taking advantage of natural light and ventilation, and complementing the natural environment. Lodge buildings cover less than 2% of the 65 hectare rainforest property and efforts were made to use recycled materials and naturally fallen or sustainably harvested wood. We have attempted to cause little to no disturbance to the natural landscaping to protect natural habitat. In addition, the lodge was built to be energy efficient, using solar power and an on-demand propane gas system for heating water. We have implemented sustainable practices which include water and energy consumption policies, a waste reduction plan, a responsible travel policy, social and economic policies to guide our everyday operations. We recognise that improvements can always be made, so we have set realistic conservation goals to guide our future efforts.

Staff responsible for guest orientations advise guests of our energy and water saving measures, and ask guests to use our biodegradable products (soaps and shampoos). Each guest room contains information about the lodge, local area, tours we offer and advice for how guests can practice ‘responsible tourism’ and reduce their damage to the local environment. Guides undertake a ‘pre-trip briefing’ before tours to inform guests on how to avoid causing damage to the natural area they are visiting. Guides inform guests about local conservation issues, how we minimise our impact on the Gulf Dulce (i.e. not supporting harmful fishing practices, using 'cleaner' 4-stroke engines for our boats) and explain the history of Piedras Blancas and Corcovado National Parks. They also talk about efforts to conserve a biological corridor for the Osa Peninsula (between the two parks).

We are working with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) for a Certificate in Sustainable Tourism. We will also be supporting organisations such as the Rainforest Alliance to promote responsible tourism.

We get most of our food from our organic farm or local farmers and fisherman, which largely cuts out the need for packaging (food is transported in coolers and in re-usable bags made from rice sacks). We separate and compost all organic matter to be used for fertiliser in our gardens. All employees are trained to separate waste into organic, inorganic, and paper or glass. All glass is recycled and we do not use plastic drinks bottles. We keep re-usable containers for storing juices, sauces etc.

An energy efficiency 'code' ensures overall energy consumption is minimised, meaning that we can operate using renewable energy without use of back up electricity. Where back up is required, a diesel generator is used (typically limited to a few hours every 3 days).

We believe it is extremely important to be actively involved in community development. One important community development program we are involved in is Women of the Osa (WOO), which works to protect the Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce. A waste management and recycling program for the local area was recently implemented by WOO, working together with the local high school. Informal efforts we have been involved in include encouraging a local hunter to stop hunting by employing him at the lodge (as a guide & gardener), supporting an employee by sponsoring him to attend an English language school in San Jose, helping to sponsor the building of the first library in Puerto Jiminez, helping to sponsor a local child to attend a private bi-lingual school in Puerto Jiminez, and donating to a nearby local school (remote).

We make every effort to guarantee that all the products we use are legal, environmentally friendly and do not harm the community during their production or consumption. Many products and materials are taken from our own organic garden & farm and the products we purchase are from the local farming community, supporting economic development & reducing packaging and transportation. The following policies ensure that our purchasing power creates economic benefits and advantages for the local community and protects our natural resources.

No pesticides or herbicides are used on the lodge's gardens. Natural chili, garlic & onion solutions are used. All cosmetic and cleaning products are biodegradable, purchased through a national environmentally sound company (Bio-Land). We try to establish long-term relationships with suppliers so as to keep good business and to try to influence their packaging policies.

We make all of our own furniture to ensure that all wood used is from reforested trees, not primary rainforest. All products for sale in our artesian shop are made from environmentally and socially sound materials, and many are locally produced handicrafts.

The lodge pledges not to buy or sell any illegal or endangered natural products. We pledge to purchase local products wherever possible; food products, in particular, will be purchased locally (ie. Osa – Golfo Dulce area). Hardware supplies will be purchased locally where possible. Lodge t-shirts are printed by local businesses. The lodge will not support industries that are harmful to the local environment (e.g. shrimp where harvesting involves dredging; grouper which is endangered; marlin, which is endangered worldwide).