Costa Rica is considered one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. With its stunning natural beauty, it’s no surprise that tourism has become a significant industry in the country.
However, with increased tourism comes the risk of environmental degradation and harm to local communities. In this article, we will explore whether or not Costa Rica is practicing sustainable tourism.
What is Sustainable Tourism?
Sustainable tourism refers to a type of tourism that takes into account environmental and social impacts. It aims to minimize negative impacts while maximizing positive ones. Sustainable tourism promotes responsible travel, which means travelers are encouraged to be mindful of their impact on the environment and local communities.
Costa Rica’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Costa Rica has become a pioneer in sustainable tourism practices. In 1997, the country established the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program, which evaluates and certifies hotels and tour operators based on their sustainability practices. The CST program evaluates businesses based on four categories: physical-biological parameters, infrastructure and services, external clients, and socio-economic environment.
Physical-Biological Parameters
This category evaluates businesses’ impact on natural resources such as water usage, waste management, energy consumption, and biodiversity conservation efforts.
Infrastructure and Services
This category evaluates businesses’ infrastructure such as building design and maintenance as well as services provided to guests such as transportation options.
External Clients
This category evaluates businesses’ communication with guests regarding sustainability practices and their involvement with local communities.
Socio-Economic Environment
This category evaluates businesses’ impact on local communities in terms of creating employment opportunities, supporting local economies through sourcing products locally, and promoting cultural heritage preservation.
The CST program has been successful in promoting sustainable tourism practices in Costa Rica. As of 2020, over 400 businesses have been certified with the CST program.
Other Sustainable Tourism Initiatives in Costa Rica
Apart from the CST program, there are other sustainable tourism initiatives in Costa Rica. For example, the country has a goal to become carbon neutral by 2021.
This means that the country will offset its carbon emissions to achieve net-zero emissions. Additionally, the government has established protected areas such as national parks and wildlife reserves to preserve the country’s unique biodiversity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainable tourism is evident through its CST program and other sustainable tourism initiatives. The country’s efforts to promote responsible travel and minimize negative impacts on the environment and local communities make it a model for other countries to follow. As travelers, it is our responsibility to be mindful of our impact on the places we visit and choose sustainable tourism options whenever possible.