Working Together for a Better Tomorrow

Rara Avis Rainforest Lodge and Reserve was founded in 1983 by Amos Bien as a model of ecotourism in Costa Rica, a movement that strives to develop the country’s economy and protect its natural resources. In some rural areas of Costa Rica, residents have transformed precious rainforest areas into farmland and cattle-grazing land. By establishing rainforest lodges and tourist attractions with low impact, locals receive employment, and land is not destroyed.

Over the last two decades the amount of protected land in Costa Rica has increased dramatically, in large part due to the efforts of individuals. In Costa Rica, national parks currently comprise 13% of the country’s land with another 12% of the country privately-owned and conserved (Compared to only 4% National Park land in the United States).

Not only do private, sustainable reserves protect valuable natural resources and help to alleviate rural poverty, they are also helping Costa Rica reach its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2020. These reserves preserve the number of trees and planting more, helping reduce the country’s carbon footprint. If ecotourism succeeds in Costa Rica, it could be a great example for the rest of the world for how to preserve resources and sustain the economy at the same time.