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destinations are in areas where the natural environment is relatively untouched, it is important for a business to adhere to strict conservation guidelines. At the bare minimum, an ecofriendly business should participate in recycling programs, effectively manage their wastewater and pollutants, implement alternative energy systems, use natural illumination whenever possible and maintain pesticide-free grounds using only native plants. When it is possible, a business should also participate in environmental conservation programs as well as be an active member of regional or local organizations that work on solving environmental problems.

The economics of an ecotourist destination is a major issue concerning tourists, local communities and developers as the misdistribution of economic benefits generated by a business can have harmful consequences on the sustainability of an area. This is especially important as tourists are increasingly interested in visiting the most undeveloped areas possible, which is a problem as the individuals living in these locales are relatively removed from the greater economy. An ecofriendly business can address these realities by hiring a majority of its employees from the local population, associating with locally owned businesses, providing places where native handicrafts can be displayed for sale, serving foods that support local markets and using local materials and products in order to maintain the health of the local economy.

The sociocultural aspect of ecotourism refers to the ability of a community to continue functioning without social disharmony as a result of its adaptation to an increased volume of tourists. Although tourism contributes to the loss of cultural integrity, it can also alleviate poverty and help maintain natural resources that might otherwise be exploited. An ecofriendly business can achieve these goals by fostering indigenous customs; protecting sites of historical, archaeological and/or spiritual importance; educating visitors about local customs and practices; regulating the tourist flow to indigenous areas; and, when possible, donating a portion of profits to the local community.

For a complete listings of businesses that meet our ‘eco’ stamp of approval, check out the GreenDex.

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Wildlife Conservation

If you’re interested in sea turtles or rehabilitating rescued animals, Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to get hands-on experience with wild animals. Whether you’re an aspiring veterinarian or just concerned with the plight of endangered species, there are some programs that can help you get a little closer to some of Mother Nature’s charismatic creatures.

CCC (www.cccturtle.org) Assist scientists with turtle-tagging and research on green and leatherback turtles.

Profelis (www.grafischer.com/profelis) A feline conservation program that takes care of confiscated wild cats, both big and small.

PREVENTING CHILD-SEX TOURISM IN COSTA RICA ECPAT/Beyond Borders

Tragically, the exploitation of local children by tourists is becoming more prevalent throughout Latin America, including Costa Rica. Various socioeconomic factors make children susceptible to sexual exploitation, and some tourists choose to take advantage of their vulnerable position.

Sexual exploitation has serious, lifelong effects on children. Sexual exploitation of children is a crime and a violation of human rights, and Costa Rica has laws against it. Many countries have enacted extraterritorial legislation that allows travelers to be charged as though the exploitation happened in their home country.

Travelers can help stop child-sex tourism by reporting it – it is important not to ignore suspicious behavior. Cybertipline (www.cybertipline.com) is a website where the sexual exploitation of children can be reported, you can also report it to local authorities, and if you know the nationality of the perpetrator, you can report it to their embassy.

Travelers interested in learning more about how to fight against the sexual exploitation of children