(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 24, 2009 ) COSTA RICA—Costa Rica’s Pacuare Lodge has established a reputation for its environmentally-friendly construction and management procedures. However, it is also very active in extending its positive influence into the outside community, as witnessed by its citation for Exemplary Tourism Practice by the World Tourism Organization. It recently purchased an additional 492 acres of rainforest to preserve it and is reforesting former pastureland. It brought in a group of scientists who studied the ecosystem and determined it was favorable for reintroducing howler monkeys, which has led to a new troop becoming established and having babies. It is also funding a study of jaguars in the jungle, bringing in one of the world’s top jaguar experts to photograph them and keep them viable.

The lodge has developed educational materials and an environmental education program which has been presented at six schools in surrounding communities to teach protection of the flora and fauna, conservation of water and energy and importance of recycling. The lodge’s guests are trained to respect wildlife and the sensitivities of local indigenous people. The staff also receives environmental training. The guides are trained in search and rescue, swift water rescue, first aid and knowledge of flora and fauna. The lodge has a full-time naturalist on staff.

Speaking of staff, all receive disability coverage, vacation, bonus, overtime and the lodge is an equal opportunity employer. All staff are locals – two of them are Cabecar Indians.
The lodge hires all local guides and laundry services and buys groceries in nearby towns. It improves and maintains the roads in the area, as well as the cable car over the river.

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Contact Information:
Pacuare Lodge
John Kloster
Tel: 814-602-5566
Email us


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