Cuzco Youth Drop-in Centre “Inti Runakunaq Wasin”

Rampant deforestation in the 20th century left Costa Rican farmers with infertile soil and terrible growing conditions. Recognizing the mistake of this deforestation, the government began implementing policies that encouraged conservation and the preservation of healthy ecosystems in the early 1970s. Later, during the late 80s and early 90s, Costa Rica also promoted a national system of conservation areas, integrating national parks and other protected forests with the surrounding community. As a result, Costa Rica is now known as a global leader in sustainability. 

However, climate change threatens to derail the hard work done to encourage organic agriculture, create national parks, and promote ecotourism. There exists a need for grassroots organizations and companies, like Life Monteverde. Life Monteverde works to promote conservation and the preservation of natural resources and educate locals, students and international tourists about the need for sustainable practices. 

In 2009, San Miguel de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica was affected by a massive earthquake. The collapse of the main road left this community with no access to services or customers for several years. As a result, they were unable to access the opportunities that other regions were receiving from the growth of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. In 2011, the CoopeSarapiqui cooperative established the Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour to try to find ways for the coffee producers to earn more money. While it was a good idea, in theory, they did not receive enough visitors to sustain the business and were at the point of shutting down when Planeterra began working with them to develop a sustainable enterprise.

Local families who live around Baracoa City in villages like Duaba, El Jamal, and Yumury have had their houses destroyed by multiple hurricanes resulting in the loss of most belongings. Economic opportunities that enable local families to remain living in their communities are desperately needed, that’s why they see tourism as an economic opportunity. They have developed family micro-enterprises related to tourism services such as a Cacao tour, restaurants, and handicrafts, preserving unique Cuban fauna. However, these micro-enterprises were in need of guidance to develop innovative experiences and access to customers to reach its full potential in order to achieve financial success. Families are also in need of guidance to avoid the negative impacts that tourism can generate, such as losing unique traditions and cultures. Tourism can be an excellent tool to protect natural and cultural resources and improve empowerment for local families if done correctly.