Since five months now the community of Carate meets regularly for working together in sustainable community projects. Our mission is developing sustainability in the area by educating the local people and additionally developing projects
for a bettering of the environmental, economical and social conditions
The idea started when we realized that many products for our lodge which we now buy in Puerto Jiménez and transport to the lodge expensively can be produced on the spot as well; a realization of this idea can result in new local businesses
and a support of the people.
One of our best examples is the chicken eggs. During the high season our lodge consumes around 100 eggs a day; an average of 700 eggs per week – transported all the way from Puerto Jimenez to Carate; many eggs arrive shaken or even
broken due to the bumpy road conditions.
We are in the process of assuming responsibility for two local projects developing small chicken farms; these projects improve the economic situation of the families and thus the living conditions of our neighbors.
The ´egg example´ of our lodge is only the beginning on our way to a sustainable community. The needs of other hotels in the area can increase the demand for eggs and also the benefits for the community.
Our vision is being an exemplary community not only on a local but also on a national and International level; an active community that constantly develops new projects which in return can be inspiring for other communities to follow our example
Thanks to the unconditional support of the community members and hotel owners; we are educating the community about the importance of a sustainable life in an economical and social sense as well as in harmony with the nature.
Some of our sustainable success stories in just five months of activity in 2009:
- Map of the community between Corcovado National Park and Rio Piro
- Local census
- Inscription of Carate Beach in the Blue Flag Program
- Monitoring campaign of the Martine Turtle nests
- Installation of a new sign for Carate Jungle Lodge
- Marine Turtle Festival 2009
Tags: carate, ecology practice, Ecotourism, sustainnable practice