Implementing measurements for developing and improving environmental, socio-cultural
and economic aspects at La Leona on the way to a sustainable management of
the lodge

Biodegradable cleaning products: All departments use biodegradable
cleansers, detergents, degreasers and soaps. We promote the use of Costa Rican
products. Dispensers are installed for reducing waste of small size packaging.

Renewable construction materials: We use non-native certified
Melina and Teak wood. For recent construction of new tents as others areas
of the hotel, we mainly use bamboo material as a new alternative of a constructions
materials. We acquired this idea from a local project located in Canaza. All
tents are made of dark green colored material harmonizing with the color of
the surrounding rainforest.

Code of conduct: We signed the ‘Code of Conduct for the Protection
of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism’ initiated by the
World Tourism Organization (WTO).

Community work: We regularly support projects in the nearby
communities. The building of the Rio Oro School for example was painted by
a volunteer group of international students as part of our sustainability program.
We participate in beach clean ups and in local activities for raising funds
for the community. Lately we organized movie events at the local pulpería in
Carate as an initiative for new cultural activities.

Workshops and trainings: We support the participation of
our employees in different workshops offered in the area; at the lodge we regularly
organize training activities about sustainable practices.

Local culture and traditions: We offer guided tours to the
local gold digger community in Carate; during this tour our guests receive
information about the history of gold digging on the Osa Peninsula and its
traditional handicraft methods.

Conservation and protection: We preserve more than 36 hectares
of tropical rainforest. Our guides are trained for explaining to our guests
the different ecosystems of the area as well as consequences of introducing
non-native species.

Implemented guidelines: The employees of every department
receive trainings about practicing an economical use of water and energy.

General practice: Glass, aluminum, and plastic waste are
separated in all departments. The waste is brought to the recycling center
in Puerto Jimenez and a local family that makes a living from recycling.

Support of conservation programs and projects: We support
ASCONA, a local conservation organization which is actively involved in environmental
education and the preservation of the natural resources of the Osa Peninsula.
Additionally we support the Wildcats Conservation Program and the Blue Flag
Program.

Recycling paper: We only use recycled paper in our office
and at the front desk.

Sustainable community: Since several months we cooperate
with the community in various sustainable projects. Our idea of a sustainable
community is supporting local families for developing small projects which
then produce steady incomes.

Batteries: To date there are no recycling facilities for
batteries in Costa Rica; for handling this environmental problem we use kinetic
flashlights at the lodge which we also supply to our guests if required.

Solar Panels: We predominantly use solar panels for our energy
supply.

Use of natural light: The open air high roof restaurant,
bar and reception area allows natural air ventilation and the maximum utilization
of day light. The illumination of the lodge is reduced to a minimum at night;
for this reason nocturnal animals are not disturbed. In the tents and shared
bathrooms there are no electricity facilities.

Supplies and Guest transportation: We support the local community
by buying local products for the lodge. We promote the use of local bus transfers
from Puerto Jimenez to Carate as well as the service of local taxi drivers.
From Carate to the lodge all materials, food supplies and guests’ luggage are
transported with a horse kart on the beach. This is a soft means of transportation
for protecting the beach which seasonally is a turtle nesting area; heavy vehicles
are generally prohibited on Carate beach.

Laundry: All laundry of the hotel is washed with biodegradable
detergents and is dried naturally.

Ifigenia Garita Canet

Sustainability Coordinator

La Leona Ecolodge, Peninsula de Osa, Costa Rica

Tags: Ecotourism, sustainable practice

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