How Sustainable is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is all about EcoTourism and the “Pure Life...” but how sustainable is it... really?

It's been more than a decade since the World Tourism Organization (WTO) defined sustainable tourism as managing all resources in a way that economic and social needs are fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, and biological diversity.

Costa Rica has successfully marketed itself as a leader in going green and prides itself on its trailblazing efforts to set aside areas for conservation and establish a strong network of National Parks.

In addition, Costa Rica has a stable democratic government with no army, a pleasant year-round climate, and considered one of the happiest countries in the world.

We have one of the highest standards of living, the largest middle class, the best public health care system and public education through the university level, and the highest literacy rate in Latin America.

Plus, Costa Rica has been touted in the top-4 carbon neutral countries in the world and gets 98 percent of its electricity from renewables coming from mainly hydropower but also geothermal, wind, solar and biomass. The only fossil fuel we utilize is diesel.

Costa Rica’s ex-President Luis Guillermo Solis proclaimed “...it’s the constitutional right of the people to enjoy a clean environment.”

But many visitors question if it’s just green washing or a real, authentic part of Costa Rican culture to be environmentally conscious.

I’m happy to say, the younger generation in Costa Rica is truly embracing the concept of conservation and local schools and children regularly organize and participate in pro-environment activities.

In addition, the private sector in Costa Rica has also recognized the economic benefits of streamlining business practices and many have jumped on the sustainability bandwagon.

Costa Rica Inspirations was recently launched to spearhead a variety of volunteer and environmental education projects, as well as Active Wellness options.

The founder of Costa Rica Inspirations has a long history of organizing conservation activities such as river clean ups, school recycling programs and tree planting, as well as promoting socially and culturally-responsible tours.

We have also worked hard to get our workers, visitors and local community involved and engaged because we recognize that the full involvement of local communities in tourism not only benefits them and the environment, but also improves the quality of our tourism projects.

That’s why we invite clients to participate in the Costa Rica Inspirations Adopt a Tree program and plant trees with local youth along strategic biological corridors and rainforest areas.

Costa Rica Inspirations also has several tours that help clients get up close and personal with Costa Rican culture and ecological restoration programs such as our Costa Rican Traditions Cooking Class and Organic Farm Tours.

By partaking in activities like this, you’ll experience the authentic “Pure Life” of Costa Rica firsthand.