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| Entrance to La Catarata |
As students with a shared interest in environmental sustainability, it
was a great experience to stay at La Catarata Ecolodge during our time in La
Fortuna. Ecolodges are an ideal way for an environmentally conscious traveler
to comfortably travel; ecolodges encourage responsible travel through various
on-site conservation practices and by supporting local communities. In addition to promoting sustainable living and development within their site,
ecolodges also promote sustainable development within the communities they reside economically, culturally, and environmentally. La Catarata has a prime
location within La Fortuna, a reasonable distance away from the bustle of the
main road, and set underneath the spectacular backdrop of the appreciable
Arenal Volcano. The ambiance of La Catarata is rather unassuming, with an
intimate rustic, tranquil, family-style feel, very
reminiscent of what I can imagine were the simpler days in the countryside of
Costa Rica. The “family feel,” of La Catarata is not just an impression, but a
reality. As it turns out, the owner of La Catarata is the daughter of Cristina,
who actually operates a medicinal farm, (that we also visited), only a few minutes away. Without a
doubt, La Catarata is not for the tourist looking for the contrived trimmings
of a grander, luxury eco-resort, but for someone wanting a rougher, more untouched experience of what is Costa Rica in its purity.
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| Entryway to a room at La Catarata. Labor and construction materials were locally sourced. |
For over ten years, the owners of La Catarata have been committed to the
nearby community, knowing that no true conservation can be done without taking
the local community into consideration; the key element in providing
sustainable development is through utilizing the resources found within the
local community. Using local resources promotes self-reliance not only through bolstering
the local economy, but by also eliminating the need for external outputs. Ecolodges
believe in buying local and hiring local; they promote community development
through providing local jobs, buying local food, promoting local Tico-owned
tours, and purchasing local materials for use in on-site construction. Hiring
staff from the local or outlying communities not only improves the wellbeing of
the community and environment, but also gives the establishment a more authentic
feel. In addition, providing locals with the opportunity to make an income
through working in their establishment is beneficial to local residents that
may otherwise feel the need to resort to environmentally damaging activities to
earn a living. The staff at La Catarata are all local residents and are paid
more than the local minimum wage. In addition, the ingredients used in the food
served at La Catarata, which is typical Costa Rican fare, all comes from local
farms and markets.
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| The owner of La Fortuna discussing the history and goals of La Fortuna to us in her restaurant. Behind her is a wall of brochures advertising local tours. |
Ecolodges promote guest exploration of the natural
area in order to promote a greater appreciation of the land and the
biodiversity that it houses. Being located within the rich and fertile volcanic
soil of the Arenal Volcano, as well as lush jungles of La Fortuna, gives La
Catarata the privilege of being a wildlife corridor for the vast array of
species endemic within the region. This gives guests the unique experience and
opportunity to explore an abundance of local Costa Rican biodiversity. Forming direct or indirect relations with local ecolodges
promotes both establishments and is helpful to guests that may have little to
no knowledge of the local region; creates an alternative income stream for many that start up or work for an eco-tour establishment. In addition, La Catarata helps advertises and schedules booking for guests that want to explore some of the local attractions. The most
sought after recreational pursuits for tourists are the hanging bridges tour,
taking a boat safari on the River Penas Blancas, kayaking down Arenal Lake, and
of course, getting a closer view of the Arenal Volcano. La Catarata has a few animals
that they have rescued habituated on-site, though in rather small corridors. And of course, for the more adventurous tourist,
independent exploration is also an option!
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| Bins for the recycling of "paper" and "plastic," placed in the restaurant. |
Ecolodges strive to have as little environmental impact as possible,
both in the building and in the operating of the lodge. The design of the
ecolodge is very important; the design should flow, not compete, with natural
surroundings in order to not disturb the local species. We saw that instead of
building a fence to surround La Catarata, they planted native trees that
accomplished the same purpose, did not disrupt the local habitat, and served as
a resting area for birds. In terms of site construction, usage of wood should
be avoided as much as possible. In addition, various environmental practices
are followed onsite. In terms of energy, many lodges try to take advantage of
long-term cost savings and environmental benefits that alternative energy
sources provide. La Catarata has a solar cooker that is used to heat food.
There is also a water heater tank installed on top of one the lodges. In addition, ecolodges promote the proper handling and disposal of solid waste. Although
very minimal amounts of paper and plastic are used on site, waste is recycled
and there are large, attractive bins placed in convenient locations around the
site so that guests can partake in this initiative.
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| La Catarata's vision statement. |
As an environmental science student, I believe in the transforming power
of education, as a lack of encouraging and providing education on conservation and sustainability can cause sustainable tourism within Costa Rica to falter in future generations. Even the most rudimentary environmental education can convert an ordinary
citizen into a global citizen, one with the desire to lead a more
environmentally conscious and passionate lifestyle. Without a doubt,
environmental education, whether formal or informal, basic or thorough,
provides individuals with the knowledge and desire to make decisions that
improve lives and encourage respect for the natural world along with its
resources. Along with on-site conservation, providing environmental education
to children is another important aspect of La Catarata’s commitment to
sustainability. Over
the years, La Catarata has supported environmental education in local
elementary schools. However, La Catarata promotes environmental
education within their establishment as well. They are very open with the
tourists about the different ways that they try to operate sustainably, which can perhaps inspire guests to make more environmentally conscious decisions within their own lives. The
placement of the solar cooker within the cabinas, as well as the attractive
composting and garbage bins sparks curiousity amongst La Catarata guests who
ask about their purpose.
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| La Catarata's mission statement to offer personalized service to people of all nationalities. |
As a whole,
ecotourism is one of the most dynamic segments of the international travel
industry. Ecotourism not only conserves the environment but it also improves
the well-being of the local people. Ecolodges reflect some of the main
principles of ecotourism as they generate a variety of social and economic
impacts within the communities that they reside. La Catarata displayed many of
the aspects of a functioning ecolodge by: using environmentally-friendly
energy, water, and waste systems, purchasing food from local farmers, offering
a natural setting that respects that habitats that it is residing within, and
offering opportunities for open interaction within owners, guests, and the
local area. From the moment I arrived I was impressed. Modest cabinas resided
within indigenous foliage. The building materials derived from local and
recyclable components. Upon entering my room I was gently reminded to use water
responsibly. Overall, La Catarata, like similar ecolodges in its wake, strives
to ensure that every guest is left with a delightful memory of the charming
atmosphere of the lodge as well as warm hospitality and seamless service. Ecolodges
prove that you do not have to sacrifice your standards of environmental
consciousness while traveling, which is increasingly more important as the rate
of tourism is steadily rising. Being a more responsible traveler can help
ensure that Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity is preserved in perpetuity.
AUTHOR: Heather Haj
