It is not surprising, given recent headlines, that the planet’s climate crisis is at the forefront of many people’s minds as they look to travel abroad this year. At the top of every list of Travel Trends for 2020, one prediction crops up time and time again: Sustainable Travel.
As the effects of climate change and ‘overtourism’ become increasingly visible, traveler’s attitudes to how and where they take their vacations are shifting. The realization of the impact that tourism has on local communities, and the environment that surrounds them, has highlighted the importance of the preservation of natural and cultural sites. More than ever, travelers are seeking advice on how to explore the world in all its beauty—while creating a positive and meaningful impact.
Costa Rica and Sustainability
In Costa Rica, a country that is home to nearly 5% of the world’s biodiversity, sustainable tourism, more specifically ‘ecotourism’, has long been a priority. With nearly 30% of land protected as a national park, wildlife refuge, or private reserve and numerous policies and programs conserving the environment, Costa Rica has emerged as one of the global leaders in sustainability.
However, ‘sustainability’ does not solely refer to the conservation of the natural world. Although preservation of the environment is a key principle of sustainable development, it also encompasses economic and social factors, which are all intrinsically linked. Since the abolishment of its army in 1948, Costa Rica has been able to invest the savings from defense spendings in education, healthcare, and environmental protection. Today, Costa Rican Sustainability Programs help businesses take a long-term perspective on maintaining the country’s resources, culture, and communities.
Traveling with Outward Bound Costa Rica
A course with Outward Bound Costa Rica is not your typical travel experience. The mission of the organization is to promote environmental, cultural, and personal growth in a natural setting. During our courses, students adhere to environmentally friendly practices and take home with them a greater appreciation of the natural world and its care. We continue to make a meaningful impact in local communities through service projects that increase access to education, improve infrastructure, and conserve wildlife. Course participants can explore off the beaten track while actively contributing to the support of communities along the way.
As Costa Rica continues to move toward carbon neutrality faster than any other country in the world, here at Outward Bound Costa Rica we strive to reflect this by weaving sustainability into everything that we do. If you are looking to travel responsibly while exploring some of the most beautiful locations the country has to offer, take a look at our 2020 courses.