Promote EcoTourism in Rural Areas | Overview
Promote EcoTourism in Rural Areas
Description and Impact
ProWorld’s Eco-Tourism project is based in a small community located 35km from the city of Quepos, on the Central Pacific coast.
The land on which the property rests was formerly a banana plantation belonging to the United Fruit Company. In 1955, 700 hectares of banana plantations were destroyed when the Rio Savegre flooded. Between 1955 and 1972, the United Fruit Company rented out the land.
Though they had no legal claim to the land, the local farm workers were devoted to the region, occupying the land and farming it. After much deliberation, the government subsequently sold the land to the local farm workers, who set up the cooperative as an ecotourism project. Forty-two families registered as official associates of the cooperative, living and working together for a common cause, and the project was subsequently founded in February 1973.
Since then, the cooperative has grown significantly, with over 80 families (approx. 500 people) benefiting from services such as schooling for all ages, a supermarket and café, offices, and various agricultural and eco-conservation projects. In 1996, the eco-tourism business was launched with the construction of forest trails and a lodge, consisting of 10 cabins, a restaurant, and bar. They have also established an animal rescue center that provides rehabilitation services for abandoned, mistreated, and injured animals from the South Pacific region of Costa Rica.
The land on which the property rests was formerly a banana plantation belonging to the United Fruit Company. In 1955, 700 hectares of banana plantations were destroyed when the Rio Savegre flooded. Between 1955 and 1972, the United Fruit Company rented out the land.
Though they had no legal claim to the land, the local farm workers were devoted to the region, occupying the land and farming it. After much deliberation, the government subsequently sold the land to the local farm workers, who set up the cooperative as an ecotourism project. Forty-two families registered as official associates of the cooperative, living and working together for a common cause, and the project was subsequently founded in February 1973.
Since then, the cooperative has grown significantly, with over 80 families (approx. 500 people) benefiting from services such as schooling for all ages, a supermarket and café, offices, and various agricultural and eco-conservation projects. In 1996, the eco-tourism business was launched with the construction of forest trails and a lodge, consisting of 10 cabins, a restaurant, and bar. They have also established an animal rescue center that provides rehabilitation services for abandoned, mistreated, and injured animals from the South Pacific region of Costa Rica.
- What is the need? Tourism is one of the largest industries in Costa Rica. Tourists from around the world are drawn to the breathtaking ecological beauty of the country. Yet, it is Costa Rica’s flora and fauna that are most at risk from the influx of travellers. ProWorld’s eco-conservation partner offers a sustainable eco-tourism experience that strives to protect the very flora and fauna that makes Costa Rica unique. The cooperative members hope to both continue their way of life and to promote sustainable living among all visitors.
- What is the overall goal of the project? The cooperative welcomes visitors and volunteers to experience a full, rich rural life, and also explore unspoiled natural areas. Community-based eco-tourism is a very important source of economic growth for subsistence farming communities. It provides incentives for landowners to protect native flora and fauna and educates the community regarding the natural wonders of their region. The agro-tourism model volunteers to participate in farming projects; together, local community members and volunteers, join efforts to develop existing projects and expand education on rural Costa Rica.
What's Included
- Homestay with a carefully-screened Costa Rican family
- Daily meals
- Health and travel insurance
- On-site transportation and airport pickup
- Project funding and support
- Cultural and adventure excursions
- 24-hour support from ProWorld Costa Rica staff
- Access to Cabana ProWorld Costa Rica – Wireless Internet, Unlimited Filtered Water
