It's no secret that Costa Rica is home to 3% of the world's biodiversity. The waterfalls, beaches, volcanos, and rainforests are very real and alive, with opportunity for all to see and experience. At the same time this exposure leaves Costa Rica's ecosystems vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and destruction.
At E4 we understand that development is necessary for the growth and expansion of tourism, however we feel that there is a responsible way to develop areas with valuable natural resources. These natural resources serve two functions, a source of life for some and a source of beauty, entertainment, and excitement for others.
Take the example of a stunning waterfall located deep within the rainforest. Well, this might make an excellent tourist attraction, but at the same time this waterfall is part of a river originating from a mountain spring, providing clean, fresh water for the small village located in this particular part of the rainforest. ANY form of irresponsible tourism may result in damage to the water system for an entire community.
E4 believes that there is a solution to this dilemma affecting many parts of Costa Rica. In places where the natural resources double as tourist attractions, and in areas where people live and work in close proximity to these attractions, there must be efforts to conserve and protect the areas of interest. These efforts MUST include the participation of the local community as well. E4 believes that people living in areas affected by tourism are more likely to take responsibility for protecting the area they call home, if given the opportunity and resources to do so. This is the principle central to community based ecotourism: channel resources to areas where people can effectively use it to develop sustainable ecotourism.
E4 is determined to make a difference today rather than tomorrow. As a result we have developed products and services that minimize the impact that traditional tourism has on the environment. E4 Travel provides opportunities for volunteers to work with big cat and marine mammal projects. We also encourage tourists to use private transportation and chauffeur with an E4 guide. This serves to reduce the amount of fuel emissions due to the fact that the driver does not have to make a return trip each time you move from destination to destination.
E4 believes that ecology and conservation should be incorporated into the education system. Children need hands on experiences outside the classroom accompanied by interactive materials inside the classroom to effectively teach the importance, urgency, and responsibility associated with ecological efforts. For this reason E4 works to bring the education of ecology to the classroom through guest speakers, donations of materials, and volunteer efforts.
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Contact an E4 Representative for more information about this initiative.
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. Call Toll Free from the U.S. & Canada
1 877 589 0561
. Local in Costa Rica or International (charges apply)
+506 344 2677
