World Environment Day 2007

Our generation is the first to recognize the crisis of global warming and mass extinctions, so we have a special responsibility to act.  But as we think about all the environmental problems facing us and our children, the task before us can seem daunting.  Therefore I would like to focus on one simple idea: the nature tourism industry needs to step up and help stop the destruction of the environment in its backyard.

In places like Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica the marketing of wild rainforests and pristine jungle-lined beaches is at an all time high.  Tourism businesses absolutely depend on these assets in order to sell hotel rooms and nature tours.  And while we may think it is sad to see the forests being destroyed, it is not enough to see this problem in purely emotional or philanthropic terms.  This is a business problem and tourism businesses must invest in solving it.  Tourism businesses in Costa Rica spend thousands of dollars on marketing the country as a natural paradise, yet they are putting almost no money in guaranteeing the protection of Costa Rica's forests and beaches.  However, if Costa Rica's forests are to be protected, the "users" of those forests need to help pay for their protection.  That is the only truly sustainable solution to the problem of environmental destruction. 

If you own a tourism business or property in Costa Rica, I invite you today to join with other tourism business owners who are supporting the Fund for Costa Rica.  Illegal developers have a lot of money at their disposal, and we need your help to stop them.  Invest in your business and the future of your industry.  Please support the Fund for Costa Rica.  You can click on the PayPal button above or email us at monotiti@racsa.co.cr.  Thanks.  Matt