As seen on the Ecology Global Network
Activism
& Volunteerism
By
Betsy
Crowfoot, January 4, 2012
Overtly aware of the many Crayola-colored poisonous frogs
crouched in the corners of the shed, I hopped on one foot trying on rubber
boots until I finally found a pair that fit. The size of a thumbnail, these
tiny creatures are actually only toxic if you ingest them, and I was not into
kissing any frogs that day. But I could have: the dendrobatids were just
adorable – and rare, as they’re critically endangered due to habitat loss and
pollution.
EcoTourism
Pioneer
The mere presence of these
rainbow-splashed amphibians at Costa Rica’s Selva Verde Lodge testified to the measures this
award-winning establishment has undertaken to protect and maintain this fragile
ecosystem over the past three decades. Deep in the lowland rainforest two hours
north of the capitol city of San Jose, Selva Verde Lodge is a true pioneer in
the ecotourism business.
At the time the lodge was founded, Costa Rica’s entire
Atlantic coast to central valley was a sweeping expanse of rainforest. Now just
a smattering of farms, reserves and plantations remain, supplying the needed
swathes of natural habitat that allow wildlife to migrate and maintain optimal
biodiversity.
Selva Verde oversees a vital part of
the San Juan–La Selva Biological Corridor,
and we had the opportunity to explore a portion of it on a naturalist-led hike
when we arrived. Donning thick rubber boots (to protect us from stinging and
biting creatures), we breathed in the fresh jungle air as we trekked over
suspension bridges, along a rushing stream, and beneath the sigh of the canopy.
Our guide pointed out the unique characteristics of nearly every living thing,
and how it thrived amidst the roughly 500-acre Preservation Area.
Sustainability
Primary to Selva Verde’s sustainability goal is maintaining
a vibrant future, not only for the wildlife, but also for the people of the
Sarapiqui region, so their programs incorporate adventures and education for
visitors. Guests can enjoy the lowland jungle via horseback or zip line; raft
the tumbling Sarapiqui River; or hike through a cacao plantation as we did –
and make hot chocolate from scratch. In addition, resident naturalists are on
site to lead talks on traditional curative uses of rainforest flora,
conservation projects or wildlife.
And
wildlife abounds, from the miniscule poisonous frogs (and other non-toxic
species) to monkeys, vipers and ants the size of walnuts. Relaxing at the pool,
I stirred at the sound of a peculiar ‘Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!’ overhead and
realized it was the awkward flight of the Toucan. Nearby, giant iguanas leapt
from tree to tree. Selva Verde Lodge boasts refuge to ‘300-plus species of
birds, 120 species of mammals, numerous amphibians and reptiles, and countless
invertebrates’ all told.
The resort proves a tranquil destination for all ages and
abilities. Accommodations are clustered in understated wooden structures
connected by a series of covered walkways (which are peppered with giant water
dispensers – to eliminate the use of plastic bottles). Wrap-around balconies
hung with colorful hammocks allow for relaxing days; oversized screened windows
let the cool air in at night – along with the boisterous calls of marauding
howler monkeys.
Selva
Verde was awarded Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) for
the implementation of water conservation and wastewater management systems,
energy conservation, the use of biodegradable laundry and cleaning products and
maintaining the grounds without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or
herbicides. The lodge also controls excessive noise and light pollution to
limit the effects on wildlife and the environment.
Rooms
in the River Lodge include meals; private bungalows are also available. If you
are flying within Costa Rica, consider Nature Air – “the world’s
first 100 percent carbon neutral airline.”
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