Vol. 2, No. 10 October 2004

Sustainable Travel Report
The Responsible Tourism e-Newsletter

Message from STI Co-founder, Peter D. Krahenbuhl

Costa Rica’s Si Como No Resort and Spa has recently been recognized with a National Grand Prize for its harmony with nature, an award that creator Jim Damalas and his colleagues are proud of. Covering 60 acres, employing 122 people, and offering 60 accommodation units, the concept for the resort evolved from a farm reforestation effort back in 1974. Now Si Como No offers nature exhibits, a student dormitory, and interpretive hiking trails.

When asked about environmental design and construction efforts, Si Como No management describes structures that are blended into forest terraces, utilizing natural shade and rainwater run-off that flows into existing creeks, complete with connecting bridges to the rooms and common areas. In addition, bio-digesters, solar-powered water heating, natural gas, insulated doors, windows, and ceilings are utilized throughout the project to help reduce energy demands and maintain natural comfort for the hotel guests.

Meanwhile, hotel affiliates are involved in many conservation efforts, including co-founding the conservation organization ASCOMOTI (www.ascomoti.org), being involved with Costa Rica’s Certification of Sustainable Tourism (C.S.T.), 4 Green Leaves, and Green Hotels of Costa Rica. In addition, the Butterfly and Amphibian Tropical Gardens, including laboratory with biologist and student workshops, are an active part of their infrastructure and tourist attractions. The project also has a protected 30-acre refuge for their guests, students, and community to enjoy and learn about biodiversity and sustainable practices. Si Como No utilizes a compost program for all food preparation waste, and the hotel donates all glass, plastic and aluminum waste to a local women’s auxiliary, on top of re-cycling its beverage bottles.

Regarding employees and community involvement, the staff of Hotel Si Como No is 90% Costa Ricans and the Resident Manager has been living in Quepos for the last 15 years. Employees are involved in Sustainable projects at all levels. They incorporate re-cycling into community education programs, support employee Green Committee goals, gardening courses / nurseries, the nature refuge, Ascomoti and CST programs, and a children’s art program. Employee benefits include Management stock bonus incentives, medical and acupuncture doctors on site weekly, regular vacation cycles, some employee housing, constant hotel training programs, English courses, free eye clinics, and internal promotion opportunities. The Hotel also provides a monthly donation to ASCOMOTI ($600.00 plus guest donations), as well as all tour proceeds from their refuge.

To us, this sounds like a worthy destination to visit, so on your next trip to Costa Rica, be sure to indulge responsibly in the area’s finest, at Si Como No. And let us know what you think! For more information, visit STI's Eco-Directory or visit http://www.sicomono.com.

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