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<\/p>\nCosta Rica’s genuine effort to protect the environment has finally paid off! Earlier this year they were officially recognized as a carbon neutral country -an undertaking that required, and will forever require, the involvement of every segment of Costa Rica’s society. Hence, it comes as no surprise that Costa Rica’s Tourism industry has an on-going program to ensure sustainable tourism, and keep them in the enviable position of being carbon neutral- a pledge that very few countries have made, and are still racing to get to. Tourism is Costa Rica\u2019s number one industry, so it is exceedingly important that a strong example be set by those businesses who are the \u201cface\u201d of the country, the ambassadors to the rest of the world.<\/p>\n
The Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) is a program developed in Costa Rica for tourism businesses to comply with the country’s model of Sustainable Tourism. Any business associated with the tourism industry in Costa Rica can participate in the program. The CST program categorizes all tour operators and businesses in the tourism industry according to their commitment to a sustainable practice of tourism through their everyday operations and awards them on their accomplishments on a scale from 0 to 5.<\/p>\n
When CST level 1 is achieved, it basically means that the company has jumped on the wagon for sustainable tourism development. As the company moves through the various stages of CST certification, they become more and more \u201csustainable\u201d in the program\u2019s view.<\/p>\n
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The next components to CST sustainable tourism in Costa Rica are:<\/p>\n
Physical-Biological Parameters \u2013<\/strong> How does the company interact and live in harmony with the surrounding natural habitat? The CST program looks toward how the business as a whole interacts with the surrounding environment, and how it employs policies and programs to protect that environment wherever possible.<\/p>\n Infrastructure and Services \u2013<\/strong> What are the management policies and operation systems in the company\u2019s infrastructure? Do they keep the environment at the forefront? This aspect of the CST addresses things like waste management, water and electricity conservation, and other areas pertaining to day-to-day operations that may negatively impact the environment.<\/p>\n External Clients \u2013<\/strong> Does the company\u2019s policies and procedures invite its customers to participate in and contribute to its sustainability? This piece of the puzzle asks businesses to involve their customer in the cause, instilling a sense of pride among the people who support Costa Rica with their tourist dollars.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.therealdealtours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/sustainable_tourism_in_costa_rica3-300x203.jpg\")
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Your role as a tourist in Costa Rica is easy: only choose companies carrying the “leaf” logo for your activities and lodging. (You can