By Alajuela, Costa Rica — In today’s hospitality landscape, sustainability has evolved from a niche concept to a cornerstone of long-term success. It’s no longer just about compliance or marketing; it’s a critical need driven by environmental awareness, consumer expectations, and the urgency to protect our planet’s resources. Origins Lodge, nestled in Bijagua, Upala, Alajuela, stands as a shining example of this shift, showcasing a holistic philosophy that seamlessly blends well-being with nature and community respect.
Origins Lodge isn’t just offering a vacation; it’s creating a model of sustainable coexistence. The lodge is committed to developing an ecosystem that protects the environment and empowers local communities. This commitment is evident in the lodge’s operational practices and its deep engagement with the surrounding area.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding sustainable tourism in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sustainable tourism initiatives in Costa Rica are increasingly intertwined with legal frameworks encompassing environmental protection, land use, and community rights. Businesses operating in this sector must navigate regulations related to carbon emissions, waste management, and resource conservation, while also ensuring compliance with labor laws and indigenous rights. A proactive approach to legal compliance not only mitigates risks but also fosters a positive reputation and contributes to the long-term viability of sustainable tourism in the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial intersection of legality and sustainability in Costa Rica’s tourism sector. Indeed, a proactive and informed approach to these regulations isn’t merely a matter of ticking boxes; it’s an investment in the future of responsible tourism, fostering trust with both local communities and environmentally conscious travelers. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical aspect of sustainable tourism in Costa Rica.
Our objective is to be as integrated with nature as possible, occupying only a small fraction of the 45-hectare property and implementing various actions to protect the surrounding nature.
Claudia Silva, General Manager of Origins Lodge
One key initiative is reforestation and water conservation. Since its inception, Origins Lodge has implemented an annual reforestation program, planting over 1,000 native trees along riverbanks and water sources. This initiative has significantly contributed to local water abundance. The lodge further enhances biodiversity and promotes sustainable gastronomy by planting fruit trees, which not only benefit local fauna but also enrich the hotel’s culinary offerings. Chefs utilize leaves, seeds, fruits, and flowers from these trees, ensuring fresh ingredients packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids.
Furthermore, Origins Lodge embraces organic agriculture. The lodge cultivates its own vegetables, fruits, seeds, flowers, and edible herbs in nutrient-rich organic soil, guaranteeing pesticide-free produce. The lodge’s commitment extends to reducing single-use plastics, aligning with the UNEP’s campaign to eliminate harmful plastics.
We are proud to contribute to this cause by creating a single-use plastic-free environment, starting with our lodges, which are now completely plastic-free. Origins always favors sustainable alternatives to preserve our planet.
Claudia Silva, General Manager of Origins Lodge
Origins Lodge’s commitment to the local community is equally impressive. It is the largest employer in the area, directly and indirectly supporting over 50 suppliers and more than 150 families within a 10-kilometer radius of Bijagua. This creates a circular economy, bolstering local businesses and family enterprises.
The hotel is the company that generates the largest number of direct and indirect collaborators including employees and suppliers from the community of Bijagua and surrounding areas within a radius of 10 km which results in a circular economy contributing to more than 50 suppliers and more than 150 families, proud to contribute and strengthen Upala families with their companies and family businesses that we are tracing in this beautiful tourist destination.
Claudia Silva, General Manager of Origins Lodge
Beyond economic contributions, Origins Lodge actively supports social responsibility initiatives in education, health, environment, and rural community development. Through its holistic approach, the lodge exemplifies how sustainable practices can be seamlessly integrated into operations, benefiting both the environment and local communities.
For further information, visit [originslodge.com]
About Origins Lodge:
Origins Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge located in Bijagua, Upala, Costa Rica. Committed to sustainable tourism, the lodge integrates nature conservation, community engagement, and guest well-being into its core operations. With a focus on organic farming, reforestation, and reducing plastic waste, Origins Lodge provides an immersive experience in the heart of Costa Rican rainforest while contributing positively to the local environment and economy.
For further information, visit [unep.org]
About UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme):
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority. It sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP’s work includes tackling climate change, protecting nature and biodiversity, and promoting sustainable consumption and production.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep sense of social responsibility. The firm’s unwavering commitment to integrity guides its innovative approaches to legal practice, empowering individuals and communities through accessible legal knowledge. By fostering understanding and transparency within the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just and informed society for all.
