It couldn’t get any damper or any greyer here in the UK this morning, so what better way to cheer ourselves up than visiting Costa Rica´s Southern Pacific region. So read on if you want to experience bountiful nature and the vibrant shades of green that provide a welcome boost of fresh air and rejuvenation. And then if you’re really hooked, why not visit www.sustainabletrip.org and start planning your next holiday…
Posts Tagged ‘Costa Rica’
Costa Rica, eco-systems and the Rainforest Alliance
13/01/2011Journalist Susan Cahill recently visited Costa Rica to record a documentary on sustainability for Irish radio station, Newstalk 106-108 fm. Here she interviews Rainforest Alliance’s Jessica Webb on eco-systems in Costa Rica and the work of the organisation. To listen to the full interview, click here: Interview with Rainforest Alliance’s Jessica Webb
It’s a long way from serving burgers. McDonald’s Katie Holmes sees the benefits of Rainforest Alliance certification.
28/09/2010Twenty-eight year old Bradford resident and Huddersfield McDonald’s employee, Katie Holmes has recently returned 
from a visit to a ground-breaking conservation project in Costa Rica. While there she experienced first-hand the positive impact coffee bean farming is having on the environment and local community, with visits to farms that are accredited with Rainforest Alliance certification.
The week-long expedition was run by international environmental charity Earthwatch, which works worldwide to engage people in hands-on, scientific field research, educating them about the need to understand and conserve wildlife and ecosystems for future generations. The trip saw Katie hiking up to five miles a day through coffee plantations to help the project scientists research environmentally friendly farming practices. From deploying insect traps deep in the forest, to meeting with the local farmers, Katie was given the ultimate opportunity to get up close and personal with a host of rainforest species and the local community.
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Katie helped local conservation teams with their research by taking samples to monitor pollination levels and biodiversity. The research will help farmers to use more biological ingredients in their fertilisers, helping to prevent soil erosion and improving the quality of life for the whole community by prolonging the life expectancy of their farms by 10 years.
Sharing her experiences, Katie said: “The trip was absolutely amazing and gave me a great insight into the Rainforest Alliance and the work that they do. Normally you would think only the most senior figures in a company would be given the chance to go on a trip like this, so for McDonald’s to give our group the chance to see the coffee bean farming firsthand was a great privilege. Before I went on the trip I didn’t realise how important the Rainforest Alliance certification was and what it meant for farmers, so it really helped me understand the benefit it brings to them and their local communities. I think it’s great McDonald’s supports such an important initiative.”
Now safely back from her rainforest adventure Katie is keen to share her experiences with her fellow colleagues by showing them her pictures and passing on her newfound knowledge.
Katie said, “I think it’s really important that my colleagues understand what a positive impact every cup of coffee they serve is having on the environment too. The Costa Ricans are so proud of the work they do – coffee is their way of life – and I have great respect for them. At work we are continually encouraged to think about our impact on the environment… I make a concerted effort to try to recycle everything now and am encouraging my team to do the same.”
