Costa Rica Eco Lodge Pioneer

Eco Tourism at Selva Verde

When Selva Verde opened its doors in 1985, we were a pioneer in the business of ecotourism. Today we continue that tradition through our many efforts to ensure a sustainable future - for not only for Selva Verde, but also for the people and wildlife that call the Sarapiqui home.

Certificate of Sustainable Tourism: In an effort to minimize our impact on the environment, Selva Verde is proud to carry and support Costa Rica's Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST). As we look to the future, we continually strive to implement the CST standards of excellence. View Selva Verde's CST report card by visiting the CST Website.

The Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center: Founded in the 1990's by Giovanna Holbrook and Selva Verde Lodge, the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) was established to promote conservation education in the communities surrounding Selva Verde. Today the SCLC is a fully independent nonprofit working to achieve a sustainable future for the people and wildlife of the region. Funded in part by its ecotourism activities, the SCLC offers opportunities for cultural exchange between visitors and local people through activities and service projects. Click here to find out more about these activities.

Biodiversity Conservation:
When Giovanna Holbrook purchased the property that would become Selva Verde, the Sarapiqui region was largely covered in rainforest. Today Selva Verde is truly a rainforest refuge – one piece in the patchwork of rainforest habitat found in the region today. A healthy future for Selva Verde's rainforest depends on innovative approaches to conservation and tourism in the region.

Building Pathways for Wildlife: Selva Verde's 475 acres of rainforest provides critical habitat for rainforest wildlife – but it is not enough. We are actively working with our neighbors to connect Selva Verde to other rainforest reserves in the region. These crucial connections or “biological corridors” will allow rainforests species to move more freely – expanding their habitat and improving ecosystem health throughout the region. What to know more? Click here

Birds don't have Boundaries: Selva Verde is a well known hotspot for birds – for decades we've been delighting expert and non-birders alike with our amazing avifauna. Now we are proud to take birding beyond our borders and connect our visitors to the new Costa Rica Bird Route – an innovative tourism project designed to promote bird habitat conservation throughout the Sarapiqui. Want more information? Click here