Policies of sustainability in the
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Since its creation, the reserve has carried out activities that go hand in hand with its main objective, the preservation of natural resources. For this reason, five different policies have been established.
The reserve's public area: Trails
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve has 4025 hectares of protected forest for conservation, 13km (3%) of which are open to the public. The following rules have been established on nine different trails in order to protect and conserve resources as well as to ensure the safety of the guests.
• No hunting or collecting plants or animals.
• No smoking.
• Each trail is clearly marked and leaving the trails is not allowed.
• The use of radios or recorders in the reserve is prohibited.
• Feeding the animals is prohibited.
• The use of flash or lasers in the reserve is prohibited.
• Loud music in vehicles in the parking area is prohibited.
• Revving up vehicles in the parking area of the hostel, La Casona, is prohibited.
Complementary service: Mountain Lodge
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve has complementary services for the visitor. Among them is the Rustic Lodge Monteverde with a capacity for 47 people. Certain guidelines are carried out for the maintenance and operation of the lodge.
• Only biodegradable cleaning product can be used.
• The lodge has gas water heating.
• Artificial lighting in public areas are motion sensor lights.
• The entire infrastructure of the reserve utilizes energy saving light bulbs.
• Toilets use only the necessary amount of water, avoiding waste.
• Bacteria is used for the treatment of septic tanks.
• Exclusive trashcans are used to separate waste.
• Consumption of liquor or drugs is prohibited.
• The use of the lodge for prostitution or immoral activities is prohibited.
• Facilities for disabled persons are available.
• An infirmary with basic tools for first aid treatment is available.
• Communication to promote saving energy and water resources.
Complimentary service: La Foresta Restaurant
In addition to using most of the applied policies in the lodge, other procedures related to gastronomy are also utilized.
• Fresh products from farmers in the area are used in the restaurant.
• No disposable materials such as glasses, plates and others are used in the restaurant.
• The stove, fryer, grill and oven are gas.
• Grease traps are used in the restaurant where kitchen wastewater flows through before entering the bacterial treatment.
• The use of chlorine is not permitted in the restaurant.
• There is a purchasing plan for products that allows the restaurant to collaborate with local producers.
Administrative area: Offices
The idea is to put into action certain procedures that will allow us to take full advantage and save resources.
• Paper is reused and recycled as much as possible.
• Personnel are urged to turn off the lights when they leave the office and when there is adequate natural light.
• Employees are persuaded against leaving equipment on when not in use.
Training and motivating personnel
Human resources are essential to achieve the proper functioning of the reserve. For this reason, the organization is also concerned with creating awareness about the importance of carrying out activities or practices that are sustainable and compatible with the environment; not only in the reserve but also expanding it to the personnel's personal and day to day life. Consequently, the reserve created a plan for training and motivating aimed at all personnel and extending to their families.
