CERTIFICATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Every two years the Costa Rican Tourism Board encourages tour outfitters to apply for the renowned Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (CST) and depending on our adherence to go a set of rigorous ecological practices, we can be awarded between 1 to 5 stars or "leaves."

As a company, we have established many ecologically-minded policies for our tours and have worked hard to train our staff to abide by these policies. 

As part of the CST certification process, we have also had to inform our providers in writing about our Mission, Vision and policies regarding a plethora of other Costa Rican laws that:

1) Prohibit sexual exploitation of children

2) Prohibit sexual harassment in employment and teaching

3) Prohibit the Consumption of illegal substances - Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Drugs of Unauthorized Use

4) Provide equal opportunity for people with disabilities

5) Provide equal opportunity for Hiring of Suppliers

6) Regulate Waste Management and the issue of environmental quality and environmental contraindications of products or supplies

7) Protect Archaeological Heritage

It is important for us to evaluate periodically, during inspections that we are adequately carrying out the sustainable tourism management policies that we develop.

Desafio Adventure Company has developed an Emergency and Evacuation plan (with safety and first aid equipment required), which is known to all of our staff involved.

We are also committed to only operating and promoting tours that have a minimal environmental impact.

In addition, we have implemented various other programs, such as

1. Water and Energy Conservation at our office and restaurant.

2. Use of sustainable cleaning agents.

3. Management of solid and liquid waste.

4. Consistent participation in Recycling campaigns.

5. Support of cultural and social development in surrounding communities.

6. Compensation of Carbon emissions and their derivatives (we are a certified Carbon Neutral Company 2012).

More information about the problem of commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents:

The commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents is a recognized problem in the world and also in Costa Rica. It is considered a violation of the fundamental human rights of children and adolescents and is a form of sexual abuse and a modern form of slavery.

The ECPAT International (2000) and UNWTO created the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism to include the Convention on the Rights of the Child and is at the essence of the sustainable tourism model promoted by Costa Rica.

We support this initiative, recognized and supported internationally
and have developed social responsibility projects in protection of the rights of children.

We comply with the following 5 steps of the Code of Conduct:

1) We have zero tolerance policy for child explotation.
2) We have trained our employees at all levels about our policies.

3) We have insert a clause about our Code of Conduct in our contracts with suppliers
4) We have undergone the Tourism Declaration for Costa Rica tour operators and submit an annual report reflecting the degree of compliance with the commitments.

5) We have placed signs regarding our adherence to the Code of Conduct in visible places for clients and suppliers.
 

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