Sustainable Activities
Butterfly Gardening
Costa Rica provides a habitat for approximately 543 species of
butterflies. Many of these species are endangered or threatened
as tropical forests are destroyed and the use of insecticides
and herbicides increase.
The butterfly garden at the La Catarata lodge was created to educate
the community and general public about the importance of conserving
the diversity of butterfly species.
The garden was developed as part of a plan to attract tourists
to the La Catarata lodge and generate income as a supplier of
butterflies specimens for scientific research in the North America
and Europe.
The supplying of butterflies specimens is a major industry that
has taken off since the 1970's. There are dozens of exhibits each
year in North America and Europe.
Paca Conservation Project
They are shy but tenacious. Because of their refusal to leave
their territory, the agouti paca is threatened as there habitat
disappears.
An important source of protein for a number of rural and indigenous
communities, pacas are often over hunted since their meat is considered
a superior wild game meat in Costa Rica.
The
Paca Conservation Project at La Catarata lodge primary role is
contribute to the growing knowledge of the best practices for
the successful reproduction of pacas in captivity. It's objective
is to educate the community about the importance of protecting
this species and reduce the pressure on the wild population.
Medicinal Plants
Some of the 500 medicinal plants found in Costa Rica are being
cultivated for market.
