Sustainable tourism is a concept that embraces the entire tourism experience, including concern for economic, social and environmental issues, as well as attention to improving the experiences of tourists and attention to the needs of local communities. As you travel through the Pacific, there are many ways to give your trip an additional sustainable focus. Support the local economy by staying with locals, visit Utria National Park, travel by land and sea using transports and boats instead of flights, thus reducing your CO2 emissions. Or stay in one of the many ecolodges in the region, helping to conserve the flora and fauna, and the many sea turtle projects. Here are 3 options to make your visit more sustainable.
National Natural Park Utría is considered unique, offering a great variety of ecosystems, ranging from the coastline into the rainforest. It is considered one of the most biodiverse national parks, not only within Colombia but in the world. You can easily access the park from either Nuquí or Bahía Solano.
In the Natural Reserve 'El Almejal' there are ecolodges where you can stay, it's an unique place in this region with a strong focus on sustainability. In addition to managing a nature reserve, they also have projects to reduce plastic, conserve the sea turtle population and other social projects in the region.
Conserving and protecting the sea turtle population in the Pacific, is something that is done by a couple of ecolodges in the region. By staying at one of these lodges, you do not only support these projects, but you will also be able to program your visit during the liberation of the turtles into the sea. This unforgettable experience is possible during the months of September until November/December.
Isla Gorgona is part of one of the 59 protected areas of the Colombian PNN (National Natural Park) system. The park is made up of two islands (Gorgona and Gorgonilla). The island is of vital importance since it is part of the "Marine Corridor of the Eastern Tropical Pacific”. With your visit to Gorgona, you will help with the conservation of the diversity of the ecosystems in the region.
