Scientific study confirms Long Run Destination Lapa Rios’ substantial contribution to local livelihoods and environmental conservation
Published this month in the ‘Journal of Ecotourism’, the study conducted by Stanford University concludes that Long Run Destination Lapa Rios fulfils the definitional promise of ecotourism and delivers social, economic and environmental benefits in the region. The study tested whether the Lapa Rios Eco-lodge of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica delivers on the pledges to promote responsible travel to natural areas, to make a positive contribution to environmental conservation, and to enhance the wellbeing of local communities.
Based on an interdisciplinary nested-scale analysis, combining on-the-ground interview methods with forest and land-use impact remote sensing analysis, the study confirms that Lapa Rios has made substantial contributions to both local livelihoods and environmental conservation, including the highest rates of reforestation of all areas studied in the Osa Peninsula.
