Over 95% of the employees and management are from the Osa.
(Copy: planilla)

16.2 The hotel offers training to the local community to enhance their job performance at the hotel. Weight: 2 [ ] yes [ ] no

Ongoing daily training by General Manager and Food Manager.

The director of operations of Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality (management company) offers training to each department.
(Copy: staff trainings)

1-day each year San José consultants specializing in motivational activities offer a once-a-year training for all staff. The hotel is closed for this event.
(Copy: memo to staff)

INA staff trained the kitchen, restaurant and housekeeping departments.
(Copy: INA correspondence)

As a benefit to INA staff and community students, they are welcomed to a property visit once they have graduated from the Pto. Jiménez programs.
- Intercambio laboral within the hotel, to acquaint employees with other jobs within the project.
(Copy: intercambio laboral)

Complimentary 2-day training at another Costa Rican hotel for 12 staff members each year.
(Copy: fax CPL staff)

We request written reports after employees complete their training at other Costa Rican hotels.
(Copy: Hotel Irazú report—Eliodoro)

Two high school students train for 2 months each year on an internship program.

20% of staff members, with Lapa Rios cooperation, were trained in Red Cross Emergency training over a period of weeks. Two employees received the rank ‘advanced.’
(See Wilber, Danilo, Eduardo, etc.)

- Motivation and suggestions come from guest evaluations. They are collected and used for training purposes.
(Copy: comentarios de las evaluaciones- comidas y bebidas)

16.3 The hotel only uses national and/or community people to administrate and manage the hotel. Weight: 1 [ ] yes [ ] no

Only Costa Ricans are hired.

Ticos occupy the general manager, administrative manager and assistant manager positions. Assistant manager positions are filled by people from the Osa Peninsula.

Administration of Lapa Rios is done only from the Osa Peninsula; it has no support offices elsewhere.

16.4 The hotel contributes and supports the area’s human resources to complement its extended tourism business activities. Weight: 1 [ ] yes [ ] no

The local high school relies on Lapa Rios as a training location for several of their students each year.

Lapa Rios hire services from the local community such as: prepared foods (tamales, tortillas, etc.), taxi transfers and technical maintenance.

Lapa Rios buys great amounts of supplies in Pto. Jiménez, therefore helping the local community in terms of retail sales.

Lapa Rios has hosted and helped educate tourism university level students some for periods of up to 6 months.

Almost 10 area guides (non-staff members) offer high quality services for guests. These tours are not rain forest related but enhance the nature experience for the guests. Among these options: the turtle tour, kayaking, horse back riding, numerous boating and fishing options, etc.
(Copy: tours - various)

Lapa Rios pays the university tuition for Maikel Cedeño to become a CPA, with a specialty in tourism.

16.5 The hotel hires locally trained tourism operators and suppliers. Weight: 1 [ ] yes [ ] no

Lapa Rios is dedicated to hire and train only community members. This mission to hire locally is known in the region, and we try to raise service standards by training contracted, outside operators and suppliers to our guests’ level of expectations.
(Copy: guide biographies)

Several local students, upon finishing their practical experience in Lapa Rios and high school graduation, have become Lapa Rios employees.
(See: Luis, Johanna, Alexander Mesa)

INA-graduated students work in the restaurant.
(See: Annette, Geovany)

16.6 There are no illegal employees. No staff member is hired and offered sub-standard conditions. Weight: 2 [ ] yes [ ] no

Only nationals are hired. (Exception: The Food Manager has Costa Rican Resident status.)
(Copy: Katie’s residency)

All staff are full time employees, hired permanently. They all receive full benefits and many fringe benefits.
(Copy: planilla)

16.7 The job opportunities offered at the hotel do not create an undesirable situation for the local community. Weight: 2 [ ] yes [ ] no

Due to high unemployment in the Peninsula Lapa Rios creates jobs for the unskilled community lacking many options. Community members seek employment regardless if immediate jobs are open.
(See: file potential employees in PJM)

- Lapa Rios is looked upon as an environmental leader and is considered an economic benefit to the Osa Peninsula community. The ecolodge is one of the largest employers and purchasers in the region.
(See: regional BNCR president, Juan Carlos at the Pulperia Esquina, etc.)

Some examples of local companies or community organizations with whom Lapa Rios works:

• Horseback riding
• Turtle tour
• Kayaking tours.
• Flights with locally based charter flight service.
• Boat and fishing trips
• Surf lessons

All of this information is available at the tour desk, on the website in the brochure and in the rooms.
(See: tour board)

17.2 The hotel’s promotional material informs guests about charitable activities developed for the community. Weight: 1 [ ] yes [ ] no

Lapa Rios developed the La Asociación de Educación, a non-profit foundation responsible to build and maintain the Carbonera School. Local fund raising events are sponsored on the guest tour board.
(See: tour board)

A section of the tour board includes a section to promote cultural events being held at the Carbonera School or in Pto. Jiménez. Sign up space is provided for guest participation/transfer service.
(See: tour board)

Lapa Rios and the foundation is responsible for the building and ongoing maintenance of other educational projects in the Osa peninsula.

The published ‘La Asociación Wish List’ encourages guests to bring and donate books for the local libraries, as well as to collect educational materials and personal toys for school children.
(Copy: wish list)

Lapa Rios funded the hiring of 1 park guard for Corcovado National Park, 2003-04 and encourages guests during hikes and with written information about their opportunity to personally assist this project.
(Copy: Corcovado guard contribution)

17.3 The hotel participates actively and contributes to sports, art and cultural activities. Weight: 2 [ ] yes [ ] no.

Lapa Rios donated money to create a locally based Traditional Dance group that performs weekly at the Friday dinner, and on special occasions such as Christmas. Lapa Rios paid for costumes and continues to pay this group for every performance, including their roundtrip Pto. Jiménez weekly transfers.
(Copy: receipt dance performances)

Lapa Rios with the guest-supported La Asociación donates money on an ongoing basis to the Pto. Jiménez High School to purchase musical instruments, sports equipment, etc. Money is also donated to several rural Peninsula schools for ongoing school maintenance and building programs.

Lapa Rios with the guest-supported La Asociación donated the tables, chairs and bookshelves for the Pto. Jiménez Children’s Library.

In 2001 the hotel built an activities building that has a pool table, ping-pong table, games and dart board.

Lapa Rios participates in the juegos laborales (olympic-style sport competition) in Pto. Jiménez.

The hotel sponsers and supports its employee futbol team
(Copy: donation report)

17.4 The hotel uses and promotes the use of locally produced products. Weight: 1 [ ] yes [ ] no

Very little food is grown in the Osa Peninsula due to heavy rains and insect pressures. Almost all food eaten by residents in the Osa comes from the Central Valley by truck. Lapa Rios was the biggest supporter in 1999 to begin a local street produce market each Saturday, a project begun by the Ministry of Agriculture. (Sadly it only lasted 3 months.)

To create a menu satisfactory to the Lapa Rios guests it became impossible to rely only on produce delivered to Pto. Jiménez, particularly after trucks had frequently stopped en route through the Southern Zone, badly bruising the produce or spoiling it beyond use. The staff cooks are all local farmers who have been trained to the Lapa Rios variety-based menu. Without a constant supply of products to support the menu and staff cooking abilities a solution has been to purchase most of the fresh produce and bulk commodities in San José once a week.

2 different local fresh produce suppliers supplement the weekly orders directly in Pto. Jiménez.

Fish is purchased locally when available (local fisherman still do not fish commercially).

Pork is purchased from the Pto. Jiménez slaughterhouse.

Staff members donate and/or sell locally collected fresh fruit from their own gardens.

Endemic plant and tree species are donated or purchased from local nurseries or neighbors.
(Copy: receipts of several businesses)

17.5 The gift shop sells crafts and products made in the local community or by local companies. Weight: 3 [ ] yes [ ] no

Due to our moist forest climate very few fine art commodities keep well at Lapa Rios. The solution came from Pto. Jiménez: because many hotel guests go to town for tours an agreement exists with a locally owned souvenir shop that our registered guests (often not carrying money when going on town-based tours) can assign their gift shop purchases directly to their rooms. And/or, upon departure guests are encouraged to shop at this gift shop that supports our local Costa Rican art community.
(See: gift shop flier)

17.6 The hotel and rooms are decorated with arts and crafts or resources that are locally, regionally or nationally produced. Weight: 3 [ ] yes [ ] no

Lapa Rios uses few decorations because the hotel’s focus is toward the natural surroundings. Setting description: bring the outside in.

Handmade bamboo furniture, caña walls and suiita (roof) weaving construction are a local crafts and renewable natural products appreciated like art.

Staff members weave palm frond insects and animals souvenirs for guests.

Room floor rugs were made from locally died and woven thread by the Boruca indigenous people.

Mosquito nets and upholstery has been locally sewn.

A local mural artist (William, our guide) painted several walls.
(Copy: receipts for local crafts)
(See: William Gutierrez, guide)

17.7 The hotel promotes national tourism and activities and offers reduced rates for Costa Ricans and its residents. Weight: 1 [ ] yes [ ] no

Citizens and residents are offered greatly reduced prices during the green season.
(Copy: rate sheet)
(Copy: recent reservation)

17.8 The hotel supports a commercial relationship with at least one regional micro-business, whether or not tourism-based. Weight: 3 [ ] yes [ ] no

See invoices or talk to almost most business owner in Pto. Jiménez.
(Copy: receipts of several businesses)

17.9 The technology, materials and equipment used by the hotel were produced locally or nationally. Weight: 1 [ ] yes [ ] no

Lapa Rios was designed using locally produced renewable natural resources found in the Osa Peninsula. This design goal promotes old growth forests (suiita leaves) with selective harvesting in secondary growth areas (caña and bamboo).
(Copy: receipt Agroindeba)
(Copy: receipt Boruca)
(Copy: receipt Sico)
(Copy: Marco Mesen’s furniture bid)

All kitchen and bar equipment was designed for energy efficiency with San José-based manufacturers.

Technological, office supplies, food and building products are purchased locally or in San José.

17.10 The hotel regularly hires community people for land or water transfers, in addition to any emergency needs. Weight: 1 [ ] yes [ ] no

Guests’ land transfers from Pto. Jiménez are supplied in Lapa Rios vehicles with assistance by several local taxi services.

Water transfers are provided by local boat owners.

Air service is provided by 2 national in-country carriers in addition to a Pto. Jiménez charter service.
(Copy: receipts Alfa Romero)

Lapa Rios developed a local group of young people to form their own typical dance group. They perform every Friday evening at the hotel, as well as for special occassions.
(Copy: receipts dance performances)

More and more indigienous food crops and typical Costa Rican and Central American dishes are introduced into the menu (Pjibáye—Camote Soup, Mashed Camote, Mora—Tamarindo sauce with pork chops, chorreadas, Corn cakes with chipotle yogurt sauce, Tico-style cubaces beans with pork, pescado entero frito, casados, arroz con pollo, etc.)
(Copy: weekly dinner menu chart)

A tour to Pto. Jiménez is offered, focusing on historical, social and cultural issues.
(Copy: tours – Pto. Jiménez)

A tour of the local Carbonera School is offered during the school year, encouraging guests to understand the value of education in rural areas of Costa Rica. Guests are invited to share a personal experience with students. Visiting artists, dancers and athletes have contributed.

Guests are invited to school functions that take place at Lapa Rios (festivals, lunches, graduations, etc.)

Guests are encouraged to participate in soccer matches with the Lapa Rios soccer team.

A neighbor offers horseback riding tours, the traditional way of getting around in the area.

Employees are encouraged to share themselves, their stories and lives with our guests.

The nature guides discuss local customs while out on tours, talk about local traditions, superstitions and stories about local history and people.
(Copy: tours - various)

18.2 The hotel has a designated space in which community organizations may present (with permission) projects of tourism interests. Weight: 2 [ ] yes [ ] no

The hammock area is used for small community gatherings.

Lapa Rios host meetings for community concern, although distance from the community center of Pto. Jiménez makes this an uncommon occurrence/request. The Carbonera School hosts school functions.
(See: Nature tour book - photos Carbonera School graduation)

There is a bulletin board by the kitchen/staff dining area where community projects with staff interest post promotional information.

The tour board promotes projects of tourism interest such as the evening discussions, local turtle tour, visiting lecturers, the school tour, etc.

18.3 The hotel facilities are open to the community to discuss important community issues. Weight: 2 [ ] yes [ ] no

Yes. La Asociación de Educación occasionally meets, road building crews discuss plans with community members, a Carbonera bridge building committee met, local guides meet with guests and management to talk about tour options, MINAE holds group discussions, etc.

The Carbonera School directors and teacher meet regularly in Lapa Rios.
(See: Rafael Nuñez, school president)
(See: Ghiselle Hernandez, teacher)

18.4 The hotel promotes and publicizes cultural activities and local resources.
Weight: 1 [ ] yes [ ] no.

A section of the tour board includes a section to promote cultural events being held at the Carbonera School or in Pto. Jiménez. Sign up space is provided for guest participation/transfer service.
(See: tour board)

Lapa Rios and guests continue financial support for improvements at schools between Pto. Jiménez and Carate.

Lapa Rios donated money for the typical dance costumes worn by the middle and high school students in Pto Jiménez.

Lapa Rios has donated all furniture for the new library in Pto Jiménez.

Lapa Rios helped form a new typical dance group and has a contract with them for every Friday.
(Copy: receipt dance performances)

For special events held at the hotel the local band “Los Villalobos” are hired to play typical dance music.

The hotel gift shop is small intentionally; we encourage guests to purchase crafts, etc. from local Pto. Jiménez gift shops.
(Copy: gift shop flier)

The Pto. Jiménez tour promotes the culture and history of the area.
(Copy: tours – Pto. Jiménez )

18.5 The hotel prohibits the use and promotion of sexual commercial activity, prostitution, drug dealing and other social problems. Weight: 2 [ ] yes [ ] no

“Non-registered guests are not permitted in the rooms” is clearly stated in the guest information book.
(Copy: guest suggestions)

Employee rules outline no prostitution, drugs or intoxication are permitted at the Lapa Rios project. Non-compliance means loss of privileges to live in staff housing and work in Lapa Rios.
(Copy: employee rules)

The hotel does not work with travel agents or organizations promoting Lapa Rios as a sex-destination.

Any visitor or registered guests using drugs are asked to either stop immediately, or leave the hotel. If requested by guests to buy drugs or find female companions employees risk job security.

18.6 The hotel has established guidelines that promote equal opportunities and discourage sexual harassment. Weight: 1 [ ] yes [ ] no

Educated, experienced women manage Lapa Rios. Their forthright communication skills empower women on staff and clearly define acceptable boundaries for men.
(Copy: employee rules)

18.7 Promotional hotel signs do not have any cultural, social or environmental impact. Weight: 1 [ ] yes [ ] no

Lapa Rios has few signs: (See road signs)

• Advertisement at the airport (supports community effort for tourism)
• Sign in front of town office (guest orientation)
• Road sign at the gas station: turn right to Lapa RiosCarved wood sign at lodge entrance.

At the request from local community members management helped create of a monthly community health visit by the Pto. Jiménez doctor, bringing services closer to the community and introducing preventative medicine principles. The program included routine inoculations and well-baby clinics. (Sadly, this project did not succeed due to lack of commitment from both doctors and locals.)

Lapa Rios helped fund a trip to San José for community members interested in improving the health clinic in Pto. Jiménez.

The hotel donated money to build an extra exam room at the town clinic.
(Copy: donation report)

The hotel instigated and helped fund a repair to the town Red Cross ambulance.

Better health principles are practiced in the kitchen and restaurant after hygiene training seminar. Hygiene techniques, preventive methods for communicable diseases and first aid skills are ongoing programs.
(Copy: staff training)

Dengue fever prevention/training was done by management before the rainy season started.
(Copy: staff training)

Lapa Rios will spear head the engineering and staffing for the Carbonera bridge building project, with assistance from all community members.

19.3 Plague (mosquitoes) controls use substances and procedures that do not affect guests, workers, neighbors, wildlife or the environment. Weight: 1 [ ] yes [ ] no

Lapa Rios does not fumigate for mosquitoes.

The hotel fumigates to preserve its palm roofs.

20.2 The hotel applies its influence and experience to bring solutions to local infrastructure problems. Weight: 1 [ ] yes [ ] no

Lapa Rios provides maintenance and logistical support to the Carbonera School.
(See Edgar Venegas, head of maintenance)

Lapa Rios helped engineer a hammock walking bridge over the Carbonera River for community and staff use. Hotel employees will assist in the construction.

Lapa Rios gives ongoing advice for road maintenance/improvements.

The hotel continues to assist other regional schools on their building programs.

Public road obstructions (fallen trees, landslides, etc.) are removed immediately by the hotel’s maintenance team.

Lapa Rios keeps the road and beach in the area clean and well maintained.
(Copy: forest guard daily report)

The owners donated 920 acres of the Lapa Rios Reserve to The Nature Conservancy with a cross easement donation to Costa Rica-based CEDARENA, a legal organization promoting land conservation. The land will be protected in perpetuity. The Lewises will pre-pay CEDARENA to monitor the reserve 4-times yearly. The model has now been created for neighbors and other international ecotourism projects to replicate, a means for them to protect their land through conservation.
(Copy: conservation easement)

The hotel helped design, build and supply the town’s children’s library.

20.3 The hotel is involved in committees work for community improvement. Weight: 2 [ ] yes [ ] no

The hotel is one of the most important businesses working for infrastructure improvement. Locals look to Lapa Rios for leadership and guidance.

Lapa Rios is the driving force behind the Carbonera School and La Asociación de Educación.

Hotel Manager Andrea Bonilla is the Secretary for the Junta de Educación of the Carbonera School and Edgar Venegas, Maintenance Leader, is the “vocal”.
(See: Carbonera School Teacher, Ghiselle)
(See: Edgar Venegas)

20.4 The hotel supports programs for developing and improving tourism security.
Weight: 2 [ ] yes [ ] no

Lapa Rios provides vehicles for the rural guard, transporting them to the Matapalo area or around Pto. Jiménez.

Lapa Rios donated bicycles to the local rural guards for patrolling of the Pto. Jiménez streets.

Lapa Rios provides the rural guard with financial support for ongoing improvements to their station: building materials, workers, paint, etc.

The reserve has a long standing relationship with the MINAE staff located in Pto. Jiménez. With this allegiance they now assist Lapa Rios to control hunters and poachers, any trespass problems and act as a re-entry location for captured animals dropped off by neighbors for the hotel staff to resolve.

Lapa Rios donated $8,200 for an additional park ranger for Corcovado National Park.
(Copy: donation report)

A staff security staff training has been planned for August 2003 with the head of the OIJ (FBI at Tobias Bolaños Airport, Pavas) and professional training from the Pto. Jiménez fire department is pending.
(Copy: letter to fire department)
(Copy: letter to OIJ)

20.5 The hotel has and respects a code of standard moral ethic. Weight: 3 [ ] yes [ ] no

(Copy: employee rules)
(Copy: guest suggestions)
(Copy: Statement of Purpose)

20.6 The hotel executes practical actions to guarantee the security of tourists and employees. Weight: 3 [ ] yes [ ] no

Upon arrival all tourist receive an orientation where they are warned about the dangers of the rain forest (i.e. look down when you walking, use a flash light at night, do not hike alone, etc.) and safe swimming area.
(Copy: orientation topics)

There is a forest guard who patrols and maintains the trails in the days and occasionally guards during the night watching for hunters; the other staff member is the night guard, who guards and patrols around the main lodge, near the radio for any emergencies.

Rural guards are immediately called when inappropriate behavior has to be stopped: drunken visitors needing to be escorted from the property; any missing or suspected stolen items at the hotel the police make an appearance to emphasize the need for honest employees; etc.

Park guards and MINAE are called upon to resolve issues with hunters using the reserve or when locals are poisoning the river to harvest shrimp.

8 of our staff members have been trained with first aid courses given by the Red Cross in June 2003. 2 employees received additional advanced training.

20.7 The hotel has a written contingency plan to deal with natural disasters or emergencies. Weight: 2 [ ] yes [ ] no

(Copy: emergency plan)

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