EXCELLENT AND TEACHING

(2nd Attempt to post) Ms. Thorner, Rios Tropicales presents a beautiful and easily navigated website which describes your attractive and comprehensive programs. <> If you were to add anything you might consider: [] GETTING THERE - List (perhaps critique) the various land, air, and sea lines which serve the various ports of entry; and links which describe amenites/sites at those ports of entry. [] AN INTERACTIVE TOPIGRAPHICAL MAP which orients the visitor to your many destinations in relation to Costa Rica itself.

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William B. Nick Niccolls
Ashoka Changemakers University Ambassador
Seattle
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William B. (Nick) Niccolls <> Seattle
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Maravilloso, Costa Rica país de encantos, su flora y fauna, son una de las maravillas que tenemos. Cabe señalar que tanto la ciudadanía civil, como su población educativa, se unen para mantener el agua limpia, sus ríos, y riveras. Felicito a este grupo que se ha unido desde hace 15 años, para seguir logrando juntos, unidos y mantener un país tan precioso.

On May 28, 2008, the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers “Geotourism Challenge” and would like to pass on this feedback for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of sustainable tourism innovators. We wish you continued luck with your sustainable, innovative, and socially impactful initiatives.

All the best, The Changemakers Team

“The ‘ecopreneur’ component is really innovative. Guides are often taken advantage of in the tourism industry, but in this case, the program helps the guides start their own businesses. Moreover, the program continues to advance toward modern environmental standards, such as incorporating carbon credits.”

-Changemakers Geotourism Judges: National Geographic Society, Past President the Ford Foundation, whl.travel - World Hotel Link, ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth.

This is a good model to learn about ecotourism

We need to save the rainforest in Costa Rica and gift a chance for the new generations.

The rainforest around Pacuare river in Costa Rica is one of the most beutifull places of the world.

rios tropicales son muy bellos

My vote is for Rios Tropicales

Me parece muy bien la opcion de darle a los turistas la posibilidad de venir a costa rica a disfrutar de todos los lugares hermosos que tenemos...

Saludos

Harry Arrieta

I would to thank Rafael Gallo and Fernando Esquivel for making a dream come true. The world needs more fine visionaries that will take risk in helping the preservation of our natural resources world wide. Bravo!
Henrik Jespersen

Who owns Rios Tropicales?

Looks like a good, solid application. Hope all works out well!

I am glad Rios Tropicales has taken such initiatives in protecting one of my favorites places on earth. The Pacuare is a magical place as I like to call it "the lungs of the earth" Others have begun to follow Rios Tropicales lead in protecting the area which is always nice. The more awareness and action the better.

As a professional in land management my hat's off to this outstanding example of an organization that has taken a vision -- a vision of providing opportunities for people from all over the world to experience the beauty and culture of Costa Rica while protecting and restoring the environment - and made it an absolute success!

My family and I have been so fortunate to spend time in Costa Rica and with Rios Tropicales since its early beginnings. We've seen first hand how this company has evolved and adapted (and continues to do so) in ways that benefit the land and the people of this beautiful and rich country. We participated on rafting trips in the 1980's where we had the opportunity to interface with locals providing transport with mules and oxen, and we watched over time as these folks were able to develop their own businesses and the way Rios supported families across the country in developing sustainable enterprises. The Foundation has been instrumental in the protection of many acres of important watershed along the Pacuare River.

My 6-year old son got to experience and particiate first hand reforestation and follows his trees as they grow. What an opportunity for a young child in the Rocky Mountains to understand his connection to a larger global community! We're so impressed with the work they have done and the professionalism of every aspect, whether it's providing tourists with top notch experiences or working with the neighboring indiginous populations or reaching out to communities and providing environmental education for the local schools.

I am so proud to see that this is happening in Costa Rica, even tough I see so many trucks full of timber and no goverment controls.