Released on: June 30, 2008, 12:59 pm

Press Release Author: Evelyn Obando

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: As part of the governments' Peace with Nature program, the
plan has been designed to establish climate mitigating initiatives throughout 100%
of the tourism industry by 2021


Press Release Body: SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, June 30, 2008 - The Costa Rica Tourist
Board has announced a proposal designed to help cut tourism's contribution to
climate change throughout the country. As part of the government's national
strategy and the Peace with Nature initiative that aims to make the country carbon
neutral by 2021, the proposal hopes to establish measurable initiatives throughout
100% of Costa Rica's tourism industry also by the year 2021.

The Costa Rica Tourist Board, non-governmental organizations, tourism businesses,
and chambers have united to lead this plan, and together they intend to mitigate the
effects of climate change by insisting that the tourism sector participate in the
initiative, which will help to promote competition while minimizing the risk of the
greenhouse effect.

"This proposal represents the tourism sector's commitment to further developing
sustainable activities while measuring and guaranteeing the integrity and good
practices of environmental conservation. Additionally, the methods used will
compliment and promote sustainability throughout other areas of the tourism
industry," said Costa Rica's Minister of Tourism, Carlos Ricardo Benavides.

"Although worldwide tourism accounts for an estimated five percent of the Earth's
total greenhouse gas emissions, we have decided to commit ourselves to the
environment. We will do this, not only by helping to mitigate the effects that the
tourism chain has on climate change, but also by implementing other methods that
will cause less damage," he added.

The proposal is based on five pivotal points which include measurement; mitigation;
vulnerability and adaptation of implemented change; and education and awareness, The
Costa Rica Tourist Board hopes that this proposal will represent the starting point
in implementing an action plan which will allow 100% of the tourism businesses in
the country to be environmentally conscious entities by the year 2021. These efforts
are designed to enable them in measuring their effects on the environment and
provide them with the knowledge and information they need to allow them to take the
necessary steps in reducing their impact on the Earth.

The strategy, as a whole, is part of a two-phase plan which will cover the tourism
value chain, including hotels, transportation companies, tour operators, adventure
programs, thematic parks, restaurants, and administrative offices. It will begin by
educating all sectors on ways to reduce energy consumption; methods of water
treatment and re-using water; techniques to contribute to the reforestation of
wooded areas; tips for changing electrical appliances to those with low energy, and
identifying full capacity for projects that are under construction. Additionally,
the plan includes monitoring programs in resource management and waste treatment.

In an effort to have a positive impact on future initiatives, the program has
included another portion which focuses on educating tourism industry students on
topics such as climate change and the effects and measures that are necessary for
implementing good environmental practices.

Set to launch in 2008-2009, the actions will bring together diverse goals to begin
integrating industries throughout different periods through 2021. The proposal will
be turned into the National Office for Climate Change at the Ministry for Energy and
Environment to be added to the National Strategy for Climate Change.

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About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is located in Central America, nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, and
bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and the west by the Pacific Ocean. This
small country represents only .01 % of the planet's surface and it shelters almost
4% of the existing world's biodiversity. It has given priority to the conservation
of its natural resources, protecting 25% of its national territory through the
creation of National Parks and other natural areas.

The country also offers world-class eco-tourism and adventure travel. The options
are unlimited for any discriminating traveler: horseback riding on a secluded beach;
hiking through the lush whispering greenery of a rainforest; having an exhilarating
experience on a white-water rafting trip, observing the tropical forests from a
canopy tour; surfing the blue waves of either coast; experiencing a quite, close
encounter with different species of birds and wildlife; and enjoying the diverse
culture and hospitality of the Ticos.

About the Costa Rica Tourist Board
The Costa Rica Tourist Board, created in 1955, is an autonomous institution of the
State, responsible for regulating the tourism activity in Costa Rica and promoting
Costa Rica's tourism attractions and destinations both at a national and
international level. The Costa Rica Tourist Board creates tourism norms,
regulations, incentives and grants the tourist declaratory for Costa Rica's hotels,
travel agencies, rental cars and other tourism organization and service provider.

For general travel or tourism information about Costa Rica, contact the Costa Rica
Tourist Board directly at 1-866-267-8274 or visit their web site at
www.visitcostarica.com.

FOR PRESS ONLY: For press inquiries, please contact 1-888-600-6806 or e-mail
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Contact Details: Evelyn Obando
(305) 347-4336
evelyn.obando@bm.com