“In ecology is the capacity of an ecosystem to absorb disturbance and still retain its basic structure and viability.”
Resilience
Resilience is the thinking evolved from the need to manage interactions between human-constructed systems and natural ecosystems in a sustainable way. Hotel Florblanca continually strives to move towards this balance and support within our own community, knowing that these efforts can have far reaching effects beyond Santa Teresa. The following are actions we are taking to make sure we continue to move in that direction.
Environment & Wildlife
Our resort is woven into the lush rainforests, ocean beaches, and tropical jungles of Playa Santa Teresa. We respect our surroundings and have taken measures to ensure the preservation of the environment and wildlife surrounding Florblanca. Here are some of the actions we have taken in order to reach that goal.
- Plants, Trees and Animals – We have a diverse collection of plants and trees in our Florblanca gardens, including a large number of native species, thus promoting the natural habitat of many animals, including monkeys, birds, insects, amphibians, and mammals.
- All fertilizers and plague control in gardens and villas are organic and biodegradable.
- Trees and palms in gardens are tagged for a proper taxonomic classification.
- We prohibit feeding the animals and wildlife surrounding Florblanca property because feeding could disrupt their habits and health.
- With proper assessment, we offer our help if any injured animal is found.
- Our staff and security guards located at the beach entrance have been trained on how to protect sea turtle nesting.
- Garden lights were installed taking into consideration turtle nesting and nocturnal wildlife.
- With our list of excursions, we always encourage our guests to visit the local conservation areas to create a support chain.
- A system of natural rock drains allows for rain water to run off on the property in order to avoid erosion and soil depletion.
We claim the following conservation statements:
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- Ley 7317, Wildlife Conservation
- Ley 7554, Organic Act of the Environment
- Ley 6703, National Law of Archaeological Heritage
- Ley 7575, Forestry Law
- Ley 8436, Law of Fishing and Aquaculture
Animal Welfare and Wildlife
Each year, hundreds of millions of plants and animals are caught or harvested from the wild and then sold as food, pets, ornamental plants, leather, tourist curios, and medicine. A worryingly large proportion of this trade is illegal. Historically, such overexploitation has caused extinctions or severely threatened species and, as human populations have expanded, demand for wildlife has only increased. At the same time, millions of animals are used annually in the tourism industry as captives for display and entertainment, as porters and carriers, as quarry to be hunted and fished, as well as for purposes of competition and sport. At Florblanca we believe that wildlife belongs in the wild. Our property enables people to see animals in their own environment with natural behaviors. We want to contribute towards the conservation of this wildlife and – crucially – their habitats. We ask that you please: -Don’t take a wildlife selfie if the animal is being held, hugged, or restrained, if you are baiting the animal with food or if the animal could harm you. -The best animal encounter is a wild one. View animals in their natural habitat exhibiting natural behavior and do not initiate contact with them. -Do not purchase souvenirs made from wild animals such as fur, ivory, shells, seahorses, teeth, or turtle shells. -Before riding on the back of a horse, mule or donkey, match your size to that of the animal and ensure that your weight is evenly balanced when riding. -Only visit and support animal sanctuaries and shelters involving wild animals in captivity if the objectives of the organization are in the animals’ best interests. -Speak up! If you see an animal in distress, please tell your guide or Florblanca Staff. Make a note of the date, time and location as well as the type and number of animals involved. Take photos and/or videos as proof.
Waste Management
• Florblanca has a Solid Waste Management Plan as established by the Law for Integrated Waste Management in Costa Rica. • We actively participate and promote the Municipal Recycling Program and private waste management business, which allows us to adequately dispose of the majority of our recyclables. • All our organic wastes are used in the production of compost, which is in turn used to enrich the soil of our gardens. • The oil used in the kitchen is collected by a local transportation company that produces its own fuel for it vehicles. • All office paper is unbleached, recycled or made with sugar cane bagasse. We avoid at maximum print documents, internal communication is made through technologies such as smart phones and e- mails. • We are using biodegradable cleaning products and reusable containers for soap, shampoo and rinse throughout the hotel. • We have an internal system of reuse and recovery of packaging. Our suppliers of fruit and vegetables, cleaning and grooming products participate as well. • Biodegradable Packaging – The takeout packaging and straws in the restaurant are made of biodegradable materials.
Water
• Florblanca has implemented a Water Management Plan in which includes a daily consumption data, analysis and reduction strategies. On its implementation we achieve a 8% reduction in the last two years. • UV lamps were installed to purify the water at Florblanca. With this system, all taps (including sinks and showers) have clean drinking water. Microbiological tests are made to ensure quality and safe. • A system of treatment wastewater was implemented. Through biological filtration we process our wastewater making possible bring it back to nature in the most responsible and decontaminated way. • An irrigation system allows us to reuse the treated water in our gardens. We don’t use drinkable water in landscaping. • Special devices were installed in toilets to reduce water consumption; our kitchen faucets have pressure regulators too. • We encourage our guests and visitors to cooperate with the proper use of water through our internal campaign signage in villas and common areas.
Electricity
• The resort offers an infrastructure that invites guests to enjoy the natural light by open and ventilated areas. • Solatube technology was installed on many office roofs to lighten the spaces with natural light. • In addition, we have solar heaters in Laundry Room and Kitchen. • Bulbs and energy efficient equipment is used throughout the property. • Eco-friendly and efficient A/C and cooler equipment have been installed at the resort and they are constantly upgraded. We also have door devices in rooms and offices in order to avoid cold air escapes.
