Eco Sensitivity

Costa Rica has over 25% of its land mass designated as national parks or reserves, all of which contain 5% of the World’s Biodiversity!

History of the Land

The land that now comprises of Dorada was used as a cattle farm for generations. Cattle trample the ground, preventing the growth of tree saplings, which is why the rainforest did not regenerate on the very top of this mountain. The top of the mountain also happens to be the flattest, making it ideal for residences, while the valleys and steeper peaks remain heavily forested. Fortunately, no protected trees needed to be cut for this development.

Reforestation

Reforestation efforts began in January 2009 and continue today. The goal is to bring back the lush, dense, rainforest with larger canopy forming species of trees, such as Guanacaste, Cedro Amargo, and Cenizaro, as well as fruit bearing species to attract the indigenous animals such as capuchin monkeys and scarlet macaws. Reforested fruit bearing trees include Mango, Avocado and Manzana de Agua.
View GPS tree plotting on ©Google Earth

Certifications in Sustainability

Dorada also intends to be certified by ICT (Costa Rican Tourism Institute) as a development with a CST stamp, which is the Costa Rican designation for  “Certification for Sustainable Tourism”. For more info, visit:  http://www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr/en. As an additional consideration, during the operating phase of the development, only organic fertilizers will be used on the grounds.

5000+

Trees Planted

70%

of Land Protected

2

Springs Registered

3

Waterfalls Protected

GPS Tree Plotting

Each tree planted was marked with a GPS device, and mapped with ©Google Earth. The GPS points are coded for the tree specie, size, and location. This is a critical part of any reforestation program because it allows the experts to regularly return to the planting sites to check on the planted trees, to make sure they are growing in a healthy way. Our experts bring 100% natural enzyme-based fertilizer when they return, and each planted tree gets an amount spread around its root area. This whole process is more difficult than it sounds, especially becuase reforestation happens at the begining of rainy season, so the water supply to the newly planted trees is abundent. If you have Google Earth, see the GPS plotting: View GPS tree plotting on ©Google Earth

Downloads

Aerial Zone Photos

Tree Species Summary

Tree List