Community Development
Collaboration with Local Nonprofit Organizations
Arenas Del Mar is aware of the current situation of the wildlife of the Manuel Antonio area and is giving support to local projects like Kids Saving The Rainforest and Titi Conservation Alliance.
The Blue Flag Program
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Since 2006, the beach located in front of Arenas Del Mar (known as Playitas) has coveted the prestigious Blue Flag (Bandera Azul Ecolgica) award. This program, based on a similar model developed in Europe, works towards the sustainable development of Costa Ricas beaches through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services. Whenever you see a Blue Flag located on one of Costa Ricas beaches, you will know that the surrounding community is working rigorously to better its: |
Water Quality by assuring that sea water is suitable for swimming and other recreational activities.
Waste Management, assuring that no untreated waters go directly into nearby steams and oceans, and that a recycling and trash collection program is in place.
Environmental education by providing workshops and training to students and the surrounding population.
Safety and administration, assuring that beaches are safe for the general public.
The Bandera Azul is a volunteer certification that incorporates both private and public sectors. In the case of Playitas Beach specifically, Arenas Del Mar has taken a leadership role in obtaining certification. During your stay, we ask for your cooperation in maintaining our beaches clean and pristine. Thank you!
Green Drinks
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Arenas Del Mar is the official host of Green Drinks, a monthly community event that promotes the concept of sustainable development and environmental awareness in the Manuel Antonio community. Meetings are casual and tend to be unstructured, allowing for individuals to network and freely discuss ideas that will bring about positive change for a greener, more sustainable future. Support your local Green Drinks chapter and visit http://www.greendrinks.org for to find a Green Drinks event near you. |
Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children and Adolescents from Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism in Costa Rica
In February 2008, Arenas Del Mar signed the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children and Adolescents from Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism in Costa Rica.
The Code of Conduct Project is an initiative of the World Tourism Organization (WTO), ECPAT International and UNICRI (the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute). Developed by countries of origin as well as tourist destinations, it seeks the participation and commitment of the tourism industry to discourage and penalize the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents associated with travel and tourism.
The ratification and application of the Code of Conduct confirms our zero tolerance policy in order to protect children and adolescents from commercial sexual exploitation. We denounce services that promote, facilitate or tolerate it.
We at Arenas Del Mar are 100% committed to protecting our children against sexual exploitation and invite you to join us! Thank you for your cooperation and participation.