Community Involvement
Investing in our future
A healthy family and a healthy community are very important to Punta Leona. It has been a way of life for the members and staff who understand the importance of environmental responsibility and the need for constant improvement. For years now Punta Leona has been giving back to the environment and local neighboring communities by donating time, money and resources to help educate others in the creation of a stronger and cleaner environment.
Below are a few environmental programs and community initiatives important to Punta Leona:
Bandera Azul Ecológica Fund (Blue Flag Fund)
This is a program that Punta Leona proudly participates in; the program awards beaches and communities that promote and support environmental education.
Strict rules are in place governing this prestigious award. For example, one must have the following conditions: ocean water must be clean; clean drinking water; public shower/toilet facilities on the beach; clean beaches; recycling programs and educational signage.
All three beaches at Punta Leona have received this award. In fact, Playa Blanca is the only beach in all of Costa Rica with the highest rating: 3 Blue Flags and Triple A rating for cleanliness and safety.
Environmental Education Fund
This fund was established by Punta Leona to finance initiatives like planting more trees, dengue campaign, and the publication of books on water management and recycling. This fund also supports local schools on environmental topics.
Scarlet Macaw Conservation Program
Protection of The Scarlet Macaw’s is important to all members of the Punta Leona community. These birds are only found in a few areas within Costa Rica and Punta Leona is one of them. Here at Punta Leona these beautiful jewelled tone birds are under constant watch, protected from the threat of poachers and extinction. A guard watches vulnerable nests to ensure its safety. In addition, the creation of artificial nests has helped to increase the Macaw population. Since these two initiatives were introduced about 10 years ago, the population of Scarlet Macaws has doubled. Did you know that when a Scarlet Macaw finds a partner they are partners for life?
Protection of Sea Turtles and Illegal Hunting
Punta Leona is involved with the protection of the Lora Sea Turtle. These turtles lay their eggs in the warm sand on Playa Blanca and Playa Mantas within the resort. The nests are protected from poachers until the baby turtles hatch and find their way back to the ocean.
Other community Initiatives
Punta Leona supports a Reforestation Program which plants additional trees along the neighboring beaches and rivers.
With the support of the Ministry of Public Education Punta Leona organized a Paint Contest to teach about protection and conservation of nature and continues its environmental education efforts with the local community. In addition, Punta Leona gets involved with neighboring schools by helping with remodelling, painting and installing computer labs.
