What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel to natural places, which conserves the environment and sustains the well being of the local people.

click photo to enlarge Ecotourism at Morgan’s Rock: Howler monkeys in tropical dry forest

How does it help?

The land bridge connecting North and South America is under severe environmental threat. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Americas. This, added to a lack of proper environmental education, has caused continuous deforestation of precious tropical forests and hunting of wild animals, some currently endangered. Poaching of wild birds and animals, illegal hunting, pollution, disregard for ocean and river setbacks by developers and subdivision of real estate into smaller and smaller lots are all significant problems as well. Apathy, corruption, lack of education and awareness aggravate the situation even more.

With such a complex problem being deeply rooted in challenging cultural and social conditions, change will be gradual at its best. While immediate action can delay or prevent some of the direct consequences of deforestation, it is education, conscience raising and role modeling that can serve as the cornerstones of changing this destructive cycle. Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge wants to make its contribution in changing this cycle. Not only do we wish to offer a great vacation experience but also make the project a model for the local community, helping them understand how conservation can improve their lives and meet their economic needs.

Hacienda Morgan's Rock is practicing responsible Ecotourism by:

click photo to enlarge Eco tourism at Morgan’s Rock: Baby sea turtles hatching on the beach

• Utilizing tourism to protect endangered primary forest wilderness.
• Educating and motivating guests to become actively involved in conservation, education and forest preservation.
• Creating a sustainable development project that will help the local community by offering employment and education.
• Supporting the reforestation project on the property.
• Protecting wildlife and reintroducing nearly extinct animal species into the private reserve.
  

Hacienda Morgan's Rock is practicing responsible Ecotourism by:

• The furniture in the rooms (beds, desks, chairs, etc.) was made by local artisans using the "leftover" wood from the bungalow construction.
• The pathways leading up to the hanging bridge and to the beach were made of wood that was damaged or split during the construction of the main lodge.
• A lot of the stones and materials are from the farm, to avoid long transportation.
• The lampshades in the bungalows are made of metal parts that were left over from the suspension bridge construction.
• Several trees grow through cabin roofs, allowing them to stay alive and adding that "special touch" to Morgan's Rock.
• All buildings accommodate slopes and trees. Minimal earth movement and cutting of trees (only the ones in poor condition) was done.
• Instead of using local septic tanks for each bungalow, a centralized system for gray and black water with a bio filter system was installed. Treated water is used for irrigation.
• The pool uses no chlorine, but keeps clean by natural salt which is not harmful to the environment and does not damage human skin.
  

Hacienda Morgan's Rock does the following:

• Protect a significant amount of lowland tropical dry forest by creating the Morgan's Rock private nature reserve.
• Reduce illegal logging and cutting activities by reporting trespassers to the local authorities and press. The lodge has established a fund for paying local police to crack down on illegal hunting and logging.
• Enrich the existing forest by reintroducing previously logged hardwood trees, vital for restoring the flora and fauna.
• Reintroduce an almost extinguished iguana species into the area.
• Protect and monitor sea turtle nesting on the beach.
• Employ people from the local community, focusing on education and training as the two main goals.
  ( Staff  achievements –click here)
• Build the bungalows and main lodge only using local time-tested natural materials.
• Utilize trees which are either out of reforestation plantations or from certified legal logging activities.
• Minimize extraction of vegetation for bungalow construction. Some trees go right through the roofs of the cabins!
• Control erosion through proper construction regulations.
• Hire local guides to inform guests of native customs and cross-cultural issues.
• Control waste management—the lodge has built a complex on-site waste disposal plant and separation system.
• Create a model recycling project—a practice currently unknown in Nicaragua.
• Build a sophisticated water treatment plant, where the treated water will be reused for irrigation of the gardens.
  

click photo to enlarge Ecotourism at Morgan’s Rock: Horseback riding with local guides

• Minimize usage of plastic and non-returnable containers.
• Design an international, student-intern program, for tourism students in Nicaragua needing to complete an in-service graduation requirement.
• Support the Nica-France Foundation which will support local schools in the area. [The School - click here]
• Use locally grown farm foods for the restaurant’s consumption, i.e.- grains, meat, fish, sugar, etc. Almost 30 percent of the perishable goods are locally grown.
• Establish a support network with the local community of San Juan del Sur for working on infrastructure improvements (roads, waste, water, etc.)
• Create an ecolodge that will respect the Certification for Sustainable Tourism guidelines. Also known as the “CST”, this certification was created in Costa Rica to be able to identify and certify sustainable hotels and lodges. Soon, the Nicaraguan Ministry of Tourism will enact its own Certification for Sustainable Tourism.