Costa Rica Community Projects
Although Bodhi Surf S.A. is a private, for-profit enterprise we recognize that we form part of a community, and as members of the community of Bahia Ballena we partake in activities and projects that contribute to the well-being and improvement of our community as a whole. We lead by example and contribute to positive change through the initiation, promotion, and contribution to community-based environmental and social projects.
Bahia Ballena is a small coastal town that lies on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast. Rich with natural resources and tourist attractions, it is a region that undoubtedly will grow and develop, however we want to contribute to a development that is responsible, sustainable and beneficial for the local communities. The Costa Ballena region, which stretches from Dominical to Ojochal, is a ruggedly natural stretch of coastline that remains unspoiled for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Also worth noting is that the Osa Peninsula, which is home to 50% of Costa Rica’s wildlife species, is just to the south of Costa Ballena and contains numerous conservation areas including what has been called “the most biologically intense place on Earth” (by National Geographic), the Corcovado National Park.
An area this beautiful, diverse, and rich in natural resources is a treasure that should be preserved. If you are interested in learning about ways you can contribute and/or participate in projects in the Costa Ballena region, please contact us.
Below are descriptions of the projects with which Bodhi Surf S.A. is proudly associated. To learn more about each project please visit the individual web page of the project (if available), or contact us if you have any questions.
Grupo SURF – A Youth Group
Bodhi Surf is currently involved in the development of Grupo SURF (Siempre Unidos para Reforzar nuestro Futuro), a project that was spearheaded by Travis Bays during his time as a Peace Corps Volunteer. The goal of this project is to help empower local youth and generate environmental and social awareness by introducing them to alternative activities like surfing and yoga. A high percentage of students in Bahia Ballena drop out of school before graduating high school in order to start working. Likewise, the use of alcohol and drugs at an early age, and/or getting into trouble with the law, is also a common trend among youth. By combining structured curricula, such as that of Outside The Lens, with alternative activities, the local youth are taught the importance of community, education, environmentalism, and physical activity while helping to instill self-confidence.
Keto Foundation – Best Practices for Sustainable Marine Tourism
Members of Bodhi Surf School have participated in the project “Promoting responsible marine tourism through the development of sustainable practice guidelines” with the Keto Foundation. Through meetings and trainings, guidelines for boat tour operators were drafted, reviewed, and revised in a consensus-building process. Next, is the implementation and field testing of these guidelines. Leading the way in the fulfillment of these standards for boat tour operators is Bodhi Surf School’s affiliate, Bahia Aventuras. Although Bodhi Surf School is not a boat tour operator we feel that education is empowerment and that we can serve the community by helping train others about the importance of sustainable marine tourism.
Paz Ballena Committee – Hand in Hand for the safety of our towns
Bodhi Surf members contribute to community planning and development for the safety of towns in the Costa Ballena area. We team together with community based organizations, municipality officials, tourist police and private business owners to develop an integral safety plan that includes the building of a new police station in Costa Ballena.
