In 1994, Joaquin von der Goltz, a visionary nature lover, opened the Rain Forest Aerial Tram Atlantic in Costa Rica – the first operation of its kind anywhere in the world. The design had just one requirement: it had to be built in the middle of 1,200 acres of dense jungle without cutting down a single tree. Today, four Rain Forest Aerial Trams (on Costa Rica’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts, and the Caribbean islands of Dominica and St. Lucia) serve as wildlife reserves, ecotourism attractions and research parks.

The conservation benefits reaped by protecting this area went hand-in-hand with social benefits from the start. Some of our expert naturalist guides were, initially, construction workers who arrived looking for work, or people who made a living by hunting or cutting down the forest. They embarked on intensive studies in languages and natural history, backed by the company’s faith in them. The results were marvelous.

Our winning combination has created a ripple effect that extends across the country and throughout the world. Since our inception, we have worked hard to educate visitors and, perhaps most importantly, youth. In our youth Leadership Program for Sustainable Development, tomorrow’s policy makers experience models of sustainable environmental-resource use. Five schools within the buffer zone of Braulio Carrillo National Park have become “guardians” of the forest. Our High School Environmental Club Network gets students excited about working towards improving their environment.