NatureAir, Costa Rica

Winner Conservation Award 2009

"This is the only award in tourism that carries with it an on-site required verification audit, that means credibility and integrity. In an age where everyone claims to be sustainable, the WTTC award has given us instant credibility with our external partners as well as our internal team members. This award inspired the entire company to pursue more sustainable programs, it was nice for everyone to share a little in the glory. We are honored for the recognition." - Alex Khajavi, CEO, NatureAir

In 2004, NatureAir made a pledge to set new standards for sustainable practices in the airline industry, compensating 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions through preservation and reforestation of tropical forests in the Osa Peninsula.

To ensure NatureAir's calculation of the volume of emissions for each flight, the company calculates the total for all flights flown in the previous twelve months, using a detailed greenhouse gas life cycle assessment. NatureAir also commissions third party audits from independent conservation organisations and government agencies responsible for carbon offset conservation projects. The cost of this carbon offsetting programme is not voluntary, but rather is included in the cost of all airline tickets issued. For every ounce of carbon emissions created, NatureAir purchases carbon credits from the Costa Rican government's pioneering payment for environmental services programme, governed by the forestry department.

NatureAir has also helped develop Costa Rica's only alternative fuelling station, Aerotica, and fuels their company vehicles and equipment using 100% bio-diesel (a mix of vegetable oils and recycled cooking oils). NatureAir has also adopted an integrated approach to sustainable tourism by forming a sustainable tourism committee to ensure the implementation of the NatureAir Sustainable Tourism Policy, which includes community benefit outreach programmes.