Nature Air forms alliance with Costa Rica’s National Parks.
Costa Rica’s vast biological diversity is protected by an intricate system of national parks that encompasses most of the country’s landmass. In order to provide support for the park system beyond state funding, the Amigos de los Parques program, or “Friends of the National Parks” in English, has been put into place by ProParques, SINAC, National System of Conservation Areas, and FUNDECOR, the Foundation for the Development of the Central Volcanic Range. The program’s goal is to create a community of patrons commited to protecting Costa Rica’s national parks, and to improve the services presently offerred to visiters in these wildlife regions.
This program was launched September 10th, 2010 at the National Guayabo Monument with the participation of Costa Rica’s vice president, Alfio Piva. Nature Air was represented as one of the key founders, known as Tropical Forest Partners.
Amigos de los Parques’ membership programs feature assorted categories named after various animals. Similar to many “frequent buyer” programs in the United States, once a person has purchased a membership they will receive a park membership card that is good for a specified number of visits to various national parks – including Poas, Irazu, Guyaabo, Palo Verde, Carara, Manuel Antonio, Corovado (Sirena sector), Cahuita (Puerto Vargas sector), Tortuguero (Cuatro Esquinas sector), Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Rosa (land sector). All guests have to do is present their card and the park fees will be waived. Members also recieve other benefits, like appreciation gifts and discounts with commercial affiliates.
Levels of Membership:
Tropical Forest Partners
Tropical Forest Partners – which include Nature Air – are enterprises with a serious social and environmental commitment. This category is designed exclusively for companies and organizations that would like to provide significant financial contributions to the program. Donors must give a minimum of $1000 USD per year.
Orchid Partners: This category was created to integrate local businesses that wish to support Amigos de los Parques by providing discounts for membership card holders.
Individual Members:
If you are an international tourist, you may opt into one of the following categories:
Morfo: Morpho emberships are valid for 14 days and costs $39. Benefits include discounts and negotiated rates, a subscription to the electronic magazine and three entrances to one of the participating national parks.
Tortuga: Tortuga memberships are valid for one year and cost $100. Benefits include: all gifts from the Morfo category as well as those of members of the Amigos de los Parques organization, a map of Costa Rica and nine entrances to applicable national parks.
Jaguar: Double memberships are valid for one year for $500. Benefits include all of theose associated with the Lapa program (including 30 entrances to national parks), plus exclusive members-only activities.
If you are a Costa Rican citizen or a resident, you can opt for the following categories:
Lapa: Designed for couples, the Macaw membership is valid for one year and costs $100. It includes: all benefits in the turlte category plus two membership cards and 30 entrances to national parks.
Jaguar: Also a double membership (but not necessarily for romantic couples), this membership is valid for one year and costs $500. Benefits include: all of those listed in the Lapa category plus exclusive activities for members.
