Amazing facts

+30%

Reduction in the use of generators 

29%

CO2 emissions annually

+75

Pairs of boots donated to children who go to school barefoot

Our concept of sustainability has both present and future in mind – we not only protect the environment through our visits but also set up systems so the future can flourish.  To do so, we collaborate with like-minded partners to ensure the maximum positive impact.

In addition to these powerful organizations, we are also part of TIES – The International Ecotourism Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting sustainable tourism.  Founded in 1990, TIES has been at the forefront of developing guidelines, standards and best practices.

SICMA ECUADOR

Through our partnership, we identify, quantify and minimize our current greenhouse gas emissions. By committing to carbon neutrality, we aim to protect the fragile ecosystem we call home and set an example for responsible tourism practices. These reductions not only lower air and noise pollution but also minimize disturbances to wildlife. 

UNICEF

In our work to support children’s health and education in the Amazon region of Ecuador and beyond, we have teamed up with UNICEF to fight chronic childhood malnutrition in areas like Sucumbíos and Chimborazo, providing resources and promoting UNICEF’s work.

PACK FOR A PURPOSE

By encouraging travelers to bring school supplies and other materials to help local communities, we improve access to education and help create a brighter future for children in the Amazon, making a real impact on their lives.

LA SELVA sustainability

Just as the saying goes “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are,” we are proud to be among such unstoppable forces for good, with the utmost respect for our environment and at the forefront of the fight for the future.

OWN INITIATIVES

Ours is a complex ecosystem of biodiversity, but also adversity for the local communities who have thrived despite limited access to health and education, and we believe in taking every measure possible to be agents of change and advocate for our home.

Your stay, and thus support of our mission, fosters respect for the environment, gender equality and community development in the Amazon.

THE WHOLE IS MORE THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

The need for support and change is serious and diversified, and so is our response.

ENVIRONMENT

We began collaborating with Sicma Ecuador and Versa Verification in 2023 as part of our mission to preserve the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Committed to being a carbon-neutral lodge to take the lead as agents of change and also serve as an example to others, we have reduced the use of generators from 24 to 17 hours a day.  We also have banned single-use plastics, choose biodegradable products and design all of our activities to protect and respect our natural surroundings. 

COMMUNITY

80% of our staff are locals, enhancing the community’s stability and prospects.  The Mandi Forest project, led by young men, protects and offers guided tours of the Mandi Cocha Lake, while the women-led Mandi Wasi Project creates handicrafts and cultural experiences, fostering gender equality and community development.  Additionally, we have equipped the local school with two computers and a printer, aiming to close educational gaps and open up new opportunities for students. Moved by the sight of local children heading to school without proper footwear, we donated 75 pairs of rubber boots for their safety.

INNOVATION

In addition to our modern water-treatment plant and reduction of single-use plastics campaign, advanced battery systems were implemented and we have reduced diesel consumption by 3,150 gallons per year, significantly reducing C02 emissions and improving environmental quality for our guests, community and wildlife. The savings from our initiatives are reinvested in community projects, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

LABEL

How do guests benefit from a sustainable lodge?

Every practice in place at La Selva Eco Lodge & Retreat is mutually beneficial. Your stay contributes to your surroundings by helping fund conservation projects and supporting local communities through education, health, and employment.  This contribution also enhances your stay, knowing that you are making a significant difference in the local life here. Far from the stresses of everyday life, your time also allows you to reconnect with yourself and the natural beauty that surrounds you.

  • Eco-Friendly and Conservation Support
  • Community Empowerment
  • Sustainable Nature Experience
  • Eco-Conscious Dining
  • Low-Impact Adventures
  • Greener Future Commitment

LA SELVA ECO-LODGE IS ALIGNED WITH THE UNITED NATIONS’ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  (SDGS)

LA SELVA ECO-LODGE IS ALIGNED WITH THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  (SDGS)

We emphasize sustainable tourism that preserves the Amazon Rainforest and empowers local communities through responsible practices, education and health initiatives. By aligning with these goals, we ensure that our actions positively impact both the environment and the people for a better future.

  • Zero hunger
  • Quality education
  • Gender equality
  • Affordable and clean energy
  • Decent work and economic growth
  • Reduced inequalities
  • Climate action
  • Partnership for the goals