April 2010 Newsletter

April 2010 - Bocas Sustainable Tourism Alliance Newsletter

April 2010 - Bocas Sustainable Tourism Alliance Newsletter

Our Mission

The Bocas del Toro Sustainable Tourism Alliance (BSTA) is made up of hotels, tour operators, guides, community tourism organizations, restaurant owners, boat drivers and residents of Bocas del Toro.

The BSTA’s mission is to lead, coordinate and promote the development of sustainable tourism in Bocas del Toro. We follow the principles of Geotourism, defined as a tourism, which supports and improves the geographical character of the destination, including the environment, heritage, local culture and well being of its residents.

The BSTA supports local projects whose goals are the implementation of environmentally friendly practices and the preservation of the unique culture of Bocas del Toro. We aim to promote Bocas del Toro as a sustainable tourism destination and create positive image of the province at an international level.

The Alliance also represents an important resource for information and assistance for residents and tourism enterprises that wish to implement these Geotourism principles.

Current Member List:

Al Natural Resort , Bahia Honda Community, Bibi´s on the Beach, Bluff Beach Retreat, Bocas Bound, Boteros Unidos, Butterfly Garden, Casa Blanca, Casa Cayuco, Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling Adventures, Dolphin Bay Preserve, Joseph Margarite, Island Property Management , Lin Gillingham of Finca Los Monos, La Loma Jungle Lodge, Lula´s B&B, Sandubidi / Popa 2 Community, Punta Caracol, Rainforest Awakenings, The Rip Tide, Salt Creek Community, San Cristobal Community, Soposo Jungle Lodge,Starfish Coffee, Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge,  El Ultimo Refugio Restaurant, Up in the Hill.

Beach Clean- Up

¡Adore su playa! / Love your beach!La Limpieza grande de la Playa / Big Beach Clean-Up. The Bocas Sustainable Tourism Alliance held its first beach clean up on February 6th, 2010. Many thanks to all those who participated.  Over 50 people from all over the Bocas community turned out for the event. We provided gloves,bags, refreshments, and some cookies for the kids! Over 30 bags of garbage and6 bags of recyclables were collected from the Las Cabanas Beach in under 2hours. We hope to see you there next time! For information on how to donate or volunteer please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Remember to Love Your Beach!

Working with other organizations

In March a volunteer organization based in Boquete approached the BSTA Office looking for assistance in arranging a volunteer project for about 20 volunteers. We helped them with the idea and the garbage bags and off they went. On Monday March 8^th,2010 they gathered at El Ismito beach and successfully picked up many loads of garbage and recyclables. 

Lobster Ban Information

The catch and commercialization of Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) is prohibited jointly in Caribbean waters from March 1 to June 30, 2010, in an effort to protect the species from over exploitation. The measure is in force for fishing vessels of Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Belize, announced the Authority on Aquatic Resources of Panama (ARAP). This is the first time that the Central American countries are observing the lobster ban simultaneously. The waters of the Central American Caribbean maintain this significant fishery and are fundamental to the reproductive health of this species, which has been systematically overexploited. The fishing ban was fixed for these months as the highest peak of lobster reproduction is registered at this time.Please do not buy lobsters from the local fishermen and inform them that you will continue to not buy them until June 30. Restaurant owners:There will be inspections and fines for non-conformity with the new regulation.

If you notice hotels and restaurants that are complying or not complying with the ban,please let us know here at the BSTA. Drop by the office on Calle 2 (under OM Cafe), call, or e-mail. All members who are in compliance will receive a certificate from the BSTA stating this.

Lionfish Invasion

We have had a startling increase in lionfish population in the region of Bocas delToro. Local grassroots organization- ispearlionfish.org is working diligently to spread the word and encourage people to spear lionfish. Lionfish are an invasive species that destroys coral reefs. They are highly poisonous, yet, tasty and edible. People are encouraged to handle them with care, and then enjoy them! This coincides with the Lobster ban and thus the BSTA has been encouraging lobster fisherman to catch lionfish instead.  Information, t-shirts and decals from ispearlionfish.org are available at the BSTA Office.

La Ruta Amistad

The word “Amistad” means “friendship” in Spanish. La Amistad International Peace Park is the name of the park spanning the border between Costa Rica and Panama. It contains the largest expanse of undisturbed cloud forest in Central America. Taking its name from this park, La Ruta Amistad – the Amistad Trail -is an initiative designed to help visitors find sustainable tourism alternatives while traveling the spectacular route between Talamanca and Bocas del Toro, from accommodations and volunteer opportunities to tours and classes. By participating in this way, travelers will gain a greater insight into the local culture at the same time as supporting the people who live and work here.

 La Ruta Amistad Green Passport

La Ruta Amistad “Green Passports” are available at the ATEC office in Puerto Viejo and the BSTA Tourist Information Center in Bocas Town. The Passports  give an overview of the diverse flora and fauna to be found in this region, in addition to the different cultures that inhabit these beautiful landscapes – such as the Naso, the Bri-Bri and theAfro-Caribbean communities. The passports describe tours, accommodations, classes and activities available along the route, usually operated by small communities or local guides, as well as outline transport options in this region. All profits from the sale of the Passports help to fund the environmental and social projects of BSTA and ATEC.

 Highlights of the Route:

• A cacao tour in a Bri-Bri community – discover how chocolate is made
• An iguana farm in a Bri-Bri and Cabecar community to breed endangered  iguanas to be released into the wild
• A leatherback sea turtle conservation program - volunteers can watch turtles lay their eggs, and the hatchlings make their way down to the sea
• A trans-continental trek – hike from the Caribbean to the Pacific through tropical jungles and mist-covered mountains with a trained, local guide 

WHAT OUR VISITORS HAVE TO SAY:

Bahia Honda Bat and River Tour

By Anne Gegg of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, United States

Growing up in Cape Cod, Massachusetts I was immersed into the beachside, tourist town and loved the energy of it. That's why I think I enjoy Bocas del Toro as much as I do. In order to really enjoy a place like Bocas or Cape Cod you must take a step away from the everyday tourist activities for something a little different. I was lucky enough to have a day like that here when I visited the community of Bahia Honda on la Isla Bastimentos. 

The day started with a beautiful boat ride to a  mangrove just past the Red Frog Marina. Our guide, Rutillio, introduced us to a few members of the community including two women who would be preparing our lunch. After chatting with our guide, we crawled into the cayuco and motored to another mangrove, which eventually led to a stream. From there the engine was turned off, so you were completely enthralled by the noises and scenes of the jungle.  Periodically, we'd stop to listen to the birds or observe a sloth descending a tree. We arrived to a dock hiked through the jungle and begun our journey into the bat caves. Ironically two of my fears are bats and spiders, but I was determined to not humiliate myself in front of my all male group. We climbed over crystallized stalagmites eventually leading to neck deep water where bats zipped by our faces. I walked out of the cave exhilarated and we made our way back to our delicious Panamanian lunch of fish, rice and my favorite patacones, which was the perfect end to an incredible day.

For those of you looking to try something different from the normal tours stop by the BSTA and arrange a day in the Bahia Honda community.

Bahia Honda Night Caiman Tour

By Mark Lucas of London, England

When it rains in Bocas del Toro it seems to rain forever – for days and nights on end! Yet even when the airport closes due to poor visibility and residents and visitors alike stay shuttered indoors, some creatures of the archipelago are undeterred…

So, on the evening of the 6^th March, equipped with life jackets, torches and plenty of DEET, four compañeros and I (3 Dutch girls & 1 Israeli) rendezvoused at one of the wharfs and took a taxi-boat to Bahia Honda, where after a meal of red snapper prepared by one of the local indigenous families,we changed boats to a long cayuco.  With an oarsman at either end, we slipped silently into the red mangrove creeks.  Paddling into the blue-black inky darkness,the vegetation grew evermore thick and impenetrable on either side of the twisting channel.

The thrilling prospect of seeing our first large tropical reptile was heightened by the haunting cries of monkeys, crickets and frogs, which seem to announce our arrival, as we scanned the opaque milky water with our torch beams.

We were rewarded by the sight-at different locations along the creek, of not one, but three crocodiles in all! - an adult, a ‘teenager’ and an absolutely enchanting,recently hatched ‘baby croc’ who we named “Snappy”.  All three were camouflaged with distinctive black and amber markings on their leathery backs and lay motionless in the water ready to pounce on an unsuspecting prey!

WHAT OUR MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY:

PHun DolPHin PHacts

By Dawna Knapp of Dolphin Bay Preserve.

While there are over 30 species of dolphins, bottlenose dolphins are the ones commonly seen in Bocas del Toro.

• There are between 90 and 130 bottlenose dolphins living in and around Dolphin Bay at any time, although some are migratory and some are permanent residents. 
• The brain of the bottlenose dolphin weighs 1500-1600 grams, while the brain of a human weighs only1200-1300 grams.  
• Dolphins can stay up to 15minutes below the surface of the water, they can swim up to 12 kilometers per hour, and they can dive to a depth of 260 meters. 
• Bottlenose dolphins mate all year long, but have two primary mating seasons during the spring and fall. 
• Dolphin mothers are pregnant for 12 months.  Another female, who acts as a midwife, often assists the mother in the birthing process, while the pod protects the birthing mother and baby from predators. 
• Babies can grow to twice their weight in the first two weeks, just on their mother’s milk and they will continue nursing up to a year and a half. 
• Dolphins ea t fish,jellyfish, squid and crustaceans, and often work in groups to herd fish into mud banks and mangroves.   
• Humans, tiger sharks, and stingrays are bottlenose dolphin predators, as are parasites and viruses.  Healthy adults can reach 40-50 years of age. 
• Pollution, over fishing,habitat loss, boat collisions, human disturbance including feeding and swimming, all have negative effects on the bottlenose dolphin populations in Bocas del Toro. 

Information found at http://www.dolphins-world.com/,http://www.acsonline.org/factpack/btlnose.htm,  http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/bottlenose/index.htm,http://delphinids.com/,and http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/dolphin.php. 

Chili Mango Sauce

By Katherine Dukeheart of El Ultimo Refugio

For use on shrimp or fish

• 1 ripe mango
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/2 cup of desiccated coconut (or dried shredded coconut)
• 1/2 can coconut milk
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons chopped culantro
• salt and pepper

Put everything into blender or food processor. Put mixture into a pot, heat until boils and turn it off. Add hot sauce to taste.

WHAT I HAVE TO SAY:

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alexandra Dennis and I am from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I am the new Coordinator of the Bocas Sustainable Tourism Alliance. I first came to Bocas 8 years ago, after visiting off and on I moved here about 2 years ago. I am honoured to have this job and be a part of the BSTA!

I am really hoping that the community sees what a positive difference we can make. I'd also like for more people to explore the beauty and culture we have here in Bocas Del Toro. I was fortunate enough to explore the community of San Cristobal and I wanted to take some time to share my experiences there with you.

 I'm glad to be on board and I want to thank Renee Kimball and Vicki Brown for all the love, work, time, and attention they put in and give to the BSTA. I hope you have enjoyed this newsletter and do drop by the office and say hello!

Gracias,

Alexandra Dennis

 San Cristobal Craft Tour

What a  day! We arrived to the wrong dock, oops! and then meandered our way through the village of San Cristobal to find Esperanza. Esperanza is an active member of the BSTA and the head of the Mesi Jablado community tourism initiative. Once we found her we were taken to the Artisan lodge, where crafts and people were awaiting our arrival. They suggested our group of 5 people take a walk with Sergio and lunch would soon be ready. We explored the village, from the outskirts where we saw cacoa,  the graveyard (a very beautiful place) and back into the village to climb a hill land admire the scenic view from the high school. We were shown a hostel that is in the works, so that visitors can sleep  overnight. It looks really nice! Afterwards- lunch. YUM! Fish, rice, plantain cakes, and the most delicious medicinal herb ( I can´t recall the name) infused with lemon and coconut milk. I get hungry just thinking about it.  And on to the craft demonstration. We were delighted and surprised to see how the fibre for a chakara bag is extracted, treated, dyed, and dried! Different items from berries to bark to roots were ground and pressed so we could see with our own eyes just how the exquisite colours are crafted. And how the bags are woven! I won´t divulge. You must go on the tour and see for yourself.

Membership Update

We have added another category for membership: Individual. The cost is $50 per year.

Volunteer Updates

We are always looking for volunteers at BSTA. We also provide assistance to projects in need of volunteers, or volunteers in need of projects! Contact us.