Sustainability: Audio: Costas Christ, an international expert on sustainable tourism, talks about how sustainable tourism is transforming the travel industry; in essence, how and why good

Sustainability: Audio: Costas Christ, an international expert on sustainable tourism, talks about how sustainable tourism is transforming the travel industry; in essence, how and why good stewardship is now good business and what this can mean for conservation efforts.

Rafael was videotaped by Barry Heidt of sustainabletv with editing support by Tom Hopkins of Sustainable Today at

Rafael was videotaped by Barry Heidt of sustainabletv with editing support by Tom Hopkins of Sustainable Today at The International Ecotourism Society's (TIES) 2010 ESTC event in Portland, Oregon, September 8-10, 2010. 

Title: Environmental Sustainability and Saving Resources by Rafael Gallo

Rafael Gallo has pursued his passion for whitewater paddling from learning to paddle in the Great Smoky Mountains of the United States during college to founding and growing one of the best rafting companies in the world in his native Central America, based in Costa Rica. He has introduced thousands to the sport of paddling, led the fight to save the world-renowned Pacuare River from the first dam threat in the 1990s, purchased and protects 2000 acres of rainforest along the Pacuare and Rios’ eco-lodge. has planted almost 14,000 native tree species as part of the United Nations Environmental Program “Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign.”  More information on community development visit this Website.

Richard Edwards, Director of the foundation, Planeterra emphasizes the critical nature of converting mainstream tourism

Richard Edwards, Director of the foundation, Planeterra emphasizes the critical nature of converting mainstream tourism to a more sustainable model. Planeterra demonstrates the value of the ecotourism model that has high consumer demand. Moreover, there is a strong business case that continued environmental degradation and the effects of climate change will severely limit the availability of pristine and beautiful destinations that the industry relies upon.