ECOCLUB.com ECO RELEASE

November 5, 2004

Laguna del Lagarto Lodge (Web: www.lagarto-lodge-costa-rica.com), located in the northern zone of Costa Rica has launched a novel scheme (Web: www.protect-rainforests.org) to enable the protection of Tropical Rain Forests through share ownership. The Lodge has transferred 100 hectares (250 acres) of primary Tropical Rain Forest that it previously owned to a new organisation, with five dedicated and renowned professionals in its Board, and calls upon ethical investors, ordinary members of the public who are keen to save rainforests to become part of this innovative effort.

Announcing this pioneering project, Laguna del Lagarto Director, Vinzenz Schmack noted that "The amount of the investment required is deliberately small to be affordable for all. For only 250 US Dollars you can now become co-owner of a Rainforest, assist in its preservation and enjoy unique benefits!" 

Indeed, this can also make an unusual, eco-friendly Christmas present. Each shareholder and his direct family (spouse and children) will receive a permanent 20% discount on the prevailing room rates of Laguna del Lagarto Lodge, which is on the edge of the said Rain Forest. Shareholders are free to sell their shares at any time.

Laguna del Lagarto Lodge, that will also administer the new organisation, free of charge, has from the outset placed provisions banning unsustainable use of the Rain Forest by future shareholders. The prime purpose of the new company is the preservation, protection and maintenance of the Rain Forest. Profit is not excluded but it will be pursued within the framework of sound ecological principles. 

The project is probably the first of its kind in the world. Already, other owners of neighbouring privately-held Rain Forest areas have expressed interest to join in. It is thus hoped that the project will ultimately contribute to the preservation of a large portion of the Rain Forests in the Northern Zone of Costa Rica. 

In the absence of adequate state funding, this project can offer a practical alternative to existing and aspiring private Rain Forest owners, so that environmental destruction is avoided, through innovative financing, hands-on management and monitoring, and clear, legal provisions. Judging from the environmental dedication & financial expertise of Vinzenz Schmack, Founder of Laguna del Lagarto Lodge, one of the oldest Ecolodge Members of ECOCLUB, (Web: www.ecoclub.com), we recommend that readers find out more details about this pioneering idea:

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