Rainforest Alliance

With degrees in biology, ornithology and veterinary medicine, Ingrid Ayub has worked as a consultant for the Rainforest Alliance’s agriculture and tourism programs for five years. Our tourism team notes that Ayub is always willing to do the most difficult jobs, applauds her innovative ideas and commends her knack for developing practical solutions -- which is why Ayub is among their first choices when a particularly challenging assessment arises.

Describe a typical assessment of a tourism business.

We always begin by meeting with the management of the hotel or tour company to review policies, plans and records. Then, we visit the facilities and interview the workers to assess the company’s sustainability progress and goals.

What sort of changes do hotels and lodges generally need to make in order to be considered sustainable?

The changes tend to be far-reaching. They include, for example, improving community relations and protecting local cultural traditions; minimizing waste, water and electricity use; protecting waterways, forests and wildlife habitat; educating employees and guests on conservation and sustainable tourism; keeping detailed records; hiring local staff; and purchasing supplies from local businesses.

Tell me about a particularly rewarding experience with a tourism business.

In 2007, I visited two rural communities in Talamanca -- one of Costa Rica’s poorest and greenest regions -- over a four-month period. During my five visits, we worked on developing sustainability policies, work plans, forms for record-keeping, customer information, signage, tour operating regulations and emergency response plans. Members of both associations worked diligently throughout the entire process. They were able to achieve a tremendous amount with limited economic resources -- proof that a change of attitude can result in bigger breakthroughs. Now, they’re operating more efficient businesses while protecting their local environment!

Do you have a favorite place to work?

I prefer places that are often very hard to get to! While they usually have fewer amenities, being in a remote rural area has the added benefit of bringing me in contact with rural people who often grow crops and raise animals.