The resorts follow the Rainforest Alliance’s 8 principles which address the key areas for the efficient organization of the sustainable companies:

• Sustainable management planning;
• Quality management
• Human resource management
• Safety management
• Communication and marketing management
• Food and Beverage Safety Program
• Supplier management
• Sustainability education

The Sociocultural aspect is organized in 4 principles which address the social aspects of the employees and the community, as well as the respect for and rescue of the heritage and the living culture. The principles are:

• Contribution to local development
• Legal and Ethic Labor Practices
• Respect for local culture and people
• Rescue and protection of the historical-cultural heritage

The environmental aspect addresses the aspects of the business management with impacts on the ecosystems and the biodiversity, which are related to the climate change. The principles are:

• Climate change
• Rational use of water
• Rational use of energy
• Biodiversity conservation
• Protection of natural areas
• Pollution
• Solid Waste Management

All the standard is implemented through the criteria and indicators which allow measuring the level of conformance. The assessment indicators and evaluation requirements can vary depending to the business sector addressed with the Certification tool (lodging or tour operators).

In order to be eligible for and to maintain the certification granted by Rainforest Alliance, every company audited against this standard must conform with 100% of the requirements denominated critical and with at least 70% of the overall standard.”