The tropical rainforest of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula contains 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity on less than one millionth of the planet’s surface. Its incredible natural beauty has caught the eye of the tourism industry and the planned construction of an international airport threatens to transform the region forever. Spanning more than five years, 2.5% – The Osa Peninsula weaves together voices from Osa residents, local leaders and conservation experts as they attempt to build a tourism industry that balances environmental protection with the needs of local communities.
With themes that resonate well beyond the borders of Costa Rica, the film illuminates the effects of tourism development on local communities and offers a hopeful vision for the future of travel in the planet's most fragile places.
Meet the Characters
The story follows Xinia, a single mother who mines gold for a living, and introduces Johnson and his brother Carlos, ex-hunters who now lead wildlife treks on their rainforest property. Xinia, Johnson and Carlos are three of many Osa residents who are creating “community tourism” projects, opening their homes and land to travelers who want a more personal experience in exploring the nature and culture of the Osa. These projects give locals in remote, rural communities an opportunity to tap into the growing tourism economy, retain their land, and provide travelers with an unforgettable experience. Many environmental experts see it as a great strategy for conservation and many Osa locals hope it is the future of tourism in the region. But will it succeed?
The Filmmakers
Several years ago filmmakers Marco and Eytan fell in love with this small, wondrous region in Costa Rica’s South Pacific. After visiting the area, they returned home to California with one goal in mind; help conserve the Osa Peninsula.
Their crowdfunding campaign made the national Costa Rican news when they dressed up like rainforest animals and danced for 107 hours straight to raise the funds they needed (watch the newscast here ). Spending six months on the ground in the most biologically intense place on Earth helped them understand the delicate balance between rainforest conservation and tourism development. They’ve returned to the Osa many times over the past 5 years, deepening connections and finding new ways to support their friends in communities throughout the Osa.