Empowering the Next Generation Through 1% for the Planet
In 2025, Cayuga Collection’s contributions supported 250 young leaders in Costa Rica’s Brunca Region—turning environmental awareness into community action.
At Cayuga Collection, we believe that sustainability isn’t just about preserving landscapes; it’s about investing in the people who call them home. Through our partnership with 1% for the Planet, we have directed our 2025 contributions toward the SOMOS Foundation and their life-changing SELAL Program.
We are proud to share the impact report from April 2025 through January 2026, showcasing how these funds are cultivating a new wave of environmental leaders in the Brunca Region of Costa Rica.
More Than a Donation: A Catalyst for Growth
Our support does more than just “keep the lights on.” By providing a stable financial foundation, Cayuga’s contribution acted as a magnet for further investment. In 2025, this partnership helped SOMOS leverage additional funding from international organizations like the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
This “multiplier effect” allowed the program to expand from intensive camps into Eco SELAL, a year-round follow-up initiative that tackles urgent local issues like illegal fishing and deforestation.
2025 Impact by the Numbers
Between April 2025 and January 2026, the program reached deep into the communities of Bahía Ballena, Palmar Norte, and Puerto Jiménez:
- Total Participants: 250 young leaders
- Gender Balance: 58% Women | 42% Men
- Approval Rating: 91% of participants rated the program as “Excellent”
- Real-World Prep: 84% feel better prepared to face challenges in their communities.
From Awareness to Action: What’s New?
The SELAL experience has evolved. It’s no longer just about learning; it’s about doing. Here are the highlights from this period:
- Solutions Journalism: In January 2026, students began working with El Colectivo 506 to learn how to tell stories that focus on community solutions rather than just problems.
- Environmental Defense: Six specialized workshops were held to train youth in identifying and safely reporting illegal land use and timber extraction.
- Soft Skills Mastery: We saw a massive jump in “soft skill” literacy. At the start, nearly half of the students didn’t know what soft skills were; by the end, 93% had mastered concepts like assertive communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
"SELAL contributed significantly to my personal leadership... I feel more prepared to face challenges in my community."
Looking Ahead: Eco SELAL Phase II
The most exciting chapter is just beginning. Starting in February 2026, we are moving into Phase II. This transition turns students into project managers.
With the support of micro-grants and technical mentorship, these young leaders will design and execute 6 to 9 community mini-projects. They won’t just be talking about change; they will be the ones funding and implementing solutions for a more resilient Costa Rica.
Why This Matters to Us
When you stay at a Cayuga Collection property, you are a part of this story. Your choice to support sustainable tourism directly fuels the leadership, mental health, and environmental stewardship of these 250 young people.
Together, we are ensuring that the future of the Osa Peninsula and the Central Pacific is in very capable hands.
