Impact
Impact at Coco Loco means taking responsibility for the place we call home. As an eco resort, we focus on conscious choices in our everyday operations - reducing waste, reusing what we can, and minimizing our impact wherever possible.
At the same time, we commit to projects that create positive change for our surroundings and the natural environment. From mindful daily practices at the resort to larger initiatives we support, such as clean water projects and sea turtle conservation programs, we aim to reduce our footprint and contribute to long-term impact in the area.
Eco cabanas & native plants
Our eco cabanas are designed to reduce water and energy use through simple, functional systems. All water from showers and hand sinks is reused to irrigate the landscaping around each cabana. The property is planted with native vegetation sourced locally through a small community project. These plants and trees are adapted to the region and survive without additional irrigation, keeping water consumption low. The cabanas are built for the tropical climate using local, natural building materials. Open structures, shading, and thoughtful orientation allow for constant airflow throughout the day. There is no hot water in the eco cabanas. In this climate, it is not needed and would only increase energy consumption. For the same reason, eco cabanas are equipped with fans instead of air conditioning, supporting passive cooling and lower energy use. For guests who prefer additional comfort, we also offer air-conditioned rooms.
Mindful Daily Practices
From renewable energy and composting to low-waste routines, we focus on reducing our footprint step by step. Coco Loco has begun installing solar panels and continues expanding its renewable energy systems across the property. We compost all organic waste and reuse it as natural fertilizer, helping us reduce synthetic products and chemical use wherever possible. At the same time, we stay honest about the realities of a tropical coastal environment: termites, scorpions, and other pests may sometimes require treatment, and government mosquito spraying occurs a few times a year. We are transparent about these limits and focus on minimizing everything else we can control.
Clean water initiative
Many families within our community and our neighbouring communities do not have access to clean water. During the dry season, hand dug wells often run dry and during the raining season there can be contamination of the wells from various sources. This can lead to multiple health ailments, disproportionally impacting children. In May 2015 we drilled a 200ft deep well that tapped into an abundant, clean and healthy source of water. We then installed a large water tank for the community and ran high-pressure water pipes to each home in the community. The tap was turned on in December 2015 and the water project is now providing the community with clean fresh water!
Protecting local sea turtles
Environmental impact also means protecting local wildlife. Coco Loco beach, like many beaches along Nicaragua's northern coast, is a nesting and hatching area for Olive Ridley sea turtles. During the nesting season (May to November), turtles regularly come ashore to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, turtle egg poaching has had a significant impact on the populations of these turtles and with poverty so prevalent in this area it was showing no signs of letting up. Although we didn't agree with the practice of egg poaching, we also understood that these people used these eggs and the revenue derived from them as a necessary source of income. Our conservation project was designed with a practical approach: local egg collectors are compensated through a stipend and become part of the protection process instead. This helps reduce egg poaching while providing an alternative source of income. To date, more than 10,000 hatchlings have been protected, hatched, and released through this program. As part of our Turtle Experience, guests may have the chance to participate in the release of hatchlings.