The IDB Group as co-financier of the project makes this project significant as a global benchmark. The project follows IDB guidelines in terms of sustainability requirements and monitoring of social, economic and environmental indicators. The Resort also will comply with Tour Operator’s Guidelines in terms of sustainable tourism development and implementation guidelines on health and safety standards. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are for that reason part of the Project. Environmental and socioeconomic baselines studies have been conducted with positive environmental assessments. These studies and field trips have contributed to focusing the objectives and activities, including the identification of key stakeholders (Government, Traditional Tribal leaders, NGOs, resource persons, private enterprises), as well as inventories of natural resources and the assessment of the impact of the tourism activities. Meetings have taken place to inform both the local population and other stakeholders about the environmental, economic, social and cultural opportunities, the challenges and alternatives of the Berg en Dal Project for the region and the neighboring communities. All of them have been positive.

The long history of land and water use shows that many human activities have taken place in the Berg en Dal area in the past. For that reason the project activities will have no detrimental, but on the contrary a beneficial impact on the soil and water, the diversity of flora and fauna, the human population and the economics and options of the area. From a social impact perspective, Berg en Dal is an almost deserted village with little population links to the neighboring communities..

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