Page 488 - Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook

458 Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook

Monteverde Cloud Reserve otherwise known as El Bosque Eterno de los Nin ˜os
(The Eternal Rainforest of the Children), Bosque Nuboso, Bajo Del Tigre, and
Reserva Santa Elena. It is interesting that a major portion of this area was
founded by American Quakers, and that El Bosque Eterno de los Nin ˜os was
founded by a project from schools and children from all over the world. Who
else but the kids can we dedicate this gardens to? This area is visited by
thousands of tourists each year, who not only take care not to destroy the
environment, but also enjoy seeing hundreds of different species of thousands
of animals and plants. The University of Georgia owns acres in this region and
runs a satellite campus. University of Georgia Costa Rica has study-abroad
programs, ecological and forestry research, ecotourism via its on-campus
lodging, various conservation and sustainability initiatives, and reforestation
efforts. Fortunately for humankind Costa Rica lends itself very friendly to
sustainable living. There are many kinds of models for all, and people can
create their ideal living achieving more with less to realize their dreams. There
are many sustainable homes, businesses, and communities with infrastructures
to support them. A trend in Costa Rica real state is the creation of communities
dedicated to green living. Most of them are in rural areas helping to provide
healthy lifestyles for residents to live in harmony with the natural surroundings
and with the local culture. Some are low-budget commune style with simple
installations, whereas others are expensive with elaborate homes and in-
frastructures. What makes these communities different is the commitment to
save energy and use renewable energy sources. These communities work on
growing organic foods; have free range animals; support local merchants by
buying locally; participate in the social and economic life of nearby com-
munities, supporting schools, and local projects; etc. One can say that these
communities are organized by like-minded spiritual, religious, and philo-
sophical individuals, but the most important shared value is the commitment to
protecting the environment and sustainable living in their daily lives.