Page 494 - Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook

464 Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook

Southwestern Areas

Portasol is a sustainable community located in the mountains of the Central
Pacific of Costa Rica. It is close to Manuel Antonio and Dominical beaches.
This is a luxurious gated community built causing least damage to the envi-
ronment and helping the local economy.

Tierra Verde is in the southern Pacific rim south of Quepos and 55 km from
San Isidro del General (Perez Zeledon). It a “model of sustainable ecological
development and design.” The designers are careful to slow water runoff and
allow percolation to put water back into the aquifer. As for the land, Tierra
Verde is using ecological landscaping and habitat restoration programs. They
are undergoing a reforestation project to restore the land to its natural state
over time. The designers of Tierra Verde are well aware of preserving the
biodiversity that exists in this region for the enjoyment of the residents.

Southern Areas
Las Alturas Del Bosque Verde is a 33,000-acre preserve near Panama border
and the slopes of the Talamanca Range. This area possesses a rich biodiversity
where monkeys, large cats, tapirs, hundreds of bird species, insects, and plants