Page 495 - Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook

Sustainable Communities in Costa Rica Chapter j 22 465

abound. There are a few indigenous people living here, and some work at the
preserve. Las Alturas is about 60% virgin rain forest continuing with the
conservation efforts set forth by the owner and the property manager. Wild cats
thrive at Las Alturas. The Las Alturas Research Facility is run in cooperation
with the Stanford University and others throughout the world. It supports
graduate and postgraduate research on tropical ecosystems.

Punta Mona Center for Sustainable Living and Education is an 85-acre
beachfront, family-owned, environmental education center, botanical collec-
tion, established organic permaculture farm, and an ecolodge, dedicated to
regenerative ways of living. It is located in the Caribbean side, close to
Manzanillo and the border with Panama.

THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES IN COSTA
RICA

Cultural Movements and Governmental Programs
Costa Rica as a nation is well aware that waste and rampant deforestation is no
good for the economy, the country’s morale, or the its growth. They have
experienced this first hand. In 1945 75% of the country was covered with
luscious forests. In 1987 this number dropped to 21%, and soon thereafter the
leaders began to see that the replacement of “unproductive” land (the forest)
for “productive” land (agriculture) was making the land infertile, leaving the
farmers and investors scrambling. The clean air and water was becoming
polluted. The leaders began to see the benefits of retaining healthy ecosystems
to promote tourism, recreation, and health care. They implemented policies
that promoted conservation and ecotourism, established more national parks,
and encouraged organic farming. At any time and in different communities
throughout Costa Rica you will see many programs taking place to better the
environment, social conscience, and economic health.