There is a small farming community in Coopabuena, Costa Rica that was hit by a major cooperative bankruptcy, sending them into downward spiral into poverty. Desperate members of what remains of the community are cutting down the remaining trees on their farms, in an area that once had the highest biodiversity on the planet. These farmers have sold their tropical rainforest jungles to loggers and are now left with barren pastures being trampled and eroded away by cattle so they can be sold to make some quick money. This is destroying the land and its high potential to absorb the over-abundant carbon in the atmosphere.
This project solves these problems through community awareness programs, functions and demonstrations on "Finca Salveverde," a farm turned vegetative from pasture. There is a native tree seedling nursery there where free trees will be distributed to pastures and degraded lands in need. Cob structures such as houses and ovens will be built from natural materials from the local land. Sustainable practices and permaculture education will be always available on Finca Salaveverde via this project. This includes diagrams and information on various alternative green methodologies that any visitor can look at and do themselves.
Interns will be able to come from all over the world to learn and receive credit from their college or university. They can choose to live with real Costa Rican host families, or bring their tent to camp out on Finca Salveverde. Independent learning contracts should be agreed upon with a sponsor from the student's school. Some projects to be done on the farm are tree planting, terracing, pruning, harvesting, cooking, cleaning, and nursery work. On Finca Salveverde, students can gain outdoor experience or certifications living in the wilderness without electricity.
