Our river has gifted us many times over for the effort we made to save it.  One of the greatest gift is that it got us started down a path of Service where we have met amazing people.

 This past weekend, I attended a gathering where lots of these people were present.  It was wonderful.  People giving much of their “spare” time, their weekends, their resources in an effort to change the status quo of things. 

When I think about it, injustice and all the really “bad” things are playing a huge role in our waking up.  I mean, we would not have gotten involved in saving the river if they were going to take just a bit of the water over the next ten years.  They wanted to take all or most of the water and the machines were ready to go.  But when things happen gradually, they are more dangerous because one gets used to them little by little.

The Ministry of Culture lodged me at Ridgeway House in San Jose, a Quaker hostel that promotes peace and justice, which now houses the statue of whom I consider a dear friend, Peace Pilgrim.  If you do not know much about her life, I recommend you read the compilation of her writings that the Friends of Peace Pilgrim put together in a book after she shed her physical body.

I digress… so the point was that in the afternoons, there was no water at this place. At first I thought a pipe broke and they were repairing it, a common occurrence in our little village.  But then the same thing happened at this beautiful old building where the training was being held.  At Ridgeway House there were large bottles, pots and buckets filled with water.  But at the building where the training wes held, the bathrooms just remained dirty and there was nothing to wash hands with.

Those of us who have water supplied to our houses every day were concerned.  But the city folks just shrugged and said: “oh, yeah, they are rationing the water… there just is not enough for everyone”. 

I pass by the pineapple farms often.  Even from the highway, I can see the huge plumes of water shooting out from the pistons in full display and force… and I remember the times we were on that very same highway protesting because a large irrigation project threatened to take our last pristine river away.  This thrusted us into the world of water rights.

I wonder why the Ministry of Environment in Costa Rica allows these pineapple farms to take up so much water, and to pollute the remainder.  I wonder if people's and environmental health truly were the Ministry of Environment’s first priority instead of commodity crops such as pineapple or African palm, or cattle and massive tourism or the highly polluting hydroelectric plants… if there really would not be enough water for the basic needs of the people.

When I returned home and open the faucet and water came out, I was so grateful… and I am grateful to those who made that possible… and I say to those who may be told that there is not enough water for the needs of the people, to question it.  I believe there is a huge imbalance, a huge injustice happening in regards to water distribution and water utilization in Costa Rica… and probably in the entire world, I just can’t speak for the rest.  This can be remedied.  But the first thing to do is get informed.  And the second: Take action.  Let’s not just sit and accept there is no water.

Before we get used to and accept a possibly false premise, let’s question if there really isn’t enough water and where the water is going… If there is less water, question why … get together… there are people who are already working on these questions and you can be of support to them.  Working together we can straighten many injustices. The world needs each and everyone of us.

Lama Wangchen and his message

Almost two weeks ago, I was at an event at a Center in the Orosi Valley, which like our Center is trying to make its own contribution in its own special way towards the total peace picture in the world.

Tibetan Lama Wangchen spoke at this event.   He held two items in his hands which symbolized wisdom and compassion.  It was an idyllic scene. He sat on a boulder next to the river in the Tapanti Reserve while a group of us listened to him and to the water. It could not have been more complete. The sun shone and the lush green mountains stood in the background as witnesses, while the cool crystal-clear water flowed past us bringing the messages it has carried since the beginning of time on this planet. 

It all began as an idea in someone’s head. An 80+ year-old woman who has a great deal of compassion for the human condition and wanted to do something to advance humanity in its evolution. 

The Lama spoke of those who inspire us, like Mother Theresa and the Dalai Lama himself. And I thought to myself that in my case, though these people have certainly inspired me too, it is the people like this woman who still believes humanity can correct course who inspire me to keep going. 

Our work to save our river here has gifted us with so many blessings.  One of the most precious ones are the people we have met whose resources are limited in one way or the other, the “small” people nobody knows about, the ones who quietly work every day to free us from the blindfold we have acquired living in our modern societies, those who work for our right to be truly free and awake.  It is these people I think about when I want to call it quits.

A day like the one spent at Tapanti by the river can not leave one without a dent in consciousness.  There were messages from the Lama, from the mountain, from the water… all the elements were present and music harmonized it all, and at some point the music from the instruments blended into the music of the water splashing on the rocks.

It could have been a gathering in the city, a walk by the sea shore… the intention and energy behind it is what matters… The messages were to wake up to what is happening… Do something, anything you are motivated to do to make things better for all sentient beings. Work on developing a sense of compassion for the human condition, for our very own lack of maturity and understanding.  There have been many wrongs, two wrongs don’t make a right. Only the truth can set us free. We can speak up about injustice and this is important. But just as important is to begin to take the reigns over our own destinies and create our own vision of the new world.

We can inspire one another to keep going, to keep trying, to keep doing something, even if it seems too small to make a difference. A little pebble was dropped into the ocean of human consciousness at Tapanti that Sunday, and its ripples could go on forever… or not… it is totally up to each one of us who were there how far these ripples travel.  And it is up to each of us who have some information, some idea, some inspiration to use it to help one another wake up.  To realize that no government, no institution is going to do this work for us… this work belongs to us… every day, every small choice we make… what to eat, what to purchase, where to travel, how to spend our time and money… and most importantly what we choose to think about regarding our state of affairs as a human race… it all adds up and we the small people are making a difference too.

Our Tree Nursery- Where there is a Will, There is a Way

Where the is a will, there is a way… the Center has found a way to keep the tree nursery alive. This is the only tree nursery in our area supplying free trees in the mid and lower region of the Bell Bird Biological Corridor, the most deforested area of the Corridor. The trees from the nurseries in the Monteverde Cloud forest do not de well in our lower, drier and hotter regions; therefore, our nursery MUST survive.

Deforestation in our area was aggravated by Hurricane Nate and it is important to help the river flood plane again, as well as many other areas. Also, most of the fruit trees that used to feed people and animals alike, have been lost due to cattle ranching. We want to bring those back too.

Community members, motivated by a program of Kioscos Socioambientales, Agroecologia of the University

of Costa Rica have been making their own rich soil and compost. This was the basis of some of the dirt used… but the story does not end there…

Thanks to our new volunteer, Claire Malfante, we found a way to keep it alive. Claire gives free English classes to community members and in return, the community members do service/volunteer hours in the nursery. Alex has a great deal of experience doing nursery work and the project got off the ground beautifully! Congratulations Guacimal… we have come a long way working together.

Also, there is no better way to do environm

Donde hay un querer, hay un poder… el Centro ha encontrado una manera de mantener vivo el vivero.  Este es el único vivero en nuestra zona que regala árboles para reforestar esta parte media y baja del Corredor Biológico Pájaro Campana, la parte más deforestada del Corredor.  Los árboles de los viveros en el Bosque Nuboso Monteverde no sobreviven bien en nuestras regiones bajas que son calientes y más secas. Por ellos nuestro vivero DEBE sobrevivir.

La deforestación en nuestra área se agravó aún más cuando el Huracán Nate arrasó con los árboles en las riberas y en otras áreas. Y muchos de los árboles frutales que daban de comer a las personas y animales antes de la ganadería extensiva se han perdido y los queremos recuperar.

Motivados por un programa de Agroecología de Kioscos Socioambientales de la UCR, la comunidad hemos estado creando nuestra propia tierra-abono orgánico que se está usando para llenar las bolsas, pero la historia no para allí…

Gracias a nuestra nueva voluntaria, Claire Malfante, encontramos una manera de mantener el vivero vivo.  Claire da clases gratuitas de inglés a la comunidad y en intercambio, los miembros de la comunidad hacen horas voluntarias en el vivero.  Alex tiene mucha experiencia con viveros, entonces el proyecto levantó vuelo muy exitosamente!  Felicidades Guacimal… hemos logrado mucho trabajando en conjunto.

Además, no hay mejor educación que èsta, ni mejor manera de construir una comunidad unida.

Exciting Tours at the Sustainability Demonstration Center!

Are you or anyone you know looking for something fun, authentic, and exciting to do in the Monteverde region?! Want to choose an activity that directly supports the local community and environmental conservation? Want to immerse yourself in nature enjoying both forest and river?

Head over to the Sustainability Demonstration Center, located right along Route 606, the main road towards Monteverde! 

If you're planning a visit to Monteverde, make sure you stop by and spend some time with us. Whether it's so you can stretch your legs, eat and take a swim while on your journey to Monteverde (especially great if you have children with you) or just escape the busy tourist hot-spots and enjoy some peaceful time in nature, we have so many wonderful activities for you to enjoy such as hiking, bird-watching, refreshing swims in the river, horseback riding, a zip-line for children, traditional outdoor games, tour of the historic center and animal welfare program, and more!  

While we welcome you to just stop by, we also offer themed tours at the Sustainability Demonstration Center. Choose one or create a whole day of fun by combining two half-day tours! 

TOUR SCHEDULE: 

Each tour is 2 hours and can be provided in either English or Spanish. We offer a morning tour from 9:00 am – 11:00 am and an afternoon tour from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. If the tour is arranged ahead of time, we can adjust the hours of the tour. Reservations are necessary.

CONTACT US AT sdccostarica@gmail.com or +506-8302-2522 for more information or to make your reservation! Get ready to have some fun!

100% Natural Tour

Literally submerge yourself in a totally joyful and natural experience in a pristine river and the true rural Costa Rica. Learn about what lies behind the decline of the most important economic center of the entire region, the old gold mines, trade route, and find out why the locals say there are ghosts around.

Visit our tree nursery which houses thousands of trees given away for free to promote reforestation, enjoy the traditional games outdoors and learn about wildlife rehab and animal welfare efforts. Walk across a river and end up at a 112-acre integrated farm to watch the water buffaloes and many fruit trees and other crops and get served a fruit-based drink and snack. The beautiful Guacimal River offers swimming holes deep enough to swim and jump off the rocks plus the shallow Jacuzzi-like areas to get a natural massage- a favorite!  

The 100% Natural Tour includes:

·       Tour of the historic Sustainability Demonstration Center

·       Visit the native tree nursery

·       Learn about the wildlife rehabilitation and animal welfare programs

·       Enjoy traditional Costa Rican outdoor games

·       Hike across a river to visit a 112-acre integrated farm

·       Natural fruit drink and delicious snack

·       Swim in natural swimming holes in the Guacimal River

Cost:

$40 USD per adult, $25 USD per child

Includes guided tour, activities, and snack

Horseback Riding

Start by a brief tour of the historic Casona, then cross a gentle river and go through what used to be an ancient trade route, a forested path that takes you to an integrated farm where you see farm animals and water buffaloes, organic crops and fruit trees, then go to the mountain top with wonderful views of the Gulf of Nicoya. Then off to the pristine river pools to swim and where you can often watch tropical birds, monkeys, iguanas sunning themselves on a large river rock or a Jesus Christ lizard literally walking on water! Hearing the sound of the water cascading over the beautiful rocks and feeling the cool water over your skin is an exquisite experience that will leave you relaxed and happy…. Getting there on horse-back is idyllic.

During the tour of the historic Casona (Big House), you will find out why the locals say it is haunted and what lies behind the collapse of what once was the most important economic center of the entire region. Upon return, enjoy refreshments from our farm…you will have a memorable experience and a happy heart, as you will have supported a rural non-profit organization.

The Horseback Riding includes:

·       Relaxing horseback riding tour through a 112-acre integrated farm with beautiful mountain views of the Gulf of Nicoya

·       Visit to a natural swimming hole to enjoy a refreshing swim

·       Tour of the historic Sustainability Demonstration Center

·       Natural fruit drink and delicious snack

Cost:

$40 USD per person (same for adults & children)

Includes horseback riding, activities, and snack

Please help us to spread the word! 

Co-creating a New Reality

Yesterday morning I spent a few hours with a professor from the University of Costa Rica named Gloriana going over many aspects of the Center.  The evening prior, we had both attended a forum regarding the water issues in Puntarenas City.  These included the threat to a fragile wetland by the construction of a GAS STATION.  We thought about how the Communications and Radio class she is teaching here at the Center could organize to help Puntarenas City.  There is also a volunteer named JJ who is coming to do a short documentary for the Center and we thought of inviting him to help Puntarenas too.

The early afternoon was dedicated to organizing a talk that will be given here by Michiko Hayashi, who is coming to speak about the famous work on water consciousness of Dr. Emoto, a prominent scientist from Japan who transitioned in 2014.  We are so grateful to my friend Mary Newswanger who worked very hard to bring Michiko to Costa Rica.

Later in the eve there was a downpour, and people were calling the Center to see if the workshop called Community Consulting was on.  A few minutes before 5:00 p.m. and nobody had arrived.  The professor from the University of Costa Rica in Puntarenas showed up with her assistant, a little concerned about the apparent lack of participants. But we went ahead and set up the large screen, moved tables and chairs, got the materials out, etc.  Preparing as if people were going to come…and they did, a little late and a little wet.  The workshop spun into all kinds of discussions, as we all knew one another well… we have been marching on the streets together, we have shared meals at our own market, we have organized to help other communities, etc.  At the end, the project that we as a group decided to work on was this: Helping young couples with children with Effective Communication, Dealing with Emotions and Parenting.  It was decided that the workshops should be given in Guacimal, but also in a nearby very impoverished community called Colina, which suffers from all the ills that extreme poverty has to offer.  I gave the professor the contact info for Colina and left that group.  We were thrilled this Community Consulting Program of the University of Costa Rica can do this kind of work!

As I removed myself from the Events Room into our dining area, I saw my husband with our French friend Patricio in a very animated conversation in preparation for opening what we consider the last point in the triangle, the trinity, that we had envisioned long time ago... a permanent store to have products that are produced in small farms in Costa Rica, in a fair way, without chemicals and going with the natural cycles for each crop. 

Chumi, a friend and environmentalist from a nearby community came by.  He produces and sells honey and came to discuss his having a stand at the new store which we will call Cosas Buenas Market.  The store will open up soon and we are excited to see what people think of our home-made ice cream and bakery using ingredients from small farms and fruit from our trees, in addition to the crafts, grains, produce and many other things that will have a benefit for all involved.

Gloriana, the professor from the UCR who has been teaching a workshop on Communication and Radio came back and met up with the professors that were already here and became part of the discussion to help Colina.  The new professor, Marieta, must have said goodbye several times.  She said, “I keep saying goodbye and I don’t leave.  One feels so good here and never wants to leave.” I said, “It must be because we don’t want you to leave either."

We live at the Center, so at the end, we went to bed late. Our Events Room was all in disarray and our kitchen area was the same, but our hearts were filled with so much joy.  The Center is fulfilling its Mission and our Vision for it.  It waited asleep and shut down for over three decades to do this.  And as we have struggled to keep it afloat financially, we tell ourselves, “the Center itself must be very happy to be serving.  Therefore, IT will help us move all the necessary elements to do so.” 

And then we rolled over into a deep and satisfied asleep, knowing every day of our lives is filled with infinite possibilities to help and grow, to fulfill dreams, to co-create a new reality.  There is no greater payment for our work than days like this.

No to Agrochemicals, Yes to Community Health!

 At the Sustainability Demonstration Center, we promote the healthy production, distribution, and consumption of food, promoting activities that foster a microeconomy that supports healthy, local food production, where we can produce and consume food that is healthy for us, our families, and the environment. Instead of using agrochemicals and planting monocultures, we have a polyculture farm on our ranch where we take into account the health of the land, water, and people. 

 Unfortunately, in Costa Rica, there is a high use of agrochemicals, especially in large, monoculture pineapple plantations. Since education is an important pillar of sustainability, sharing information so that everyone can be an informed consumer is key. This is a list of agrochemicals, both legal and reported, that pineapple plantations in Costa Rica use: 

Herbicides:
1) ametryne
2) bromacil
3) diuron
4) paraquat

Insecticides:
5) diazinon
6) etoprofos
7) carbaryl
Growth regulators:
8) etephon

Fungicides:
9) fosetyl
10) triadimefon 
11) triadimefon 
12) mancozeb
13) metalaxyl


 By sharing knowledge and promoting the healthy production and distribution of food, we CAN take steps as aware and knowledgeable consumers about what we choose to support and what we choose to eat. For more information about the use of agrochemicals in Costa Rica, please check out this link to an article: http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/06/07/costa-rica-consumes-agrochemicals-per-hectare-country-world

Here in Guacimal, we are not only encouraging production of organic food products, we are also fostering a microeconomy that allows people to invest in the community, rather than large, multinational corporations that pollute the land, water, and health of people with agrochemicals. Our Saturday Farmer's Market is a great place to visit and for you to enjoy local, traditional Costa Rican foods and traditional marimba music! Please stop by if you are in the area!

REDD+ Means Red Alert!

I love students… and the students from the California University System who visited the Center recently, sparked conversations about many topics… too many to mention.  But I want to write about one in particular.  Because it became apparent that REDD+ is being “sold” to them as this grand idea to offset deforestation and pollution.   It is an absurd idea and we must question it and do all we can to help protect the territories of the indigenous people.  The BriBri have put together an informative booklet which I summarized below.

Translated and Adapted from:  "Cuidando la Madre Tierra:  Luchando contra REDD+ y megaproyectos"   (Taking Care of Mother Earth:  Fighting Against REDD+ and Megaprojects)

What is REDD+?

It means Reduction of Emissions Due to Deforestation and Degradation of the Forests.  The + symbol refers to a Sustainable Handling, Conservation and an Increase of Carbon reserves.

It is a project that allows extractive industries (corporations and governments) pay for permits that allow them to pollute.  The contract that the leaders of an indigenous community sign to accept REDD+ in its territory, means that the community no longer can use its forest or most of it, because there are companies that are paying so the trees in their forests clean the pollution caused by the industry. 

The project was created by international entities such as the World Bank and United Nations, and it started in Costa Rica in 2008.

They reject REDD+ because corporations need to be responsible for their own pollution and they need to stop their extractive, polluting industries; to pay in order to pollute is a lack of respect.

They reject REDD+ because the process of consultation that the government keeps pushing since 8 years ago is not done with good intention as it does not provide timely and true information to the indigenous communities involved.  They obtain the cooperation If the local government against the will of the people.  If the local BRIBRI government signs such a contract, the usable area of forest the indigenous community would have left to use would be reduced to 2%.

Since 2010, the community has been against this project and has been protesting and they even went to the Presidential Home in San Jose.

They have used the media, held forums, visited communities; they have had numerous meetings with the local government ADITIBRI who are not listening to the people, and have received visitors from various countries that want to help them stop REDD+.

They worked on a Declaration to protect their indigenous BRIBRI territory and used the United Nations Declaration regarding Indigenous Peoples.  The main point in this Declaration is that indigenous people have the right to self-determination and self-governance.

Indigenous people have been living in balance and harmony with their environment, a true and ancestral model of Sustainability.  They do not need REDD+.  And in fact, REDD+ would upset this delicate balance.

Please tell others about what REDD+ really means!