Organic Farming, Cheese Production and Animal Care in Rural Costa Rica | Overview
Organic Farming, Cheese Production and Animal Care in Rural Costa Rica
Description and Impact
ProWorld’s partner is a cooperative started by 12 families, which supports community development for a village surrounded by a vast variety of unique flora and fauna. It has the support of the IDA (Agro Development Institute, a government office). Community members felt the need to organize themselves in order to establish a program which could actively cooperate and provide support to the local families, developing various activities for a more productive life.
The economy of the area relies mainly on agriculture: sugar cane, vegetables and fruits. Other activities are breeding livestock, sale of agricultural products, a cheese factory, and rural tourism.
- What is the need? Tourism is one of the largest industries in Costa Rica. Tourists from around the world are drawn to the breathtaking ecological beauty of the country. Yet it is Costa Rica’s flora and fauna that are most at risk from the influx of travellers. ProWorld’s eco-conservation partner offers a sustainable eco-tourism experience that strives to protect the very flora and fauna that makes Costa Rica unique. The cooperative members hope to both continue their way of life and to promote sustainable living among all visitors.
- What is the overall goal of the project? The cooperative welcomes visitors and volunteers to experience a full, rich rural life, and also explore unspoiled natural areas. Community-based eco-tourism is a very important source of economic growth for subsistence farming communities. It provides incentives for landowners to protect native flora and fauna and educates the community regarding the natural wonders of their region. The agro-tourism model volunteers to participate in farming projects; together, local community members and volunteers, join efforts to develop existing projects and expand education on rural Costa Rica.
What's Included
- Homestay with a carefully-screened Costa Rican family
- Daily meals
- Health and travel insurance
- On-site transportation and airport pickup
- Project funding and support
- Cultural and adventure excursions
- 24-hour support from ProWorld Costa Rica staff
- Access to Cabana ProWorld Costa Rica – Wireless Internet, Unlimited Filtered Water
