Annual budget: It
is mainly made up of the associates' quotas and donations from
some groups, but there is no exact annual figure.
Major donors:
- Small Grants Program,
Costa Rica – Global Environment Facility
- Fondo Canje de Deuda Costa Rica-Canadá
- Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional
(AECI-Spanish Agency for International Cooperation) through
the Savegre Project
- Municipality of Tarrazú, Costa Rica
Objectives:
- Improve quality of life for the people of Quebrada Arroyo
and establish a more united community.
Description of the area where organization works:
Quebrada Arroyo, located in the
Savegre River watershed 25 km from Quepos, Province Puntarenas,
is an area that was deforested in the past without considering
the natural riches that existed there. Currently some 90%
of its lands are protected because there are a large number
of springs and groundwater sources.
The inhabitants
of this zone have traditionally dedicated themselves to vanilla-growing.
This activity suffered a crisis due to a pest that severely
affected production. Today, thanks to ecotourism, the community
can have an alternative means of life to vanilla-growing.
Memberships:
There must be a
written request which is approved or rejected in an Assembly
meeting.
Number
of members: 28
Projects:
-
Ecoturismo
Comunal Quebrada Arroyo
Summary: This ecotourism project is surrounded
by large tourism attractions. For example, it's just a few
miles from Manual Antonio National Park. It is administered
by an organized group of families whose objective is to
benefit from the area's natural resources in a way that
is harmonious with the environment. The program is an alternative
to local residents and immigrants to the area in search
of job opportunities of which there are currently few. The
project is seen by the tourism-related microenterprises
in the town of Quepos as an option to future tourism activities.
Principal accomplishments:
- The organization bought a 33-hectare farm that has primary
and secondary forest, the latter in regeneration.
- The infrastructure needed for a community ecotourism
project has been built. This includes rustic cabins with
private baths, 4 km of trails, and a hanging bridge 130
m long and 40 m high.
- A legally recognized grassroots organization.
- Electricity available throughout the community.
- Construction of the rural aqueduct.
Volunteers:
Volunteers can work on maintenance
tasks, trails, infrastructure, language instruction, etc,
for which the necessary tools are provided. There is a 50%
discount on lodging and an 80% discount on food for the volunteers.
Transportation is not offered.
