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Description
My name is Richard. I am a traveler too. Some of my favorite places are Bhutan, Lake Baikal, Tenerife and Tuscany. My trips are usually spiritual or meditation / contemplation oriented. I live in Alajuela and now I will spend at least half time in this project. I am a molecular biologist who worked all my life in organic agriculture (organizing curses and promoting production) and protecting the environment (worked for The Nature Conservancy for almost 10 years, in charge of the protection of the Osa). Together with a group of friends we are creating a group of farms in a critical place to protect the biodiversity in this key spot of the world. I just bought this farm that requires lots of effort to get the conservation project started.
It is a brand new conservation project next to Corcovado National Park. This farm had logging activity and poaching. Being neighbor to Corcovado and the Guaimi indigenous territory it has a critical ecological importance as a buffer zone and as a holder of biodiversity.
As the first steps of this conservation project the old farm house will be transformed into a hostel, forest trails need to be cleared and maintained, green areas need to be taken care of, a permaculture project needs to be planned and started, the reforestation project needs to be executed and walks of the forest helps to protect the area. Inventories of Flora and found need to be done also.
The facilities of the farm are very basic at the moment. Accommodation is at the same farm house that is being repaired or camping. There is no electricity. Toilet and shower facilities are being built, meanwhile is old rural style hole type of toilet and outdoors shower. Cooking is with fire and gas. There is no refrigerator. There is great cell signal though... :)
The experience is for troopers, willing to be part of the tough initial steps of what I consider a critical conservation project.
Internet is available through local phone system (Kolbi) that you need to acquire before coming. No wifi.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Farmstay help
Help with Eco Projects
Hospitality/Tourism
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Is a unique experience of the place with the most intense biodiversity of the whole world (according to National Geographic). Will learn about conservation project in the tropical rain forest that involves local farmers and indigenous groups. Learn about biology and ecology.
Help
Walks in the forest trails, inventory of biodiversity, farming, gardening, building, cooking, cleaning, computer work (webpage, social media, image,), photography and video.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Beginner
Italian: Beginner
Portuguese: Beginner
Accommodation
Rural old farm house very basic. As described above.
No smoking.
Farm is 3 km from the next small village, Guadalupe, with a small shop. And 8 km from La Palma where there is bus system and supermarket and bars.
Food is not provided. It can be cooked and share among all present at the moment. Usually is very cheap. Limited supplies are available from the local store at Guadalupe, a little more from local supermarket from La Palma.
What else ...
Is a wild tropical rain forest. There are wild animals including poisonous snakes (I haven't seen one yet, but there are plenty). Condition of the house is very basic, but first efforts are towards fixing it and making it comfortable for this place.
There is a Cristal clean river in front. Corcovado National Park is in front of the farm, you can walk to Los Patos entrance if desired. Visiting the indigenous territory is easy since is in front also.
Rubber boots are highly recommended.
No smoking.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4 hours a day, 5 days a week
