One of the greatest flaws in programs developed by large conservation minded organizations in dealing with resource rich emerging nations like Costa Rica is their exclusive focus on the land, often at the expense of the local citizens. There is no more important resource to protect than the well being of the people, and without them, the best-laid plans will fail.
We are extremely pleased to share the story of the Nectandra Institute and their brilliantly designed Eco-Loan Fund. Interest free loans are provided to qualifying community water management associations to purchase land in the San Carlos River watershed, located in northern Costa Rica. In exchange for these interest free loans, each recipient community agrees to pay back the capital, to conserve, reforest, restore and maintain their watershed environment according to a mutually acceptable management plan. A great deal of the work accomplished has the mark of Alvaro Ugalde, a favorite of Nature Blog and one of the most respected conservationists in Costa Rica. He has always championed the rights of the people in any strategies addressing conservation of the country’s natural resources.
Knowing that a picture is worth at least a thousand words, you must view Nectandra’s phenomenal video(s) posted on YouTube. It is entitled, “Agua Mas Que Un Tubo”. Part I and Part II tell the story.
October 30, 2008
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