Fuente Verde, Costa Rica

Location: Las Tumbas, Costa Rica
Project Start Date: January 2007
Expected Completion Date: June 2009

Project Concept:

Fuente Verde has a unique mission; to create a model agricultural community living in harmony with its environment and neighbors. The farm, located at the top of the Diamante Valley in the Southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica, is one of the most beautiful we have ever seen. The perfect marriage of climate, soil, local community, and abundant water sources all set the tone for the possibilities of Fuente Verde.

Detailed Project Description:

Mission

The mission of Fuente Verde is that of a mixed-use ecologically designed community, where residents live within a working organic farm. As a model for sustainable living, Fuente Verde’s goal is to create a community that is both ecologically and socially enriching. The greater farm will be comprised of working gardens, integrated animal systems, orchards, ponds and water features, nurseries and greenhouses. In essence, we are creating an engaging and productive neighborhood, safe and enjoyable for the entire family.

Vision

The vision of Fuente Verde is the integration of both community and sustainable agriculture. We are creating a model environment, through regenerative design processes, where we live in greater harmony with one another and the landscape around us. In the celebration of diversity, equality, connectedness and democracy, we support the foundation for an enriching quality of life.

Village Design

• Consciously designed integrating the principles of Permaculture and Cradle to Cradle

Sustainable Agriculture & Local Organic Food Production

• On–site food production in an organic management framework
• Production of resident food needs through diverse and dynamic agricultural ecosystems, including forest gardens, integrated animal systems, vegetable gardens and nurseries

Ecologically Designed Housing

• All buildings and structures will be designed for maximum eco-effectiveness. Eco-effectiveness ensures maximum material health and safety to humans and the environment
• Use of local, reclaimed, renewable, recycled and low environmental impact materials in construction will be optimized
• Design of structures for energy efficiency is a primary objective: including passive cooling, passive solar water heating, efficient fixtures and appliances

Energy Conservation & Waste Management

• Biological and technical nutrients will be distinguished and processed accordingly
• Biological nutrients, biodegradable materials, will be used for human purposes and be safely returned to the environment to feed ecological processes
• Technical nutrients, synthetic or mineral materials, will be upcycled, reused, or recycled.
• At least 70% of waste generated by residents and commercial operations within the development should be reclaimed, composted or recycled

Clean Water

• All water and wastewaters will be filtered on-site through natural biological processes, to be returned to the Earth in a beneficial manner
• Maximize water efficiency and integrity of all waters
• Potable water will be provided by one of two mountain spring sources and shall only be used for life-supporting functions

Abundant Wildlife and Forests

• Increase and promote local biodiversity and natural resource stocks through riparian preservation, biological corridors and reforestation

Cultural Diversity & Community Interaction

• We are committed to bringing delight to the local community by integrating and celebrating local culture and heritage within the community
• Work to boost local economy through alternative markets and management options
• Health and happiness of residents must be promoted with an active correlation to community communication and participation

Eco-Education

• Permaculture Design Courses and workshops focusing on Cradle to Cradle design distinctions
• Hands-on internship and training opportunities

Project Duration & Schedule:

Fuente Verde Community Infrastructure Commitments

Phase I: January 2007-June 2008

• Roads, Bridge
• Earthworks (ponds/dams, spillways, inflows)
• Water system (center of farm)
• Farm house construct (manager/volunteer house complete with kitchen, composting toilet outhouse, bathhouse)
• Nursery construct
• Electricity (center of farm)
• Zone I garden establishment
• Orchard management

Phase II: June 2008-January 2009

• Bridge (lower)
• Water System (entire farm)
• Electricity (entire farm)
• Animal Systems (fencing and housing)
• Guest Housing (cabins)
• Zone II and III garden establishment
• Orchard management
• Stock ponds

Phase III: January 2009-June 2010

• Community Center construct
• Yoga Center construct

Project Needs:

• Community Membership
• Volunteer participation