Life Monteverde, Costa Rica

Location - Monteverde, Costa Rica

Most conventional tourist initiatives in tourist regions displace farming culture. However Monteverde has managed to integrate the best of both economies for the local people. Life Monteverde is an agrotourism initiative that helps commericialise coffee growing and selling at a fair price for the growers. Around 12 families grow sustainable coffee and having a fairer wage allows them to improve their communities by employing other local people and seasonal workers.

Life Monteverde also hosts local school groups as well as international visitors to educate people about their sustainable practices. A homestay programme has been developed by the community, which brings employment for a further 10 local families.