Two community development and environmental sustainability initiatives in Guanacaste

Abstract

The Mesoamerican Center for Sustainable Development of the Dry Tropics (CEMEDE) of the National University, of the Chorotega Region, Nicoya Campus, together with the Vice-Rectory of Extension of the National University, began in 2014 the project: Establishment and management of farms integrated livestock farms adjacent to the wetland ecosystem of the Mata Redonda and Corral de Piedra Protected Wild Areas (ASP), in the geographic space corresponding to the Rosario de Nicoya community; Its objective was to build integrated management alternatives in a participatory manner with farmers neighboring the ASPs, through the implementation and evaluation of sustainable agricultural technologies, which allow an increase in the profitability of their business, reducing the impact on wetland ecosystems and vulnerability to effects of climate change. Due to the needs found in the community and to follow up on them, in 2017 the project began: Strengthening the business capacities and community development of the Association of Small Cattlemen of the Laguna de Mata Redonda, its objective was to improve the milk production and commercial system by strengthening the capacities of this Association.

The two projects mentioned above have been fundamental for the human development and environmental sustainability of the Rosario de Nicoya community. This article compiles the main results obtained from the implementation of both initiatives in the Rosario de Nicoya community, as well as the main benefits for the participants in terms of community, economic and environmental development.