Heart of Gold Project - Costa Rica

The Heart of Gold Costa Rica
Community Empowerment Project:
A Case Study of a Community-University Research Alliance

David W. Robinson, PhD
Department of Tourism and Recreation Management
Malaspina University College
British Columbia, Canada
Costa Rica Research Partner Institutions:
Earth University
The Rainforest Alliance

Costa Rican Community Organization Partners:
The Nubotropica Foundation
Sol Colibri Organic Farmers Association

"I want to live, I want to give ...
I crossed the ocean for a Heart of Gold" - Neil Young

Initiated in 2004, the Heart of Gold project is a 'mutual learning and research alliance' between Malaspina University College, Canada and the rural Los Santos Region of Costa Rica. The project, undertaken collaboratively with local organic farming families, seeks to identify, implement and disseminate new models of coffee production and agro-tourism in ways that reduce community vulnerability and enhances pro-poor development and environmental health. Student research and work placements in Los Santos gives emphasis to building community capacity and generating small-scale locally owned agro-tourism activities. Skill and knowledge transfer to local residents supports the rights of rural communities to manage their natural resources through shared decision-making processes.

Video produced by Turbo Productions -
Tim "Turbo" Johnston - Producer
(www.turboproductions.org)

Category:

Education

Tags:

• The
• Heart
• of
• Gold
• Costa
• Rica
• David
• W.
• Robinson
• Ph.D.
• Malaspina
• University-College
• Tim
• Turbo
• Johnston
• Producer

[purpleleisureologist]

Sweet! Costa Rica Heart of Gold rocks! I remember fondly the very beginning in the days of Costa Rica field school. A truly grassroots sustainable agricultural tourism project. For the people by the people! Wow-how the project has evolved. This fills my heart with joy!! All the best. Peace.

Rochelle Lewis

[BelindaSam]

Met David in a B&B in Bandon, Oregon, last night. David: it was an honour to meet you and Cheryl, and I have found this video as suggested at breakfast this morning! This is so important a project and I wish everyone involved all the luck in the world and I will help to spread the word.

[ekmshaw]

This is FANTASTIC! Great Video guys!

This is a great way to get the message of this project out there.

[silviocaldera]

Great job guys on this video. For folks watching it, remember that all of these activities are of abundance in Costa Rica but usually they are corporate owned/run. This project focuses on 100% local ownership and involvement. Support local programs/businesses!!

[adiliacz]

Good idea, to let others know your project, ideas and faces.

Thank you! I look forward to learning more, and I am sure many COSTA RICANs will like as well.

Adilia