A new ecological community, Rancho San Roque, is being developed in the foothills of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano in Costa Rica. The developer has engaged the services of The Project Office (TPO) to manage the project; Deppat to create the master plan; and Zurcher Architects to create the architectural detail for a private residential community in harmony with nature. Each of the 37 fully-titled lots available for purchase has at least 1.25-acres (5000M2) and incorporates sweeping views of the Guanacaste countryside, enjoying cool mountain air and rich volcanic soil.
Residents will enjoy the tranquility of country living with the convenience of modern services. Located in Cañas Dulces – only 30 minutes from Liberia – where modern shopping, fine dining, and premium services are abundant. The international airport in Liberia is just 40 minutes away, and some of Costa Rica’s best white-sand beaches and fishing are also an easy drive from the community.
Rancho San Roque is situated at a comfortable 1500 feet above sea level, offering fresh cool mountain breezes. The area is host to a growing number of ecotourism facilities such as Buena Vista Adventure Center and Spa, which offers adventure sports such as canopy tours, rappelling, waterslides, horseback riding, hiking, thermal spa baths, and much more. A high-end eco-resort, Borinquen Mountain Spa, showcases hot springs, a luxury hotel, restaurants, nature trails, and many more attractions within just minutes of the community. The community is also located within minutes from the planned Guanacaste Country Club designed by Jack Nicklaus and being developed by a U.S. group that includes Frank Biden (Joe Biden’s brother).
“Most of the development in Guanacaste has happened at the beaches, but an increasing number of full-time expats find it to be too hot and too touristy,” said Dan Harris the CEO of The Project Office. “That is why we chose a tranquil country setting with a cooler climate for our community. We’re in a laid-back rural area, yet still close to all modern services and amenities in Liberia.”
The city of Liberia is continually expanding with modern services. Several banks, shopping centers and restaurants make up the town center along with the Home Depot-style hardware store called the Do It Center. Large commercial developers are betting that Liberia becomes the business capital of northern Costa Rica, similar to the Central Valley, as evidenced by the million square-meter Solarium office industrial complex. Furthermore, the best hospital in Central America, CIMA Hospital San Jose, has plans to build a new full-scale private hospital in Liberia.
Rancho San Roque will engage in a permaculture project to restore the pastureland, and will feature a community center with a pool and fitness center, walking trails through orchards, a greenhouse, organic gardens and aquaculture ponds. The rich volcanic soil is perfect for gardening where the project aims to produce fresh organic vegetables, many fruit and nuts, fresh-water fish, chickens and eggs for the residents.
“Our goal is to restore the land with an edible forest and permaculture gardens producing healthy food security for residents” Harris added. “The intention of permaculture is not only to produce food, but also give immeasurable benefits to the environment while creating a beautiful and diverse landscape to enjoy.”
All environmental permitting is in place and all lots are ready to sell with clear title. The developers are encouraging alternative energy such as wind and solar power, but are providing electric grid service in the community. Satellite TV is readily available and high-speed Internet will be on site creating a fully connected community.
Each lot comes with a Costa Rica corporation allowing for clean transfers with low fees, and gives buyers a vehicle to obtain cell phones and other utilities. The community is currently one of the best values in Costa Rica starting at $50,000 during the development phase. Financing is available with 40% down at 8% interest for 5 years ($20K down, $608/mth).
The area around Rincon de la Vieja, Guanacaste is a richly fertile diverse location that is continuing to benefit from the growing interest in the Northwest area of Costa Rica. The Liberia International airport has brought full connectivity to the region both nationally and internationally. The center of Liberia is full of shops, restaurants, and all modern conveniences. The small town of Canas Dulces is just 30 minutes from modern development, and yet is located in the foothills where the weather is substantially cooler at 1,500 feet above sea level, and commands stunning views of the surrounding countryside, as well as some of the best sunset views in the country over the Gulf of Papagayo. The new sustainable community of Rancho San Roque has taken advantage of the wealth of natural resources, as well as the convenience offered by an international airport and proximity to a major town. We believe that these 1.25 acre lots are a tremendous value starting at $50,000.
Property Highlights:
* 37 titled lots
* 1,500 foot elevation offers much cooler weather than the Guanacaste coast
* Many nearby activities
* 40 minutes to Liberia international airport
* 30 minutes to Liberia city center — many shops and restaurants
* Permaculture design focused on self-sufficiency
* OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE: $20,000 DOWN $608 PER MONTH FOR 5 YEARS
Property Description:
New sustainable community nestled in the foothills of Rincon de la Vieja volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica has 37 titled lots of 1.25-acres (5000M2) each. Pristine country setting in an area famous for nature-loving adventure sports like canopy tours, rappelling, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, thermal baths, and much more. Only 30 minutes to Liberia center, 40 minutes to international airport, and less than an hour to Northern Pacific beaches.
Situated above 1500ft elevation with a cooler mountain climate, the majority of lots are flat and entirely usable while offering sweeping views of the Guanacaste countryside, the Rincon volcano, mountain ridges and sunsets over the Pacific.
The community is being developed in harmony with nature using the rich volcanic soil for a permaculture project creating edible forests, organic gardens, aquaculture ponds, and small livestock. The community center will include a pool, fitness center, sporting and wellness facilities.
The developers are offering special pricing of $50,000 per lot during the development phase. Developer financing is available for $20K down, $608/mth for 5 years. Excellent investment and beautiful setting for full-time natural living in Costa Rica.
With demand for gold at an all-time high, Costa Rica has an opportunity to prosper. The gold mines near Las Juntas consistently see 15-20 grams per ton and have been successfully producing for over 100 years for a total exceeding 1.5 million ounces. However, the mercury-based refining method of the arrastas (local refiners) is crude, inefficient, and severely damaging to the environment. The environmentally-conscious government of Costa Rica has tried to halt mercury refining, but it was overturned by intense protests from the small miners. A new company has brought its expertise to Costa Rica to build a more efficient and environmentally-safe gold mill to help the local miners and to eliminate the mercury pollution.
Gold prices continue to rise due to global concerns about inflationary fiat currencies, coupled with the limited amount of physical gold in the market. In fact Barrick Gold, the largest gold mining company in the world, recently admitted that gold resources peaked in the year 2000: “Production peaked around 2000 and it has been in decline ever since, and we forecast that decline to continue. It is increasingly difficult to find ore,” said Aaron Regent, president of the Canadian gold giant. “Ore grades have fallen from around 12 grams per ton in 1950, to nearer 3 grams in the US, Canada, and Australia. South Africa’s output has halved since peaking in 1970.”
Many large mining companies have come to Costa Rica at great expense in order to exploit these high-yield mines, but quickly retreat when they realize that the mines are only conducive to small-scale mining. The industry in Las Juntas is successfully driven by individual miners, and provides sustenance for over 10,000 locals. However, it is crucial for them to have an environmentally-friendly refining capacity, or levels of mercury poison will only increase as production ramps up.
The primitive refining method conducted by the local arrastas is nothing more than a vat of mercury with a hand-operated spindle that separates the gold from the soil and stone ore brought to them by the local miners. The mercury-soaked tailings (waste soil) are then tossed aside to be leeched into waterways. The process is also arduous and time consuming for the miners who must monitor the process, taking away from their time spent in the actual mines. Additionally, this method proves inefficient as only about 65% of the gold is able to be harvested.
The manager of the proposed eco-friendly mill, Mike Moreland, was born into the gold business and is a lifelong miller. He has designed a better way to service the local miners with a “zero non-toxic discharge plant.” Through a multi-process gravity mill, he states that up to 90% of the gold can be recovered. This method first tests the miner’s ore in a lab to determine the gold content in the load. This helps the miner by cutting down his wait time, so that he can spend more time mining and less time babysitting his ore. Next, the ore will be pulverized; and due to the high specific gravity of gold, the ore will undergo gravity concentration with final recovery using a small amount of cyanide. This cyanide will be neutralized in the process before tailings are disposed onsite.
The site for the mill is a seven-hectare (17.3 acres) permitted industrial site with all necessary buildings. Their group, which has over 30 years experience on four continents, is seeking investors for up to $600,000 to start the 35-ton-a-day mill. The investment funds will be secured with a first mortgage on the land at 10% interest, and some capital ownership in the enterprise may be offered. Ultra-conservative estimates of 20 tons a day at 80% recovery, with gold prices of $1100/ounce, puts gross annual profits north of $400,000. Operating at full capacity with high quality ore from the miners and higher gold prices will only increase these returns. Furthermore, the site has the capacity to double the milling capacity to 70 tons a day.
“This is a safe way to invest in wholesale gold. See, we are essentially gold buyers that don’t rely on a single mine or a single miner. We buy gold in all forms. When it comes to us in raw ore form, we only pay for lab-tested samples that meet our grade, and then we refine it for resale,” Moreland added. The mill buys raw ore for 50% of market value and unrefined gold at 80% of market value. They then sell to one buyer in Florida – Republic Metals – who purchases over 100 ounces at a time for 98.5% of market value.
As gold prices continue to accelerate, Moreland LTDA provides an opportunity to invest in wholesale gold with a company that provides a valuable service to the local community and environment. Costa Rica, as a famously stable and peaceful democracy, has fee simple property title (like America) which secures investors’ funds.
Those who study current events are largely in agreement that we appear to be reaching a critical tipping point in terms of the environment, economics, geopolitics, and even consciousness. A concerned public – some now openly calling themselves “survivalists” – desire to be more independent and live a more self-sufficient lifestyle. The rise of sustainability and permaculture are direct outcomes of what more and more people perceive to be a sound response to an uncertain global economy.
Permaculture Community in Costa Rica
The epicenter of abundance gone wrong, and misplaced faith in government responsibility (and ability), is North America. Developing countries like Costa Rica have long held an attraction for independent thinkers and those seeking self-sufficiency. Among the developing countries, Costa Rica is the jewel; it is THE top location for more independent living: it is a country with a firmly entrenched history of peace and a wonderful year-round climate that is suitable for an independent lifestyle.
Wind Power in Costa Rica
The world is provably approaching a peak in its productivity and resource abundance; we have moved over the crest and our supplies are in a phase of rapid dwindling, according to many experts. These experts assert that countries primarily producing electricity by fossil fuels will likely face serious hardships keeping up with the ever-growing demand, especially in light of Peak Oil concerns. These same countries that tend to rely on big-box stores and factory farming with long supply lines will have the hardest time adapting. On the contrary, countries that produce electricity by renewable self-sufficient means will likely be the most desirable locations in which to reside during our painful transition away from fossil fuels.
In the early 90s, Costa Rica discovered oil off the Caribbean coast. At that time the country produced roughly half of its electricity from fossil fuels. The government placed a moratorium on drilling because it was too politically toxic, and the government stated that sustainability would be their new goal. Today, Costa Rica produces over 90% of its electricity through renewable means: hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal sources. Additionally, Costa Rica is at the front of the race to become carbon neutral, with its stated goal of becoming so in 2021.
Geothermal Power Plant
Policy aside, the spring-like climate of Costa Rica allows for fresh inexpensive fruits and vegetables all year round. What’s more is that most of the produce is local, so it does not have to be transported long distance; it is usually fresh picked the day of the ferias (farmers markets). By contrast, a pineapple costs more than an entire fast food meal in North America, almost forcing the cash-strapped public to eat the unhealthy alternative. Pineapples rarely cost over $1 at local ferias making eating healthy more affordable, which no doubt contributes to a life expectancy that surpasses The United States.
Farmers Market in Atenas Costa Rica
The variety of edible plants that can be grown in Costa Rica is fantastic . . . and almost intimidating. The majority of Costa Rica soil is volcanic in nature and quite fertile, providing the organic gardener with natural diversity and natural capital. However, insects do remain a challenge to someone new to organic gardening in the tropics. Rest assured though, every local community seems to have its organic experts who still practice what America lost so long ago. New ventures in permaculture have brought in formal institutes and consultants dedicated to sustainable practices that serve to augment Costa Rican tradition.
Permaculture Community in Costa Rica
One of the greatest characteristics of Costa Rica that often goes unmentioned, and is particularly important to “survivalists,” is its localism and sense of community. We all have read about the political neutrality, wonderful people, peaceful culture, and beautiful landscape; but it is Costa Rica’s localism that really makes it special. In our old agricultural town of Atenas you’ll find small barrios (neighborhoods) with independent schools, churches, markets, clinics, hardware stores, fruit stands, soccer fields, bus stops, and much more. Many expats comment that Costa Rica reminds them of America fifty years ago, when there was a sense of community, family farmers, a strong middle class, and thriving local commerce.
Additionally, since the Central Valley is considered to have one of the best climates on the planet, very few homes in the area require heat or air conditioning, thus reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, solar power for hot water and electricity is frequently used in homes, extending one’s ability to be affordably independent.
The government of Costa Rica has been a world leader in conservation, preserving roughly 30% of its landmass. The government has launched many incentives to protect and plant more forests toward its goal of being the world’s first carbon-neutral country. Because Costa Rica has bountiful forests and a healthy rainy season, water tables remain secure in most of the country. Although some areas of Guanacaste have water challenges in the dry season do to high winds, deforestation and development, fresh water is generally abundant.
Reforestation in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has continually set itself apart as an attractive destination for those seeking independence and tranquility. Costa Rica provides natural abundance and a peaceful atmosphere for one to live self-sufficiently on less income than North America or Europe. Indeed, many expats have already moved or bought property here, and even more are arriving based on their growing concerns over instability in the world. “It sure is a pretty place to ride out a storm,” an American expat proclaimed. And this “storm” may not be quickly passing through. Costa Rica is not only positioned to weather the worst, but it also offers a bounty of proven health and opportunity for those who believe in independence and self-determination.
Whether you are involved in a traditional urbanization, or are planning a sustainable community, finding water before spending money on other infrastructure is essential. Lately, we have heard of too many developments that either have left this important detail for last, or have hired local hydro geologists who may not have the best equipment for guaranteeing proper water source location. The following is from Ferdiand Metz whose company, The Water Prospector, represents the best to be found in Costa Rica. Not only will his company find the water source, they will pinpoint the exact depth, saving time and money spent on errant drilling. Remember, many drilling companies will not encourage such accuracy, as it behooves them to say, “Let’s try another 25 meters,” padding their bill.
By Ferdinand Metz
Water is a critical necessity for any development project anywhere in the world. Whether you are supporting one house or one thousand homes, you still need to have a source of fresh potable water that will meet the projects needs. Many projects in Costa Rica are in areas not supported by AYA (the Costa Rican Municipal Water Agency). Even if you are in an area that AYA covers, your project may not be supported by AYA. They are already running at maximum capacity in much of the country. Therefore, you have to find your own supply of fresh water, which will have to be a water well.
Even with Costa Rica’s abundant rainfall, ground water is difficult to find. Costa Rica is mostly a hard rock volcanic region. Therefore, the only place to find sufficient ground water is in aquifers also known as water bearing fracture zones. These zones are impossible to site from the surface. Many drillers and local geologists will try to access the surface topography and make an educated guess of were to drill. This method requires a lot of luck. The other option is a well witcher also known as a dowser or diviner. This is also a very risky method and statistically proven to be less than 15% accurate. The Water Prospector (WP) conducts geophysical surveys using state-of-the-art technology. We have been refining our methods for years in the toughest regions of the world. We are based in southern California and have been conducting successful surveys in the deserts of California for many years. Ron Barto, a WP partner, has been a licensed geologist for over 30 years, working primarily in the western United States. Prior to becoming a geologist, 10 years ago I was an electronics engineer; this has been a very useful tool in working with and refining our technology.
Our primary service is referred to as a Low Frequency Fracture Survey. We conduct a survey across a property in several different locations. By taking progressive readings on each scan line, our system creates a visual image of the sub-surface conditions. Our readings are based on identifying the density of the sub-surface materials. This allows us to see the rock formations, soils and, most importantly, the water-bearing fracture zones. We have the ability to not only detect the location of these fractures, but also to pinpoint the best target area for the driller, resulting in the maximum yield for our clients. Many fractures will have a deep end and a shallow end. However, finding the fracture zone is not enough. We pinpoint the deep end of the fracture or the area that has the most porosity. Either way these points will have the greatest volume of water flowing through them. At times, even a few feet can make the difference between a successful well and a low-producing well. We have found that on any given property in Costa Rica, less than 8% of the property can produce water. That means you have a 92% chance of drilling a dry hole. Property location also requires a bit of luck. If you have a smaller lot (1 hectare, for example), you may have water-bearing fractures in your area, but you have to be sure that one of them travels through your property. Since fracture zones are often sporadic, your property could be a victim of bad luck, which is another critical reason to conduct a survey during your due diligence period if possible. When we conduct a survey, our clients receive a detailed report. This report shows all of the targets that were identified during the survey. We rate them from the strongest to the weakest in order to give the clients as much information about each target’s potential. All of the targets that are in the report have the potential to become a successful water well. We also take the client’s needs into consideration during our evaluation process. We will focus on the targets with the greatest potential if we know the client is building 200+ homes, for example.
Our system is susceptible to interference. Electrical interference is the biggest problem. The best time to survey a property is when there is the least amount of interference present. If the land is undeveloped, and there are no electrical power lines present, that is the best time to survey. We can still perform our surveys when there are electrical lines in the area, but it may affect how much of the property can be surveyed. We also ask our clients to remove any old barbed wire cattle fences if possible, as these can also cause unnecessary problems. The best time to conduct our survey is when you are in the buying process. We can survey the land before you buy it. This will give you vital information of the property’s water potential before you commit to purchasing the property. If the survey results are not what you are looking for, then you should keep shopping. If you already own land, then the survey should be done before you start development. Many people make the mistake of developing roads, adding utilities, and grading—then they start to look for water. One problem is the interference that is created; the other is that we may find the best targets in areas that are already designated for other purposes due to their plans. Find the water first, and then design your development. If you have already started development we can still help, but it will be more difficult and we may be more limited on what we can provide.
We cannot guarantee the amount of water in our targeted results. Anyone who claims they can is not being honest. The technology used to detect the amount of water present in a target does not exist yet. We have an 80% success rate in the deserts of California, and an even higher rate in areas with greater rainfall such as Costa Rica. Our reports are designed to inform both the property owner and the driller. They can be reviewed by a Costa Rican geologist to help inform him or her of what conditions are present. We are the only company in Costa Rica which offers and specializes in geophysical ground water surveys. We are also the only company that offers this type of service and technology on an affordable, cost-effective level. In the United States, our main focus is on individual homebuilders. There are plenty of large geological firms that only offer this type of technology to big developers, or municipal jobs. Although we are well equipped to handle large development jobs as well, we have always targeted our services to individuals, as the prices these larger firms charge are cost prohibitive to them; and they still need to find the best water possible.
Above all: avoid a dry hole. Dry holes are very expensive—usually half the cost of a successful hole. Our survey rates start at $800.00, which is based on a 1-hectare survey in the central valley. We cover the entire country and any surveys that are outside the central valley we charge an additional fee for necessary travel and lodging. Currently, well drilling is $150 dollars per meter; and wells can easily reach depths of 100 meters or more. Our surveys are a fraction of that. If you are going to invest into a well, or a development that depends on water, you should do everything in your power to increase your odds of success.
Green Forest Fund, S.A. (GFF) is a registered forestry conservation and restoration company engaged in a carbon sequestering forestry project located on 90 hectares (222 acres) in Golfito, Costa Rica. Dedicated to conscious capitalism, GFF will preserve and regenerate the native forest, improve biodiversity, and contribute social benefits to the local community while creating salable emission reduction credits.
With the science behind Global Warming now widely accepted a market-based Cap-and-Trade system has been developed to deal with Green House Gas (GHG) pollution by placing value on carbon emissions. Emission reduction credits, more generally known as carbon offset credits, are measured as 1 ton of carbon dioxide (CO2). GHG polluters must adhere to a CO “cap” or purchase emission reduction credits to meet their excesses. Sustainable projects, like GFF Golfito, produce these certified credits through carbon sequestering or prevention, which GFF then can “trade.”
Carbon credits are already traded as a commodity on established markets such as the European Climate Exchange and the Chicago Climate Exchange, as well as through voluntary retail organizations like CarbonFund.org. Forestry credits trade for around $10 in the global marketplace that traded 123.4 million metric tons of CO2 in 2008. This GFF Golfito project is expected to produce around 36,000 emission reduction tons (ERT), resulting in potentially $360,000 in annual sales.
Large financial institutions have already invested heavily in carbon trading infrastructure in anticipation of mandatory Cap-and-Trade legislation in the United States. Furthermore, a new global Cap-and-Trade system, the Copenhagen Accord, is being drafted to replace the Kyoto Protocol and is expected to be signed December 2009 in Denmark. “Managing emissions has become one of the fastest-growing specialties in financial services. Their goal is a slice of a market now worth about $30 billion and could grow to $1 trillion within a decade.” (James Kanter, New York Times).
With the demand for carbon credits expected to increase dramatically with mandatory legislation, Green Forest Fund is well-positioned to create value through Carbon Forestry Projects in Central America. This conservation endeavor is on the cutting-edge of a new marketplace driven by conscious capitalists that will spur sustainable innovation on a global scale. Clean development currently represents the only undeniable growth sector in global business.
GFF has retained internationally respected environmental lawyer, Jose Pablo Sanchez of Quiros Law to conduct the environmental survey. Forestry expert, Joseph Franke, will develop and manage the reforestation project and biodiversity plan. The Project Design Document will follow strict American Carbon Registry Standards and will receive accredited third-party verification from Environmental Services Inc. Profit will be made when these credits are sold to wholesale vendors; and investors will be paid from these profits.
Green Forest Fund, S.A. (GFF) is a registered forestry conservation and restoration company engaged in a carbon sequestering forestry project located on 90 hectares (222 acres) in Golfito, Costa Rica. Dedicated to conscious capitalism, GFF will preserve and regenerate the native forest, improve biodiversity, and contribute social benefits to the local community while creating salable emission reduction credits.
With the science behind Global Warming now widely accepted a market-based Cap-and-Trade system has been developed to deal with Green House Gas (GHG) pollution by placing value on carbon emissions. Emission reduction credits, more generally known as carbon offset credits, are measured as 1 ton of carbon dioxide (CO2). GHG polluters must adhere to a CO “cap” or purchase emission reduction credits to meet their excesses. Sustainable projects, like GFF Golfito, produce these certified credits through carbon sequestering or prevention, which GFF then can “trade.”
Carbon credits are already traded as a commodity on established markets such as the European Climate Exchange and the Chicago Climate Exchange, as well as through voluntary retail organizations like CarbonFund.org. Forestry credits trade for around $10 in the global marketplace that traded 123.4 million metric tons of CO2 in 2008. This GFF Golfito project is expected to produce around 36,000 emission reduction tons (ERT), resulting in potentially $360,000 in annual sales.
Large financial institutions have already invested heavily in carbon trading infrastructure in anticipation of mandatory Cap-and-Trade legislation in the United States. Furthermore, a new global Cap-and-Trade system, the Copenhagen Accord, is being drafted to replace the Kyoto Protocol and is expected to be signed December 2009 in Denmark. “Managing emissions has become one of the fastest-growing specialties in financial services. Their goal is a slice of a market now worth about $30 billion and could grow to $1 trillion within a decade.” (James Kanter, New York Times).
With the demand for carbon credits expected to increase dramatically with mandatory legislation, Green Forest Fund is well-positioned to create value through Carbon Forestry Projects in Central America. This conservation endeavor is on the cutting-edge of a new marketplace driven by conscious capitalists that will spur sustainable innovation on a global scale. Clean development currently represents the only undeniable growth sector in global business.
GFF has retained internationally respected environmental lawyer, Jose Pablo Sanchez of Quiros Law to conduct the environmental survey. Forestry expert, Joseph Franke, will develop and manage the reforestation project and biodiversity plan. The Project Design Document will follow strict American Carbon Registry Standards and will receive accredited third-party verification from Environmental Services Inc. Profit will be made when these credits are sold to wholesale vendors; and investors will be paid from these profits.
Palm Trees on Forest Carbon Project
Green Forest Fund, S.A. (GFF) is a registered forestry conservation and restoration company engaged in a carbon sequestering forestry project located on 90 hectares (222 acres) in Golfito, Costa Rica. Dedicated to conscious capitalism, GFF will preserve and regenerate the native forest, improve biodiversity, and contribute social benefits to the local community while creating salable emission reduction credits.
With the science behind Global Warming now widely accepted a market-based Cap-and-Trade system has been developed to deal with Green House Gas (GHG) pollution by placing value on carbon emissions. Emission reduction credits, more generally known as carbon offset credits, are measured as 1 ton of carbon dioxide (CO2). GHG polluters must adhere to a CO “cap” or purchase emission reduction credits to meet their excesses. Sustainable projects, like GFF Golfito, produce these certified credits through carbon sequestering or prevention, which GFF then can “trade.”
Carbon credits are already traded as a commodity on established markets such as the European Climate Exchange and the Chicago Climate Exchange, as well as through voluntary retail organizations like CarbonFund.org. Forestry credits trade for around $10 in the global marketplace that traded 123.4 million metric tons of CO2 in 2008. This GFF Golfito project is expected to produce around 36,000 emission reduction tons (ERT), resulting in potentially $360,000 in annual sales.
Primary Forest in Golfito
Large financial institutions have already invested heavily in carbon trading infrastructure in anticipation of mandatory Cap-and-Trade legislation in the United States. Furthermore, a new global Cap-and-Trade system, the Copenhagen Accord, is being drafted to replace the Kyoto Protocol and is expected to be signed December 2009 in Denmark. “Managing emissions has become one of the fastest-growing specialties in financial services. Their goal is a slice of a market now worth about $30 billion and could grow to $1 trillion within a decade.” (James Kanter, New York Times).
With the demand for carbon credits expected to increase dramatically with mandatory legislation, Green Forest Fund is well-positioned to create value through Carbon Forestry Projects in Central America. This conservation endeavor is on the cutting-edge of a new marketplace driven by conscious capitalists that will spur sustainable innovation on a global scale. Clean development currently represents the only undeniable growth sector in global business.
GFF has retained internationally respected environmental lawyer, Jose Pablo Sanchez of Quiros Law to conduct the environmental survey. Forestry expert, Joseph Franke, will develop and manage the reforestation project and biodiversity plan. The Project Design Document will follow strict American Carbon Registry Standards and will receive accredited third-party verification from Environmental Services Inc. Profit will be made when these credits are sold to wholesale vendors; and investors will be paid from these profits.
Investors in this project will make 10% on their investment and will be secured by a first mortgage. Email us for more information at paradiseprofits@gmail.com
The Costa Rica chapter of the Green Building Council was notified of induction into the World Green Building Council . Environmental sustainability in Costa Rica is a major social concern as the country covers 0.01% of the world’s land surface yet contains over 5% of the world’s biodiversity.
In 2007, officials of the Costa Rican government stated that they aim to be the first carbon-neutral country in the world by 2021. In 2008, Yale University ranked Costa Rica as 5th in Environmental Performance among 149 countries sampled. The chairman of the Costa Rica chapter, Craig Williamson, stated, “The establishment of this chapter marks a historic point in Costa Rican history. It provides Costa Rica Real Estate developers the tools and information needed to make sustainability and carbon neutrality an attainable goal. It is important that there is a solid, measurable certification for Green Building, there has been far too much speculation, misleading labeling of projects, and pure green-washing in the past.”
Few countries in Latin America have established chapters beneath the World Green Building Council. Currently, the only established chapters are in Brazil, Mexico, and now Costa Rica. “There has been an overwhelming response from people wanting to join this chapter,” Mr. Williamson said. “We can provide LEED education and certification to the developers and help them make this happen.” First steps include assembling board members from inside Costa Rica and some from outside that can bring networking and vision. To this end, the inclusion of Frank Biden, Brother of US Vice President Joe Biden, as a Board Member has now been achieved. “I have spent much of my life in the public arena. The last several years I have worked as the director of a major philanthropy in Central America. The health and well-being of employees, members of the local community and protecting the breathtaking beauty that is Costa Rica are my priories with my involvement in this wonderful organization..
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green-rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. It establishes standards and practices for developers to create sustainable properties and provides accredited inspectors to guide and certify a development. The certifications can range from simply “Certified” all the way up to “Platinum”, which is the highest level of sustainability and resource conservation.
“We want a new wave of sustainability to spark in Costa Rica, and we want to spread that fire throughout Latin America—a new chapter in every country, LEED a household name,” Mr. Williamson said. “Green building is the future of Real Estate across the world, and we’re going to keep pushing until that future is a reality.”
For information about the Costa Rica Green Building Council, visit http://www.crgbc.org/
About The Costa Rica Green Building Council
The Costa Rica Green Building Council is a non-profit organization providing education and resources to developers and individuals interested in sustainable building practices. The future of green building is shaped by GBCCR members who join committees, the core of the consensus-based process that develops LEED, educational offerings, Greenbuild, and other programs. Our commitment to preserving the wildlife and natural beauty of Costa Rica is what drives us to create a more beautiful, healthier world.
If you are an individual interested in promoting green building, or even if you work for a GBCCR Corporate Member company, Individual membership allows you to get plugged-in with education, networking, and advocacy efforts that will enrich your neighborhood, city and region.
Paradise Profits will be present at the 2009 ExpoCasa along with their Costa Rica Environmental Development Group which includes green building products and sustainable development team.
The 6th annual Expo Casa will be returning to Costa Rica this year from Aug. 5 to 9 at the Centro Ferial PIMA in Cenada, Heredia. The event is the largest show of its kind in Costa Rica, expecting 15,000 visitors over the five days.
Potential real estate buyers, investors or developers will find a wide range of services presented in one venue: building materials suppliers, architects, builders, interior design professionals, experts in environmental construction, real estate agencies, relocation services, as well as legal and financial services and educational materials such as books about investing in Costa Rica real estate.
The PIMA center offers ample parking, and the show coordinators have provided large, attractive, and furnished modules for visitors to feel comfortable when speaking with presenters, or even to negotiate a deal. The event has proven to be a massive success in the past and is expected to have its largest turnout of both expositors and visitors.
Schedule:
Wed. Aug 5: Grand Opening 1 p.m. Inauguration 5 p.m.
Thursday and Friday Aug. 6 & 7: 1 p.m – 10 p.m.
Saturday Aug. 8: 10 a.m – 10 p.m.
Sunday Aug. 9: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Directions: If traveling west from San Jose: use exit for Mall Real Cariari, continue toward Barreal Heredia, one km turn right in front of large company building of URSA. Enter PIMA/Cenada.
If traveling east from the airport: use exit for Mall Real Cariari, cross over bridge and continue straight toward Barreal Heredia, one km turn right in front of large company building of URSA. Enter PIMA/Cenada.
Fees:
Entrance is free.
Parking 1,500 colones
For more information, you may contact the organizers at: Congrex de Costa Rica
Tel. 506 2204-7204 2588 2439 / (506) 2588 2440• Fax: (506) 2588 2442 •
E-mail: Ivannia.mora@congrex.com
Costa Rica, recently voted the “greenest and happiest” nation in the world, is poised to become a model for sustainable development. It is no secret that the development boom has not always been good for the environment, especially when the typical construction is done with concrete block and steel rebar which is used to meet earthquake-proof codes and because it is what the local builders are accustomed to using. However a new company, Eco-Bloques, has recently landed in Costa Rica with a revolutionary green building product, Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB) which can be made on-site with local materials.
Compressed Earth Blocks are made with abundant local materials of sand, clay, and aggregate material that can be found at just about any construction site. The earth that is moved when clearing home sites is now put to use instead of wasted, or ending up as runoff into local rivers and streams. It is the ultimate sustainable local building material and it costs less than concrete block.
Concrete has the highest embodied energy of any traditional building material. Actually, concrete itself has an inherently low embodied energy, but it must be quarried, produced and transported. Additionally, it is the most widely-used material in existence, thus producing a high net effect of emissions. So widespread is the use of concrete, that nearly 2 tons is produced for every person on the planet.
Building Materials Embodied Energy
The use of modern Compressed Earth Blocks seems to have originated in the 1950s in South America, but not until the 1980s did many European countries provide standards which enabled widespread acceptance and use. Earth blocks are exceptionally strong, always exceeding 1,000 PSI. CEB constructions will last centuries vs. today’s several-decades maximum. One company has been making machines for 20 years, and is now in 70 countries, with over 2,000 machines in operation.
CEB Made On-site
CEB also capitalizes on thermal mass which allows for heat retention in winter and heat release in summer. CEB structures are virtually soundproof and are thus ideal for urban environments, also providing these environments with more pleasing aesthetics and increasing overall temperature stability. Earth blocks can be used to build green homes, condo buildings, landscape walls, roofing tile, floor tiles, and brick road pavers.
CEB Floor Tiles
Compressed Earth Blocks will save builders and developers money, and gives their projects an authentic green appeal. As the majority of people become more conscious of sustainable living, this green building product will give developers the power to market sustainable elements in their project. Developers will also experience savings reflected in the cost-per-block and the lack of transportation costs, while sustainably allocating waste soil on the project site.
Saving money and time, building green, and not giving up quality, make using Compressed Earth Blocks a no-brainer and a win-win for everyone.
Compressed Earth Blocks will be on display by Eco-Bloques at the ExpoCasa August 5th – 9th in Cariari Costa Rica. For more information or a quote for your project in Costa Rica, please email us at paradiseprofits@gmail.com or visit our website.
Anyone who has done basic research on Costa Rica knows that the country is a world leader in the green revolution. With over 25% of the land preserved and 95% of the electricity produced with renewable resources, this famously peaceful democracy has been recently voted the “greenest and happiest” nation on Earth by the independent organization New Economics Foundation. As a politically and economically stable “developing” country, Costa Rica may be one of the safest and most opportune countries to invest in.
Costa Rica’s government, committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2021, has launched very attractive incentives for sustainable development projects. These incentives have spawned many green investment opportunities into fields like forestry, renewable energy generation, biofuel production, sustainable building, landfill biomass extraction, and many more.
Reforestation Investments
Reforestation and sustainable timber has long been a focus in Costa Rica. Investing in such projects has provided incentives for residency, and now monetary compensation is available from the Costa Rican government. A forest preservation project may receive up to $300 per year, per hectare; and a reforestation project is eligible for $150 per year, per hectare. The legal process to qualify for these credits costs around $5,000 and takes less than 4 months to complete.
In addition, many private forestry and reforestation projects are producing certified emission reduction (CER) credits, also known as carbon offset credits. The Costa Rica government also engages in this practice for its vast forest reserves. These projects are offering wholesale investments into their programs, and then selling the carbon offsets credits on the open markets for very healthy returns for their investors.
Wind Power Development
Until recently, the government-run monopoly I.C.E (Institute of Costa Rican Electricity) made it very difficult for private developers to produce electricity. Since the ratification of CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement), Costa Rica has already deregulated telecommunications and is now planning to open the electricity market. New incentives are being offered to developers to build renewable energy plants of 7 megawatts or larger. Once their plans are approved, developers will be able to import all necessary materials “duty free,” and may be exempt from paying operating taxes for a period of time. These projects are also eligible for creating certified carbon offset credits with substantial value, thus making them even more attractive to investors and developers.
Geothermal Power Plants
The production of biofuels is yet another industry where Costa Rica is providing similar tax-based incentives to entrepreneurs. Biodiesel production is expected to be the leading biofuel, as the country produces a large supply of palm oil. Jatropha, a new high-yielding oil crop, is being grown and studied in Costa Rica for future use in biodiesel production. Additionally, sugar-based ethanol production is incentivized as well and has great potential.
Finally, revolutionary methane extraction techniques are being developed for landfills, along with garbage reduction and recycling technology that offers another exciting opportunity for green development in Costa Rica. One firm has applied for permissions to implement such a plan for some Costa Rica landfills. This technique reduces actual landfill garbage by 90%, removes all recyclable materials, and produces fuel pellets that can be used for electricity production, while creating valuable carbon offset credits.
With the prospect of Cap and Trade legislation being passed in the United States and a president who is pushing G-8 members to sign on to reduce global carbon emissions, these green development projects appear to be solid investments with terrific potential for high yields. These environmentally friendly projects, when executed responsibly, represent the emerging concept of Conscious Capitalism.
Email us for more information about specific investment opportunities: ParadiseProfits@gmail.com
A new ecological community, Rancho San Roque, is being developed in the foothills of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano in Costa Rica. The developer has engaged the services of The Project Office (TPO) to manage the project; Deppat to create the master plan; and Zurcher Architects to create the architectural detail for a private residential community in harmony with nature. Each of the 37 fully-titled lots available for purchase has at least 1.25-acres (5000M2) and incorporates sweeping views of the Guanacaste countryside, enjoying cool mountain air and rich volcanic soil.
Rancho San Roque will engage in a permaculture project to restore the pastureland, and will feature a community center with a pool and fitness center, walking trails through orchards, a greenhouse, organic gardens and aquaculture ponds. The rich volcanic soil is perfect for gardening where the project aims to produce fresh organic vegetables, many fruit and nuts, fresh-water fish, chickens and eggs for the residents.
