Trusted Voices Unite

I have visited Costa Rica as a tourist since 1998. I have always felt relaxed and refreshed by being in nature and Costa Rica makes that rejuvenation easy. In 2021, in response to the pandemic and a general sense of uncertainty in the world, I purchased property in Guacimal, Costa Rica. We chose Guacimal because of the lovely climate, gorgeous views, clean, rivers, and the authentic Costa Rican community in this small Pueblo.

My home is on the opposite side of the Guacimal river from the Casona, Café Om, and the Sustainability Center. On my property, I grow a huge variety of fruits, vegetables, and tropical flowers. One of my favorite things to do is walk around my garden and gather food for the day.
Costa Rica, in general, is a very safe country with a low crime rate. However, I have seen many of the coastal communities change in that regard over the years. Guacimal, however, has maintained a peaceful and authentic small town feel. Neighbors know each other. Life here has a peaceful rhythm that feels like we are living in a different era.

My neighbors use horses to commute to work, oxen to move heavy loads, and the moon dictates when to plant and when to harvest. When I am back in the USA, I feel secure, knowing that my Costa Rican neighbors keep an eye on my property. If I need something done while I’m out of the country, they are willing to lend a hand. People in this area, understand that it truly takes a village.

One thing that really stood out in Guacimal compared to other locations in Costa Rica, was of course the Sustainability Center. With the resources at the Center, we have been able to partner with local veterinarians and run a spay and neuter clinic for dogs and cats from the Guacimal River Valley. More than 200 pets are treated each year at a much reduced cost to the owners. I feel a sense of purpose with this type of work. I believe each of us is capable of finding one thing in the world where we can make a significant improvement in the lives of others, and this is how I choose to give back to this community that has given me so much.

Christina Knutson

Veronica and the Centre for Sustainability in Guacimal along with other grass roots organizations and locals have built a solid community from the ground up.

The trading route they started contributed to people’s successful livelihoods in all the towns they served. This effort combined with the other programs they offer give people a sense of belonging, of hope, of new possibilities for the future.

The farmer’s market with music and dances on Saturdays that lasted 6 consecutive years, the protection of the river and all the species nearby, now a sweet cafe and accommodation for local residents and visitors - Guacimal is a great example of what community organization can accomplish.

Gwendolyn Hallsmith has written several books on alternative economies and currently lives in Ottawa, Canada.

★★★★★

★★★★★

"The Sustainability Center and this entire place have been a true inspiration in my life. Guacimal is an incredible community full of stories, kind people, clean and gentle air—a space where every element that makes life on this planet possible is cared for. It’s a beautiful place where people live and coexist in harmony with the lush nature that surrounds it: the animals, the plants, and the river. There’s also a wide range of interactions with key institutions for social development, such as the University of Costa Rica. When I first discovered the Center, they were developing an amazing radio communication project—undoubtedly a space that strengthened community bonds. It is a generous land, where you feel whole, where you feel truly at HOME." Translated from Spanish.

★★★★★

Guacimal is truly one of the most magical places I have been in the world. I have lived on and off in the community for six years now, traveling between my homeland of California, United States and Costa Rica. I originally arrived to contribute to Ecoprojects and community development projects and I have since returned time after time to be a part of and engaged with the community.

The Sustainability Center of Costa Rica is the spiritual and cultural home of the community, and is a very important beacon of hope in the larger ecosystem of our world. It is an incredible international community of changemakers and world builders. The natural beauty and deep nature immersion opportunities are truly unparalleled. The river that flows through the backyard is deeply connected to the rivers of time, environment, and humanity.

Guacimal offers a beautiful community of engaged locals and international community members alike. The strong roots of community grassroots activism and deep love for protecting the natural world run deep in this village. It is the ideal Costa Rican climate, with gorgeous weather year round, tropical forests, and plenty of flowing water. So many emergent and generative projects continue to take place here, including a delicious local vegan and vegetarian café, a hub for national and international changemakers, and various environmental projects. It is the ideal home or part-time home for someone looking for a deeper spiritual connection to the environment and a true sense of beloved community.

Kathleen Knight, part-time Guacimal resident and volunteer from California, USA

Gloriana Rodríguez Corrales, Social Communicator, San José, Costa Rica

★★★★★

For over 10 years, I’ve known La Casona, as I affectionately call it. It’s a space for learning and recreation. We’ve held several workshops there, and as the Director of Voces Nuestras Association, we’re always in touch thanks to the ongoing work the Center for Sustainability carries out with the community. In these times of great uncertainty, this place becomes a true refuge of harmony—for self-care and for caring for nature. Thank you for existing!!!!

Lilliana León. Asociación Voces Nuestras, Costa Rica.

★★★★★

-The animal welfare group of Sarmiento, La Pita, and Colinas de Chomes, Puntarenas, thanks the Sustainability Center and the Animal Welfare Committee of Guacimal for their tremendous support during these spay/neuter campaigns benefiting low-income families. This has allowed us to sterilize over 150 animals in this area.

May God continue to bless this work so you may help many more at-risk animals.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

★★★★★

“I've worked with Veronica for about 17 years, since she first arrived in Monteverde. We later continued our work together in Guacimal. Over the years, we've carried out dozens of sterilization campaigns to help the little animals most in need."

★★★★★

Veterinarian Jesús Suárez, Monteverde

Daisy Cambronero

Guacimal is a beautiful and unique town. The community is kind and welcoming and are all very friendly. The scenery is incredible with the big green hills and beautiful river.

Vida Popp, 12 years old

★★★★★

Me and my family stayed in Guacimal for four months. We loved the community and instantly felt at home. The river is beautiful and the perfect place to cool off during the day. Everyone was super nice. Would totally live there if I could!

Sylvia Popp, 16 years old

★★★★★

The Historical House at the Guacimal Sustainability Center is a precious and beautiful space that generously opens its doors to art and culture. Over time, we have had the privilege of collaborating in this special place, offering free art workshops that have benefited the community. Thanks to its openness and commitment, we have welcomed people of all ages, fostering community bonds and promoting creativity as a tool for transformation.

Pamela Villalobos Villanova. Arte Sobre Ruedas.

Diana Nazareth, photographer and teaching artist, Maryland, USA

Having visited Costa Rica and the Sustainability Center of Costa Rica twice, I often dream of returning to spend more time exploring the beautiful region of Guacimal and Monteverde.

Away from the hustle and bustle of many of the coastal towns that cater mainly to tourists, Guacimal offers a more immersive experience of the wonders of Costa Rica, with its beautiful forests, lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, abundant water sources, and incredible valleys and views.

And in the midst of all of this, is the Center, a great place to learn more about yourself with opportunities to volunteer, run or attend workshops, and or to contemplate a life more in tune with nature, community, and a healthy lifestyle. I can’t wait to return this year, to be part of the Center’s initiatives in sustainable living.

★★★★★

Fabiola Pomareda García, journalist.

I first went to Guacimal in November 2015, while working at Voces Nuestras, to speak with people about a bill proposing reforms to the Radio Law. We met at the community hall to discuss the importance of rural and community media and the human right to communication. People were very eager to take action; they even talked about setting up a radio station to broadcast to the town. We began dreaming together.

In 2016, I returned when the community was fully immersed, with all its strength and commitment, in defending the Veracruz River—one of the three rivers feeding the Guacimal River basin. Since 2010, a company had requested a water concession for an irrigation project, and the residents united to prevent them from drying up their river. The people rose up with a fighting spirit against the threat looming over their living river. It’s worth remembering that rivers in the area are already affected, especially during the dry season, by climate change impacts, and the Veracruz is one of the healthiest remaining. When locals learned that heavy machinery and large pipes were being unloaded near the Santa Rosa crossing, 4 kilometers from Guacimal, they blocked the machinery’s path and demanded the Municipality halt the work. On January 7, 2016, the government intervened and called for a dialogue process. Finally, that same year, the Minae [Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy] declared the water use concession expired, and the community celebrated this major victory.

I returned several other times—after Storm Nate in 2017, when I witnessed again how the community came together in solidarity to recover from the storm’s damage. I came back in 2018 to visit and to work, when Voces Nuestras and other groups held a cultural gathering (peña) and a collective live radio broadcast at the 'feria' space.

Guacimal has always been full of life, of brave people who rise up and defend their space and way of life. They will forever stand as an example of the fight against the overexploitation of the country’s rivers.

★★★★★

Jennifer Tigchelaar has been a Sustainability Center volunteer, is in the field of psychology and currently works in Canada.

I came to Guacimal to volunteer with the sustainability center. The goal was to start a music, art and a photography program for children.

I came home with so much more. The community was welcoming and kind. The children were so appreciative and happy. The building was absolutely stunning surrounded by peace and nature. The monkeys made looking out the window entertaining and the plants provided food and nourishment. The monkeys particularly enjoyed the guava tree right outside the kitchen window!

I often wish I could go back and will one day. I went there as a stranger and left with friends and family. Veronica was more than a host... she became a part of my family. ❤️

★★★★★