PROJECT: FINCA SOLUNA

Finca Soluna is an organic semi-sustainable farm located in Santa Cecelia de Agua Buena, Coto Brus. Purchased in 2004, the farm has since been a center for reforestation and farm design concepts. The farm includes varying landscapes including primary forest, springs, pastures, secondary forest environments, reforestation projects with long term wood trees, bamboos, native flowers and palms, fruit trees, along with greenhouses and organic gardening plots.

The goals of the farm are to serve as a learning center for reforestation, sustainable organic food production, and a base camp for GAIAculture projects. It is hoped that the newer structures will also serve as studios for multi-media production in support of overall GAIAculture projects goals.

Finca Soluna stands out amongst the rolling landscape as it contains one of the very last portions of primary rainforest that once blanketed the area. Although this stand is small (aprox. 3 1/2 acres), it remains a vital source of “mother” trees for seed collection and is a living example of endemic tree and plant species.

Finca Soluna is situated in a micro-climate with altitudes ranging from 1208-1280 meters above sea level. The fair mixture of sun and rain provide a unique space for farm experimentation and an optimal living experience. The farm had been abandoned for over five years prior to purchase and thus had leached out the agro-chemicals previously used for coffee and non organic food production. As such the farm has been a ground up design. The primary forest areas offer not only a reserve zone but also serve as a seed bank for reforestation projects. Some pastures are in the process of being reforested with a mix of fruit and wood trees. Specifically the mixture of tree species reflect broad varieties of native species, many endangered. So far over 3500 native seedlings have been planted over a period of four years. Typically several hundred new trees are planted each year to increase specie diversity and replace those that may have been lost due to natural causes.

Beginning in 2009, the farm began experimenting with organic vegetable production as well as the addition of dual use greenhouses supporting the goals of both vegetable germination and tree seedling production for reforestation within and without the farm. So far the results have been excellent, using a combination of local farming concepts with the addition of the use of wholly organic insect repellents and insecticides. The goal is to be able to prove organic farming and the need for reforestation to the local population.

It is hoped that, by example, Finca Soluna will provide a necessary option for forest and farm management that can be replicated throughout Costa Rica and other Latin American countries. The work is exciting and rewarding and is beginning to affect the thinking and activities of the local populace. Stress is placed on the non-use of costly and toxic petroleum based products, thus mitigating harmful environmental affects to nature and humans while saving money as well.

Visitors and volunteers have the opportunities to learn organic farming, farm maintenance, tree planting techniques, seed collection, greenhouse design and construction, and participate with local schools.

Please contact Dave Gertner for more information on how you may be able to participate and contribute to a unique and replicable farm design and life atmosphere.