Community Groups and Foundations

1. Desarollo Armónico de la Peninsula.

This foundation was about to be born at the time of writing. The brainchild of the project manager for Punta Piedra Amarilla Marina Project, Angel Coello, the foundation is being set up to join the forces of developers, the three municipalities of Cóbano, Paquera and Jiquaral, the local MINAE office, and neighborhood groups so that the entire region can be developed in a sustainable way.

The foundation wants to lobby developers to coordinate the area’s development with the municipalities, neighborhood associations and the local MINAE office. This is the first foundation of its kind, and if successful it could pave the way for a similar arrangement in other regions.

2. Kids Saving the Rainforest and other wildlife and environmental organizations

This Manuel Antonio-based organization (name really speaks for itself) is in the process of setting up its Montezuma branch. There are also a number of other organizations in the Montezuma area that work to protect the environment and its flora and fauna, and to teach children to respect the beauty they have around them.

3. Tropisphere

Real estate company Tropisphere donates 10% of its sales to community and environmental projects in the region. Its Web site (http://www.tropisphere.com/) has a great overview of the projects the company is investing in. Tropisphere donates its money and time for school building up-keep and teaching materials.

4. TGIF

This is a local expatriate group in Tambor that mainly consists of retirees who meet regularly to exchange information and experiences of their new life in Tambor. All are welcome.