|
finca
las brisas ecocommunity concept
Currently the membership of Finca Las Brisas is comprised
of family, friends and other like-minded parties that share a
common interest in developing a sustainable community that
makes a positive contribution to surrounding local residents and the
environment. We have no guiding social, political, or
spiritual philosophy driving the development of the
community, other than the desire to do it the right way. To
develop Costa Rica real estate in a way that is beneficial
to the environment, the wildlife and the local people.
Finca Las Brisas could well fit under the
umbrella of the
cohousing movement
with a serious
emphasis on the environment which could certainly move us
closer to the
ecovillage concept
except that we have no spiritual dimension and no intent to
have an active part or identify with a social movement.
We are not making any attempt to encourage or discourage any
spiritual belief system or pursuit other than a genuine
respect for the environment. A respect, we hope, that will
guide the ecological design, all ecological
building practices and land use including organic gardens,
responsible husbandry, and reforestation.
We think the term
EcoCommunity best describes us. We are a small
development with 25 lots. We are striving to be genuine, we
work with the locals, part of the finances are budgeted for
the local community and we work hard to employ the people in
the immediate area. We have shared environmentally sensitive
and protected areas that we all maintain. We are starting a reforestation project to
strengthen the fragile and disappearing dry forests. We are
protecting the watershed for all of the people that live
down river. We are building a place for people who care more
about an authentic experience with the local people, culture
and nature than they do about flat screen TVs, profit/cost
ratios, security lights, quads, privacy, or air
conditioning.
Reforestation meeting at the local one-room school one
kilometer from Finca Las Brisas
In
addition we envision a protected reserve-like property with
a system of well maintained trails that can be enjoyed by our
families and friends for generations.
Community Objectives
 |
Connection:
Establish compelling and integrated
physical structures, systems and programs that ensure
meaningful relationships amongst members and a
sustainable connection with our environment
|
 |
Appreciation:
To
increase the value of each member’s investment by
creating a community that can be enjoyed for generations
and by reaching each of the other objectives.
|
 |
Community:
Initiate and maintain long-term, mutually
beneficial socio-economic relationships with local,
regional, and global communities
|
 |
Discovery:
Foster discovery and education with the
natural environment and the sustainable practices that
we deploy
|
 |
Sustainability:
Establish and maintain community
integrated common areas consisting of aesthetically
pleasing edible landscapes and garden areas that provide
fresh organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers for
all community members. To simultaneously provide
meaningful organic gardening work and educational
opportunities for neighboring Costa Ricans as well as
community members and visitors.
|
Defining Characteristics of Finca Las Brisas:
1) Members privately own their
lots and build their own homes according to the
architectural and ecological guidelines agreed to by the community.
2) Members represent a variety of
religious, social, political, and spiritual backgrounds.
3) Finca Las Brisas is a small community,
with the total number of lots ranging between 20 to 30
depending on final approval.
5) We work with the locals. We seek ways
to benefit the local communities.
6) We carefully conserve our water and
manage our waste and sewage.
7) Energy conservation and use of
renewable sources are foremost in our thinking.
8) The community has a high level of
environmental consciousness with a commitment to
incorporate green building techniques
and on site materials whenever
possible, thus minimizing the impact of construction
upon the natural environment.
9) We blend with the environment.
10) All members sign an agreement that
they will not lease or sell their house to a person or
persons who do not wish to participate fully in the
community and promote the ecological guidelines.
11) Management of the community is through
a homeowners association and committees carry out all
aspects of governance.
12) Members contribute to the shared and
protected areas.
13) Members participate in the design,
development and management of the community.
14) The site plan encourages a sense of
community. The private residences are clustered on the
site, leaving more green, and shared open space.
15) A community center will serve as the
common space for recreation, business activities, social
gatherings, meetings, and relaxation.
|
