The projects that are a part of the Osa and Golfito Initiative build capacity, increase knowledge, and provide support for those working towards the sustainable development of the Osa and Golfito region. These efforts are a response to direct requests from local stakeholders, and are corroborated by previous INOGO analyses and case studies. Current INOGO programs include:

Experimental Sustainable African Palm Laboratory (LAPA)

Professor Rodolfo Dirzo’s LAPA program will evaluate two innovations in crop diversification and increased sustainability in oil palm plantations: the cultivation of epiphytes on the trunks of palms in mature plantations, and the impacts of intercropping other crops within the palm plantations.  In eight paired 0.5 hectare plantations, the study will evaluate the potential for these innovations to increase revenue for farmers, increase biodiversity, hedge against food insecurity, and increase the potential to reduce the spread of the “flecha seca” pathogen.  Read more about LAPA here.  

Stanford Environmental Leadership and Language Program (SELAL)

SELAL is addressing a critical challenge for youth in the Osa and Golfito region: employment in the local tourism sector, and environmental leadership. Through a greater understanding of the value that their region possesses, connecting with potential employers to learn about the ecotourism industry, and the empowerment to recognize their own potential, SELAL is building a model for sustained youth engagement. Read more about SELAL here.

Caminos de Liderazgo

Caminos de Liderazgo is working to improve skills for local self-governance, expand the green economy, and further incentivize the stewardship of natural resources through the development of the Caminos de Osa tourism destination. INOGO joined the CRUSA Foundation in 2014 to launch the program, which enjoys the collaboration with many important partners including SINAC, Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas. Implemented by RBA, Caminos de Liderazgo has already achieved some important advances. Read more about Caminos de Liderazgo here.

Monitoring

INOGO’s monitoring efforts encompass two activities: general monitoring of the region to share information about general trends with local stakeholders and the monitoring of the Caminos de Liderazgo program. Read more about INOGO’s monitoring work here.