Indigenous Women Receive 40 Acres in Costa Rica for Cocoa Farming

Govind

The Center for Biological Diversity has handed over 40+ acres of Costa Rican forest to Indigenous women for sustainable cocoa farming and conservation efforts.

Photo Source:CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia)

Located near Manzanillo within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, the land will support ACOMUITA's continued production of artisanal chocolate.

Photo Source: CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia)

"It is of so much value for the purposes of the association and specially for our women, that all of them are heads of household," said Justa Morales Orozco, president of ACOMUITA.

Photo Source: CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia)

The ecological gem features diverse wildlife including the rare harpy eagle and Central American tapir, making it significant for conservation.

Photo Source: CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia)

The property came to the Center through supporter Carita O'Conner's bequest before being transferred to the Indigenous women's group.

Photo Source: CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia)

ACOMUITA, formed in 1999, consists of 135 women who maintain their cultural legacy through sustainable cocoa harvesting practices.

Photo Source: Wikimedia

"We are thrilled to be returning these ancestral lands to the women of ACOMUITA," said Peter Galvin, cofounder of the Center and director of programs.

Photo Source: CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia)

The Center continues its environmental advocacy in Costa Rica, currently challenging a proposed landfill project near water sources in Salamá de Osa.

Photo Source: CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia)

Costa Rican attorney Enrique Rojas Solis and the Center's chief development officer Paula Simmonds provided crucial support in facilitating the land donation.

1. Photo Source: CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia)

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