Women often bear the brunt of environmental degradation and climate change impacts, yet they possess unique knowledge and perspectives vital for sustainable development. Addressing gender disparities ensures inclusivity and effectiveness in environmental initiatives. Recognizing and addressing gender dynamics in environmental programs, policies and practices fosters more resilient and equitable societies, contributing to the overall success of sustainable development efforts. At Finca Cántaros, we have prioritized gender since our inception, as the Women Committed to the Earth program is our longest running and most successful environmental education initiative, offering a safe space for women to connect, learn, have fun and take action through restoration-, biodiversity, and environmental art-focused projects.
Our “Mujeres Comprometidas con la Tierra” (Women Committed to the Earth) program aims to create spaces for women to connect, learn about their important role in conservation, and engage in hands-on stewardship activities such as forest restoration. It is critical to create spaces for women to develop professional skills like leadership as well self-efficacy, which in turn build self-esteem. Such tools and confidence can help facilitate the flow of all their qualities and commitment (not only to conservation but to other causes), along with the capacity to confront and overcome barriers.
It is our aim to get to know the women in the community and understand their goals, strengths, challenges and lived experiences, in order to collaboratively develop the program activities and curriculum with them. We want to encourage more women to ask themselves: who are my female environmental heroes, both here in Costa Rica and beyond? And we want them to see environmental heroes in themselves.
To participate in the program, please visit our Get Involved page.
The Women Committed to the Earth at Finca Cántaros run a tree nursery we named “Bellota” in honour of the acorns (which is bellota in Spanish) we first planted. As part of our tree nursery and forest restoration efforts, we run a “biofactory” where we produce bioproducts like vermicompost and other organic composts. We sell these products to help generate income to support our activities! Check out the “Contact Us” page for more details about what you can buy! Our products have official seal of the Biosphere Reserve, which conducted an evaluation of our operations to ensure environmental sustainability.
Our “Lideresas por la Naturaleza” (Women Leaders for Nature) program, run in July and August 2022, evolved out of the Women Committed to the Earth program, and aimed to offer women in the community an opportunity to dive even deeper into themes of biodiversity and conservation, through the lens of forest restoration and birds. It was a great opportunity for us to dig deeper and more intensively with a dedicated group of participants, several of who have now become staff members of the organization.
Finca Cántaros Environmental Association
1km south of San Vito Hospital
San Vito, Puntarenas Province
Costa Rica 60801
Email: info@fincacantaros.org
WhatsApp: +506 8878.1919
® 2023 Finca Cántaros. All Rights Reserved.
