2024 Americas Summit Costa Rica

For its authenticity, significance within the urban context, the materials and techniques used in its construction, and its historical and symbolic value, the old residence of the Brenes Méndez family was declared an architectural historical heritage of Costa Rica in 2016 under Executive Decree No. 39671-C, published in the official gazette La Gaceta on July 18, 2016. This house was likely built in 1910 on land located in the burgeoning Otoya neighborhood, one of the most elegant in the capital. The design is credited to Engineer Luis Paulino Jiménez, utilizing the French bahareque system (wooden structure with a metal lining). "Due to its characteristics, construction period, and dimensions, it is representative of buildings owned by families belonging to the Costa Rican bourgeoisie of the early 20th century," which was influenced by Victorian architectural style. "This is reflected in elements such as the stylized and ornamented columns on the first level, the design and arrangement of windows, the presence of the front garden, and the pronounced slope of its roofs." The house was initially inhabited by Mr. Carlos, Mrs. Arabela, and their four children, namely, Dora, Ofelia, Carlos Manuel, and Nereo Jorge. Other relatives also lived there, and when Nereo married María Luisa Calvo, they also lived there, along with their two daughters, Ana Isabel and Eugenia. On the first floor, there was the dining room, a place where we all gathered punctually for lunch, dinner, conversations, and to listen to music. She mentally reviewed each of the rooms: the living room, kitchen, pantry, a bedroom for the household staff, and the office where former President Ricardo Jiménez Oreamuno's desk once stood, he was a partner of Mr. Carlos Brenes, who was a lawyer. The second floor housed all the bedrooms, spacious and well-lit, and the sewing rooms of the aunts. Another criterion considered for the declaration was the property's value within the context. "The residence is situated in a neighborhood that is one of the few that preserves a large number of buildings with similar characteristics." Right next to the house is another heritage building that currently houses the Film Center. Former President José Figueres Ferrer lived there. Another neighbor, and perhaps the favorite of those girls, is the Simon Bolivar Zoo. The house is currently owned by Ajo Negro S.A., a Costa Rican capital company.

Coopedota R.L, it is a cooperative of the coffee producers in Dota, Tarrazú and León Cortés, with 1070 associates and a direct and indirect employment generation impact more than 10.000 people. For this crop, Coopedota R.L. estimates to receive around 60 thousand coffee quintals, 75% of which will be exported to countries such as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia among others. Coopedota R.L. currently holds the Carbon Neutral Certification, the Essential Costa Rica country brand, Blue Flag and Rain Forest Alliance Certification.

An innovative collaboration between Coopedota, CATIE and CAIA Alexandria, aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of coffee-growing and vegetable farming in Los Santos Region. We have launched together “Project ONE”, a sustainability initiative utilizing organic 5th generation fertilizers, a tecno-organic development call “Trees of Life, DOTAndo Vida” to guarantee and air free of pollution, and upgrading transportation fleets with “Clean Oil” technology operated by AI that transforms diesel and gasoline emissions into components that can be used as fertilizers in agriculture. Project ONE greatly minimize air, water, and soil pollution while also enhancing crop yields.

“As international markets demand reduced chemical usage in coffee production, effective climate solutions are key. While COOPEDOTA currently holds Carbon Neutral Certification, offsetting emissions, Project One focuses on actively reducing CO2 and achieving Carbon Positive status – a first for any coffee producer globally,” stated Monserrat Hernández, assistant manager of the Dota agricultural co-op. FERTIDOTA is a locally produced 5th generation fertilizer that blends coffee waste water, coffee pulp and fish waste that provides phosphorus compounds. The ideal micro and macro nutrients that the coffee-growing required. We are bringing back to the coffee farms part of the elements that we took from them. As a way of providing the coffee producers a short-term income alternative, we are promoting, in the coffee farms, an organic vegetable hydroponic farming, by using also FERTIDOTA fertilizer.

The Savegre Eco-Lodge is a tranquil retreat nestled within the scenic Savegre River Valley in Costa Rica. Surrounded by lush cloud forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, the lodge offers a peaceful escape into nature. The accommodations are typically rustic yet comfortable, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Guests can immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of the region through guided nature walks, birdwatching excursions, and other outdoor adventures. The lodge's commitment to sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly practices, emphasizing conservation and responsible tourism. Whether relaxing in a cozy cabin or exploring the wilderness, visitors to the Savegre Eco-Lodge can experience the wonders of Costa Rica's natural environment while supporting efforts to preserve it for future generations.

This spectacular and easy trail winds down through a glorious stretch of cloud forest. Enjoy the Savegre Hotel Private Reserve, a natural oasis of flora and fauna with more than 500 hectares of extension. Here, you can explore and appreciate a great variety of birds, trees, plants, epiphytes, heliconias, orchids, lichens, fungi, insects, streams, and even recharge your energy by hugging an ancient oak tree.

Los Quetzales National Park is located in the district of Copey and canton of Dota, San José province, 76.5 kilometers south of the capital. It is a special area for birdwatching, particularly the quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), a near-endangered species according to the UICN list. The type of cloud forest generated by different climatic conditions includes trees covered with a wide variety of plant species, which makes them attractive to birds and animals that inhabit the area. It is home to many endemic species of flora and fauna. The areas of most endemic vegetation are high, subalpine and alpine montane floors, which include more than 50% of the 53 endemic species registered in the Savegre basin. In addition, the park is located at the head of the Savegre River Basin, a catchment and feeding area for aquifers. It is bordered to the north by La Amistad-Pacífico Conservation Area (separated by the Pan-American Highway), and to the northwest by Cerro Las Vueltas Biological Reserve. On one end, it borders the Pirris River Basin and the Reventazón-Parismina River Basin. The park's maximum elevation is 3,190 meters above sea level, and the minimum is 1,240. Temperatures range between 5-14° C, with annual average rainfall of 2,648 mm.

In a groundbreaking move towards environmental conservation, Costa Rica's former Mayor Edgar Mora bestowed citizenship upon pollinators, recognizing their invaluable contribution to the nation's ecosystem. With this innovative initiative, Mora emphasized the critical role of pollinators in sustaining biodiversity and supporting agricultural productivity. By granting citizenship to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating species, Costa Rica reaffirms its commitment to protecting these vital organisms and their habitats. This symbolic gesture not only raises awareness about the importance of pollinators but also underscores the interconnectedness of all living beings in our shared ecosystem. Mayor Mora's visionary leadership sets a precedent for global conservation efforts, inspiring communities worldwide to prioritize the preservation of pollinators for the well-being of both nature and humanity.