Agroecology in Costa Rica

Agroecology is a set of agricultural production methods and natural processes that respect both the environment and people.

It improves production systems while reducing negative impacts on ecosystems and conserves natural resources—for example, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In Costa Rica, in the Turrialbaregion , is CATIE (Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza). It is a regional center dedicated to research and graduate-level education in agriculture, management, and the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. In addition to Costa Rica, its member countries include Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Venezuela, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the state of Acre in Brazil.

Agronomists from around the world consider it one of the most important agricultural research stations in the tropics. Visitors can tour various agricultural projects, including laboratories, greenhouses, seed banks, and experimental plots. You’ll learn about the variety of cultivated plants, as well as their respective uses (medicinal, stimulant, insecticide, ornamental, etc.).

CATIE maintains an international collection of crops, including coffee, cacao, pejibaya, macadamia, achiote, and guava . The different varieties within a single crop are studied to determine how these differences are fundamental to the genetic improvement of the species.

Approximately 7,300 seeds are preserved, representing different families, genera, and varieties, including beans, corn, chili peppers, and tomatoes, among many others.

CATIE contributes to global food security and species conservation.

For those who are curious, I invite you to visit the CATIE website.

There is an international university campuson site . For more than 70 years, this university has been training leaders from Latin America and around the world in fields related to agricultural sciences, natural resources, and the environment.

CATIE thus combineseducation, research, and outreach for development.

So don’t hesitate to add this visit to your vacation itinerary, especially if you want to leave this beautiful, green country with a solid understanding of sustainable development.

Clémence, travel designer and advocate for responsible travel