Home → News & Events → ‘University for a Sustainable Future’ continues plans in Guanacaste (Feb 28, 2008)

(Source "The Guanacaste Journal", Edition 126, Feb. 25th to Mar 03rd, www.journalcr.com)

(Infocom) - Representatives of the University for a Sustainable Future (USF) recently toured Guanacaste, exploring the future site of this planned academic and research institution and participating in a developers' forum held Feb. 11 at the Pacifico Beach Club in Playas del Coco.

At the forum, representatives of residential developments and other interested individuals learned how the unique higher-education institution would benefit the region.

The USF's mission is to grow future generations of "eco-literate" citizens and to invent, incubate and globally market sustainable products and technology in conjunction with international experts. This project is being developed by the Community for a Sustainable Future, LLC - a joint venture of the Celidon Foundation, One Globe Foundation and WISE Ventures, Inc.

"The university is the heart of a sustainable community that will provide a host of benefits - including educational, community, environmental and economic development - to residents and visitors in Guanacaste," Sheri WoodsGreen, representative of the Community for a Sustainable Future, said in a statement. "Because the project is designed as a replicable global model, it will attract international students, renowned academics - and worldwide recognition - to this corner of Costa Rica."

The university representatives, who are from the United States, visited some of the 40 hectares of property donated for the project by two anonymous donors. The site is located in an area between the town of El Triunfo and Playa Cabuyal, in the Gulf of Papagayo region. The group also met with individuals and organizations to learn about local culture, infrastructure and needs.

The USF project was announced in September 2007 at an event at Monarch Resort, in Playa Panama. The guest list was highlighted by USF Honorary Chairperson Jane Goodall, the famous primatologist, and Celidon Foundation President Rick Rantz, who originally conceived the USF vision. The formal agreement by which the land for the university was donated was announced then, too.

According to Community for a Sustainable Future, the USF project will employ a phased development approach and incorporate environmentally responsible building practices. The current pre-development phase is focused on raising $1.5 million through private and social sector strategies. Development of a project timeline and master plan are also part of this phase.

Specific facilities and programs slated for initial phases include a performing arts and cultural center, convention center, vocational training, research laboratories, and more.

The future house of higher learning will have international university programs focused on a comprehensive approach to environmental studies that integrate economic, cultural and social dimensions. Its long-term goal to enroll up to 3,600 students from throughout the world.