Handicrafts and Earth Botanic Garden

Earth University Campus, Costa Rica (Credit: Earth University)

Earth Botanic Garden, at Earth University in Costa Rica, is running a course to teach students and local people on the many different uses of their surrounding biodiversity, and how they can use natural products to earn an income. The products developed include soaps, drinks, teas, shampoos, creams, ointments, agricultural insecticides, and dyes.

At the end of the course students gain a qualification, and can use their skills to make useful products for personal consumption. Many people also go on to sell these products, and some microcompanies have been set up to promote the use of tropical plants for medicine. This project is a long term initiative developed by the botanic garden and the university’s students, which contributes to its strategic aim.

Source: J.Portuguez, survey response

Find Out More

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