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Community Projects |
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| Through our non-profit foundation
– Mano de Amigo, Punta Dominical S.A. is currently involved
in environmental, conservation, education, and public health projects
to ensure the quality of life of residents and visitors to Dominical.
The project of greatest impact is the development of a residential community for poor families who previously lived illegally on the beaches of Punta Dominical. The community is named Poza Azul (“blue well” in Spanish) for a favorite swimming spot in the area. The project was implemented over a period of three years and with significant financial investments by Punta Dominical S.A. and the government of Costa Rica. Approximately 50 families, representing over 200 adults and children, were awarded governmental housing grants that entitled them to a titled lot and newly constructed home in Poza Azul. The land for the community was donated by Punta Dominical S.A., and the company installed the infrastructure (roads, foot bridges, electricity, water and septic systems, and sidewalks) and built the homes. Vivero Natural, the company’s garden center, added lush tropical landscaping throughout the community. A fenced playground with slides, swings, and other appropriate equipment, was built for the young children who live in Poza Azul. A new classroom building was added to the Punta Dominical school. Punta Dominical S.A. had previously built a comidor (dining room/kitchen) at the school and a soccer field for the community. The company has also donated land for a women’s center, churches, and other amenities to be built in the future. The company continues to work closely through the Poza Azul citizens committee to assist and advise. |
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It is anticipated that members
of the Poza Azul community will be employed in various capacities
within the Punta Dominical residential/resort projects. Costa Rican
government officials frequently visit the community and cite it as
one of the most successful social projects in the country and the
model for cooperative development between business and government.
Other community projects supported in total or in part by Punta Dominical, S.A.: • Contributions for public safety initiatives – support of local police force and lifeguards at Playa Dominical • Contributions to ASANA and other conservation/environmental organizations – projects include “Path of the Tapir” (establishing corridors for animals), rescuing and releasing turtle eggs • Scholarships for local students to attend high school in Uvita • Service and cultural exchange programs with US-based churches • Volunteer service in the international capital campaign to rescue the Corcovado National Park • Computers donated to the municipality in Cortez • Funds for construction and support of a mariposaria (butterfly farm)/teaching lab at the technical high school in Palmar Norte |
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