The weekend shines a spotlight on the extraordinary country of Costa Rica – one of the world’s most biologically diverse destinations in the world.
Costa Rica has long led the charge for its commitment to protecting biodiversity and restoring degraded landscapes. Eden’s ongoing work with the Costa Rica Tourism Board builds on this shared ethos to support communities, tourism and ecosystems that thrive together.
Since 2018, the Eden Project has embarked on an ambitious project to restore 100 acres of over-farmed dry tropical forest on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, creating a “biological corridor” – much like Eden’s own transformation of a barren clay pit into a verdant global garden almost 25 years ago.
Working with local and international partners, more than 38,000 cacao trees have been planted beneath native canopy species, and education has been provided on cultivation and agroforestry techniques to create a natural system that strengthens biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods and demonstrates that the two are not mutually exclusive. The short film, Voices from Nicoya, was created to celebrate the transformation story.
Simon Townsend, general manager at the Eden Project, said: “We’ve long had an extraordinary relationship with Costa Rica. As a charity, our regeneration project in the Nicoya Peninsula is a shining example of our mission. This weekend brings a piece of this story to Cornwall; an immersion into the incredible way that Costa Rica is leading the way as a country, supporting nature and livelihoods, from ethical chocolate to sustainable tourism.”
Visitors over the coming weekend can join free immersive tours of the Rainforest Biome, discovering the fruits, flavours and cultural traditions that shape Costa Rica, including performances by a Costa Rican dance group.
Free yoga sessions are available across the weekend in both the Mediterranean Biome and sky-high hot yoga on the Rainforest Biome’s 50 metre-high Lookout Platform on Saturday and Sunday. Yoga participants will also enjoy complimentary access for the day to Eden’s gardens, Biomes and itinerary of Costa Rica events.
Chocolate takes centre-stage with tastings of bean-to-bar Costa Rican chocolate, courtesy of Cornwall’s Chocolarder, and a tour of Eden’s cacao plants to learn about how ethical global supply chains connect to the landscapes and the communities that nurture them. Meanwhile, comforting Costa Rican-inspired dishes and fruit-based mocktails will be served in the Rainforest Biome and Biome Kitchen.
The weekend forms part of Eden’s commitment to making nature, wellbeing and environmental learning accessible to local communities through its Community Weekends. Entry and participation is free for existing Annual Pass holders, Members and Locals’ Pass holders, qualifying Community Weekend visitors and yoga participants.
Spaces for yoga across the weekend are limited and in high demand. Find out more and book your free place at www.edenproject.com.
