A false economy?

43 comments from readers

planeta
14 March 2008 at 22:45

Question - Are these establishments listed in Rainforest Alliance's database? If so, did the author send a complaint about the less than eco practices he witnessed and what was the response?

rainforestalliance
17 March 2008 at 21:31

Neither of these establishments are listed in the Rainforest Alliance's Eco-Index of Sustainable Tourism (www.eco-index.org/tourism). We work hard to ensure that each operation included in our database is environmentally and socially responsible, either through their participation in a tourism certification program, or through recommendations from reputable conservation organizations. All certifications or recommendations are verified before a business is added to our site.

Mastatal
22 March 2008 at 20:11

It would've been nice if Daniel actually came to Rancho Mastatal to visit our operation and to hear about our work instead of depending on bits of false information from unreliable sources before writing this article. I would encourage you to visit our website at http://www.ranchomastatal.com if you'd like to learn more about our projects. We are totally driven by our passion for the environment and healthy community development. We are by all means connected to the local farm economy being by the far the largest buyer of locally produced agricultural products. We also employ and provide health insurance to more locals than any other local business. I would suggest that Daniel and your publication checks its resources before publishing what amounts to outright lies. For one, we have no such thing as a curfew. We simply discourage our guests from contributing to what we see as the dangerous party culture that is being created in our community by people that seem to care little to none about how our community develops and more interested in catching a buzz. Moreover, we don't depend on costly certifications from reputable conservation organizations just to get posted on lists such as the Rainforest Alliance's Eco-Index of Sustainable Tourism. We instead dedicate our time, energy and resources to our small community and its surrounding rainforest and depend solely on our reputation and word of mouth. How many organizations on the Rainforest Alliance's list are recycling over 90% of their human waste? And how common is it these days to find truly un-eco-friendly lodges on these lists simply because they have the money and/or contacts to make it happen. These lists and the word ecofriendly have become bastardized. I'd be happy to answer any questions that anyone might have. And if anyone has Daniel's email address, I would like to contact him directly so as to be able to defend ourselves fairly.

Tim O'Hara

Owner

Rancho Mastatal

http://www.ranchomastatal.com

jfranke
22 March 2008 at 21:28

I had the opportunity to visit Rancho Mastatal last year and was appalled to read this apparently unresearched piece of yellow journalism. The author’s motives are a mystery to me, but in no way correspond to what I observed. Tim O’hara and the rest of the community are engaged in one of the more interesting and successful examples of intentional community living with which I’ve had the opportunity to come into contact. A great deal of serious work is being done there in the areas of appropriate technology, resource conservation and biodiversity preservation. You might think about running a serious piece about Mastatal, by somebody without the author’s bizarre agenda, who actually visits the place.

Joe Franke

Deivis
26 March 2008 at 20:12

I recently visited Mastatal (this past month) as well and find this author's article to be grossly off and second Joe Franke and Tim O' Hara's words.

There is plenty of acceptance of opinion as outright fact here, but it ends at the idea of the author simply walking over to Rancho Mastatal (or perhaps calling loudly as the pulperia is literally on the opposite corner) and looking into things first-hand.

Personally, I am grateful at having had the opportunity to work with and for the local Mastatal folk and am sorry to see that others miss out due to hammock-malaise.

Deivis Garcia

Daniel
27 March 2008 at 14:52

Quickly to update all who have kindly commented:

1) These two establishments are not listed on the Rainforest Alliance's Eco-Index of Sustainable Tourism, although they're both on the WWOOFing roster. The RA is a not for profit organisation that is too under resourced to compile a comprehensive list of eco-tourism projects and so only lists companies that voluntarily put themselves forward. Although not a perfect measure, the Eco-Index is the best relative measure of eco-tourism projects in Central and South American countries. The statistics cited were merely used to demonstrate the popularity of eco-tourism in Costa Rica relative to other countries in the region.

2) I don't think either of these establishments need to be reported to a governing body. They haven't done anything particularly wrong. The worst you could say about La Iguana is that it's not exactly what it seems; it's still a lovely place to stay.

3) As far as I can see, a systematic practise of discouraging residents from leaving the boundaries of your property after a certain time counts as a curfew, although we can debate semantics all day. Occasionally I did meet people who had left Rancho Mastatal to go to the local bar, but they had done so surreptitiously because they considered themselves to be breaking a rule.

4) I wouldn't say the article expresses an agenda, I'm just interested in how foreigners are interacting with the locals in Costa Rica. I'm not sure trying to green wash a small rural community is a great idea in the long term, but maybe I'm wrong. My point is that the agenda certain groups had brought in to Mastatal seemed slightly unnatural and discontinuous with the practices of the local community, and that the version of Mastatal presented to a lot of tourists was very different to the reality of the town once you started delving into the details.

5) Although I only visited huts on the outskirts of Rancho Mastatal during my stay at La Iguana, RM is only presented as an incidental part of the story. I did speak with a lot of people in the community, and where I'm citing opinion I've signposted that. Further, in stating that RM is not part of the local farming economy I was asserting the basic fact that, unlike La Iguana and all the other plantations in the area, RM does not live or die on the basis of its agricultural output. It is an eco-tourism project, and no matter how much of the local food it consumes, is not a business sharing the economic realities of the rest of Mastatal. There is nothing wrong with that particularly - it is just a fact I stated, although one some people seem interested in glossing over.

I see most of the offense Tim and others have taken as being ideological. Many guests may have had a wonderful time staying at Rancho, and I definitely enjoyed my stay at La Iguana: it really depends what sort of experience you're after. My main concern is that using environmental ideologies as the primary vehicle through which to interact with rural communities like Mastatal often seems unnatural and condescending, considering the economic imbalance between tourists and locals.

Tim's talk about employing many of the locals and providing them with health insurance is great, although its fundamental meaning is simply that Tim is an economically powerful individual in Mastatal.

Also, Tim, I'm sorry but as a journalist I can't hand out my email for obvious reasons.

My best,

Daniel

volunteer
01 April 2008 at 20:19

Ive spent a few months working with the family of la iguana and have truly enjoyed my stay. very relaxed atmosphere, and a great way to experience rural costa rica. Also ive visited rancho mastatal a few times, spoken to many volunteers, and listend to countless stories from the town gossips. But the only thing i can say for sure is when on the property i feel like i have stepped into a cult, based off the white mans burden. All the volunteers seem to feel that they are part of something grand, benefitting the world, and improving the lives of the poor little ticos. They speak so confidently about all the good they are doing hiring locals, and how they dont have chickens so that they can buy eggs and support the farmers. But what the ranch seems to forget is that they have only been there for 5 or so years. before them this community was just fine. somehow they managed to govern themselves. Also ive witnessed how the ranchos economic power had bred disharmony in the community. families fight over buisness, with the ranch occasionally putting stipulations on the people whos eggs they buy.

Also all the people of iguana engage with the locals. whereas there are very few rancho volunteers that ever step outside the gates. once i was talking to a voluntter from the rancho, and i was shocked to find it had 35 people...i had only seen three outside the gates during the last week. But i do understand the Racho owners desire to keep all volunteers hidden away. Its dangerous to pump such a small community with so many foreigners, because too much foreign influence does have a negative effect on the community. But i do not feel the answer lies in discouraging interaction between locals and volunteers, but rather decreasing the amount of volunteers accepted. Not building yet another volunteer house to add the the empire.

elinorbazar
15 April 2008 at 18:29

Um, that is a pretty ridiculous article. I volunteered at Rancho Mastatal for three months and I have never seen a group of people so dedicated to the environment, community and joy. I loved my experience there and encourage anyone I can to have a visit. Obviously you haven't spent any time there, Daniel.

DrKamayani
15 April 2008 at 18:45

Hello,

I have never stayed at the Rancho Mastatal, but have visited there several times and have kept up with their remarkable growth and progress vis their newsletter. I am not sure who Daniel is or what his sources of information are, but I do not think he has had any direct experience of Rancho Mastatal.

On my first visit, I was especially charmed by the easy and loving relationship Robin and Tim seemed to have with the ;ocal community. Several wonderful, older citizens dropped by to socialize on the porch. during the afternoon. I was given to understand that they and others are regular and welcom visitors. I also know that they have created business opportunities for their neighbors in the form of home stays, purchasing local produce and a Spanish school. They have attracted Peace Corps volunteers for the school and various university groups who come back yearly. They have been working to record the medicinal knowledge of some of the elders before their knowldge dies with them.

I am going to visit Costa Rica again soon and am seriously looking forward to another visit. Tim and Robin and their friends are some of the best examples of the kind of dedicated, intelligent and caring people we need more of on planet earth. And "dressing in drag" - what a pejorative take on "dressing up" which children of all ages have enjoyed since forever! Very sincerely, Dr. Kamayani

MrMello
15 April 2008 at 19:03

It was a real disappointment for me to read this jaded article. Last year I went to Costa Rica to work on a so-called Eco-Ranch, but in my eyes it was a poor attempt at green-washing a ranch that ignored real social problems in its community. I was especially appalled by the machismo culture of the region and the domestic abuse in my host family. So I left the project early.

I ended up at Rancho Mastatal for over a month and was blown away by how conscious Tim and Robin are about the community they have embedded themselves within and are serving. They do promote volunteers and students to do home-stays with local families. They grown some of their own agricultural needs, and create a market for supporting local fair trade produce rather than creating competition. They have organized volunteers to build several community projects, such as low-cost fuel-efficient wood stoves made with local materials. I do remember Tim and Robin speaking to volunteers about how tourism and night-time festivities can affect the community, and asking the volunteers to be conscious about their actions and interactions; in no way was any limitations or consequences being posed against the freedom of choices made by volunteers or locals implied.

Through Rancho Mastatal I had countless interactions with the local community. For examples I got to experience doing road repairs with local men and cooking meals with local women. Through Rancho Mastatal, I was able to connect with the community and to help support and do service towards their community needs. My preference was to interact with the community during daylight hours rather than at la pulperia at night

At the beginning of the article it says that the author "gets to the dubious roots of the green economy". Why does the author of this article instead seem so focused on the personal dramas and hearsays of independent volunteers and local men? It appears that most of the author's knowledge about the town of Mastatal itself was formed while perching on a barstool at la pulperia peering into the foggy night with beer goggles lit dimly by the bar lights. Why didn't the author ever take the time to actually meet Tim and Robin during sober daylight hours before criticizing their efforts? This is very poor reporting.

Mastatal
15 April 2008 at 19:17

Educating visitors about their potential contribution to local alcoholism and its associated problems and the growing party culture and its affects on small communities does not qualify as a curfew in my view. But as you say perhaps semantics will prevent us from getting any further on this one. We by all means encourage interaction with locals but in places such as the local elementary school, middle school, soccer field and in people's homes and on their farms. Should we be required to celebrate the bar as social center of our community?

I would say that you Daniel did anything but delve into the facts of our community. And it's fascinating how short to mid-term visitors become local experts. Yes, we've been in town for less than 7 years, less than many local families, but during that time have worked tirelessly with the local government, and educational and other institutions to improve the well-being of our community. We don't pretend to be the savior of our small rural town, only an active, immersed, responsible member. Almost every cent of the money that we take into our operation goes towards supporting local farms, businesses and individuals; towards community improvement projects such as the bus stop, the covered eating/play area at the school, the entrance to the community center, and countless other communal projects, always with the input and blessing of the local government, elected by the local population; or to the improvement of our own infrastructure.

How do you define greenwashing a community? We don't force our practices down the throats of anybody. We simply try to demonstrate that there are more ways than one to build, generate power, grow crops, take care of one's personal health and protect the local environment. The Iguana Chocolate has adopted many of these practices from the Ranch, such as their cob oven, their composting toilet, their naturally constructed buildings and their home soapmaking. That's wonderful. That's part of the idea. We've worked with Lidet, Juan Luis and their family since soon after arriving to Mastatal. We installed their methane biodigestor and sent volunteers and students to stay with them in homestays before they started their own business. They decided to emulate in some ways our successful project and have struck out on their own, receiving WWOOFers and other visitors. We celebrate the fact that local businesses are popping up around town and commonly bring our groups to tour the Iguana's facilities. I don't understand this pitting of one entity against the other. We're all trying to make our community a healthy one in which to raise our children. A community free of drugs and alcoholism and full of sustainable economic and recreational opportunities for everyone.

To "volunteer", we have been in Mastatal for over 6 and a half years. How long were you in town to become the local expert on all things Mastatal? What do you mean the community was "just fine" before we came? The locals have encouraged and asked for tourism, well before we arrived, as one way to rescue the ailing economy. And by all means they do govern themselves, through an organization named the Asociacion de Desarrollo Rural de Mastatal, of which Juan Luis is the president and with whom we work closely on a number of community projects. "Stipulations on the people whos eggs they buy". What the hell are you talking about? That's appalling. We've been supporting local egg produces since Day 1 and have never, ever put any stipulations on them. They are free to sell to whom they please. Talk to the family in San Vicente from whom we buy the majority of our eggs and verify, according to words she shared with us, how the only way that she's been able to send her youngest to high school in La Gloria has been through her egg sales to us. It is what it is, a situation where both parties benefit. It's a two-way street. We don't see it as saving this woman, but rather offering her some alternatives that she might otherwise not have while providing us with much need protein for our guests.

Moreover, we have on average 10 volunteers at the Ranch at any given time, no more than the Iguana. Our capacity has remained consistent over the years. Our numbers go up when we host workshops in natural building, renewable energy (we have helped install four methane biodigestors and three solar arrays on and in local farms and houses), and Wilderness First Response (during which time we host a free medical clinic) and when we host groups that almost always spend part of their time with local families (homestays) and working on community projects. Perhaps trips to the bar didn't allow you to see the other work that we have dedicated ourselves to.

Mastatal is a small community. Gossip is common, as in all small communities of the world. It seems like in this case gossip has replaced good reporting and responsible feedback.

Zach
15 April 2008 at 19:28

Did you bother visiting or staying at Mastatal before writing so negatively about it? Nothing you wrote was remotely true of my experience there, except that they do call themselves a sustainable living and learning center and do employ locals. I think that before you go "reporting" on something, you should learn something (anything) about the subjects of which you speak.

draina
15 April 2008 at 19:54

In response to Daniel Stacy's article regarding WWOOFers in Costa Rica, I would like to point out several gross inaccuracies in his portrayal of Rancho Mastatal. I am a university professor and my husband is part owner of a solar electric company. We spent four months at Rancho Mastatal in 2005. The disputed issues and my responses are below:

"It employs many of the young men in the village on its construction

projects, but is detached from the local farming economy"

Yes, the ranch employs men and women of a variety of ages and experience levels. These folks are an integral part of the Ranch family, and do everything from construction to tour guides to gardening and cooking. Rancho Mastatal is not detached from the local farming economy. To the contrary, the ranch purchases eggs, milk, cheese, fruit and other items from local producers, and employs locals to grow and harvest produce on the property. They are very much a part of the local economy, but take care to participate SUSTAINABLY in it, to mitigate the degree of disruption they cause. (A disturbing but little-known fact is that the increase in American tourism in Costa Rica has led to a massive inflation in property values, to the point that most locals can never hope to purchase property of their own. Most signs reading "Se vende finca" are meant for gringos only.)

"and limits the interaction that its guests have with the local community"

There is no official curfew set by the ranch, and we occasionally went out to the pulperia and to parties at local homes. A number of Rancho residents play on the local futbol team, teach at the school and help out the community however they can. However, the long work day encourages an early bedtime, so no, you might not see many Ranch folks at the pulp. Some visiting student groups set their own curfews. And yes, visitors are encouraged to avoid purchasing packaged items that will end up incinerated or buried - the predominant garbage disposal methods in the area.

>

"Guests eat with the family and share their kitchen and laundry."

Guests and volunteers at the ranch eat with the owners, delicious meals prepared using local ingredients whenever possible, by several local ladies along with Robin and volunteers. Rancho guests are also given the option of homestays, in which they sleep, eat and socialize in the homes of local families.

"The experience is less structured, and there is none of the evangelical atmosphere of Rancho"

Rancho Mastatal Volunteers work, but also have time to play. If Mr. Stacey's definition of "evangelical" includes pushing for clean water for Mastatal, better schools, road repairs, building a community house and oven, providing landscaping, repairing the soccer field, bringing in a vet for periodic clinics, providing educational supplies and scholarships to local youth, installing solar panels, biodigesters and other renewable energy systems on the properties of local residents and paying a fair wage to locals for interesting and worthwhile work...well, I wish more people were that type of evangelical.

I recommend that Mr. Stacey be more thorough in his research; it seems to me that he got much of his information from Billy Bateman or his associates. Interestingly, he never mentions that Mr. Bateman was a resident of Rancho Mastatal for an extended period, but for several years has been persona non grata due to his outrageous actions and has been stirring up trouble in Mastatal ever since. Rancho Mastatal is a valuable resource in Costa Rica and in the growing community of former residents throughout the world: people who have been enriched by their Mastatal experience try to improve the world just a little bit every day.

Bonnie Draina

Boulder CO

michelle
15 April 2008 at 20:06

I stayed at Rancho Mastatal for a study abroad program through the University of Washington for almost 6 weeks. While i was there, tim and robin encouraged all of us to interact with the locals and even arranged for me to stay with two local families so i could really understand their culture and improve my spanish. i helped the mothers cook breakfast, milked their cows, and walked the kids to school in the morning. I took merengue lessons and went horseback riding all with locals. All of this activity was made possible and even arranged by tim and robin.

how could you call this a cult? the decision to interact with locals or not is totally up to the individual. i personally was more comfortable than others because i spoke some spanish. did you ever think that maybe the americans dont interact as much because they dont speak the same language? it's not tim and robins fault that americans, in general, are more comfortable speaking their own language, and thus less likely to venture out and make friends with the locals. and the gate you talk about is ALWAYS OPEN. to say that the owners desire to "keep all volunteers hidden away" is not only grossly inaccurate, but it's sad to me that you decided to form such a strong opinion about a group that you obviously know close to nothing about.

also, i did choose to go to the cantina on occasion to dance or socialize with friends and no one from the ranch ever told me not to. after the first few times i noticed that none of the local women went to the bar and that when my female friends and i were there, the local men became extra rowdy, bought us drinks, and drank more themselves. i didn't like the effect we had on them and was positive the local women hated that we were there and they weren't allowed.

the Ranch let me figure this out on my own...and many other volunteers and students who stay there have also figured this out and make the personal decision to respect the community's social dynamic.

i'm sad that such a negative article was written about a place that recognizes the impact they have on a small community and does everything they can to minimize it. the Ranch does so many good things to increase awareness, not only with the ecotourists, but with the entire community. several locals have decided to add cobb additions to their houses and composting toilets. how incredible!

so please think about your motivations before you post such blatantly inaccurate comments that must be serving some other purpose. maybe you should actually stay at the ranch and see for yourself.

jbette01
15 April 2008 at 21:44

Poor journalism is afoot my friends.

To expound upon others' points with an attempt not to reiterate too much:

The staff at Rancho Mastatal encouraged me during my week long stay to take advatange of the home stay option as much as possible. The exact opposite of the social isolationism described.

"My main concern is that using environmental ideologies as the primary vehicle through which to interact with rural communities like Mastatal often seems unnatural and condescending, considering the economic imbalance between tourists and locals. " -- I suppose Mr. Stacey was able to put his own economic inequity aside while writing this article? If money, skin color, language and tradition do not connect locals and tourists in Mastatal, there is truly nothing simpler than Nature and a desire to utilize its fruits in a shared, sustainable way to connect the two. Indeed, it is IDEALS that connect tourists and locals at Mastatal. Mastatal is not the Mona Lisa; folks do not flock there to take a picture and leave for the sake of saying that they have done so. Outsiders come to Mastatal,often for extended periods at a time, to experience and enjoy the nature that the Ticos cherish so much.

Further, what actually did Mr. Stacey do while in Mastatal? Did he till soil? Harvest? If he was intending to evaluate the roots of the green economy, perhaps he should have gotten some hands in some dirt.

Larissa
15 April 2008 at 21:52

I am extremely saddened by the unfair, unresearched, and untrue portrayal of Rancho Mastatal as well as the some of the venomous arguments which have ensued as a result of this article. As someone who has stayed at Rancho Mastatal three times over the past five years, I wish every single day that I could have been there longer and more often. Both Rancho Mastatal and the Mastatal community have provided me with a peek a better world and have truly been an inspiration. Since so many excellent points have already been posted in "defense" of Rancho Mastal, I won't repeat them. However, I will ask you, Daniel Stacey, what, if any, journalism education you received before writing this article and referring to yourself as a "journalist." Did they teach you about objective reporting, fact checking, or libel?

DrKatHalloran
15 April 2008 at 22:07

Wow, Daniel. I am sure at this point after realizing your gross error in judgment and clearly poor reporting, you are severely embarrassed. Let this serve as a lesson to write in the future from a place of integrity and love, not cynicism and sensational one sided gossip. Jeez. I'm dumbfounded and feel really bad for you. I hope your job is not too severely jeopardized. But hey, look at the bright side. This could launch you out into the job market to do a whole other article on how tough it is to interview and land a high quality job. God bless Tim O'Hara and Robin Nunes for the Unconditional Love, Blood, Sweat and Tears and Long Hard Days of work they offer to preserve the rainforest, teach fellow humans how to Love our Planet and leave a little something more for our children, and collaborate in a win-win style with their community which they call home. Best of luck Daniel in your new job search. I imagine it will be rather humbling and I wish you well.

Much Love, Dr Kat

carolinebkennedy
15 April 2008 at 23:28

I have stayed on three occasions at Rancho Mastatal and have enjoyed the atmosphere, camaraderie and enthusiasm of the younger volunteers. I have not stayed at La Iguana yet but know Billy Bateman well. He is extremely talented in working with bamboo and, had the author of this biassed article, bothered to learn from Billy during his time as a volunteer he would have acquired a skill far greater, far more worthwhile and far more lucrative than his writing talents.

Unique4now
16 April 2008 at 01:29

As a University of Washington graduate, I am off struck at the level of nonsense displayed in this article. During my stay at the ranch I learned many things about community, environmental building, and sustainability. Tim and Robin work hard to build relations within the community in which they live. Now while it may seem objectionable (to you) to ask volunteers to respect a simple guideline, what they really are asking is that they respect the community in whole. I figure you probably feel that letting gringos and ticos party it up until 2-3 in the morning is a healthy arrangement for the community. Alcoholism is very prevalent in Costa Rica and Mastatal is no different. While it may seem harsh (in your eyes) it is a matter of respect for the families living close to the Pulperia, for the wives who have to deal with their hung over husbands, and for the community that is not benefited from over indulgence. From what I have read in your article respect alludes you.

daniels_email
16 April 2008 at 04:35

Tim, try this email

d.stacey@newstates.co.uk

It does not bounce and it is most likely him.

daniels_email
16 April 2008 at 04:37

ooops

d.stacey@newstatesman.co.uk

Admin
16 April 2008 at 12:31

Daniel Stacey is not a member of staff at the New Statesman and therefore doesn't have one of our email addresses. People are free to have their say about his article but attempting this quasi-cultish intimidation tactic is unacceptable.

Ben Davies

Editor, newstatesman.com

Robert Powell
16 April 2008 at 12:35

As a University of Washington graduate, unique4now, you should know the difference between elude and allude.

Juanita
16 April 2008 at 19:20

I was a guest at Rancho Mastatal over Christmas in 2003. While I have not been able to return to Costa Rica or RM in almost 5 years, not a single day has gone by without me thinking of Robin and Tim and asking myself how I can apply what I learned and saw in my brief visit, to how I conduct myself here at home in the United States. I am inspired by their commitment to the environment, to community and by their love, humanity and humor. Daniel Stacey's painfully unfounded article is just that: painfully unfounded. He may have a valid story idea but he certainly failed to express it by choosing to use RM as his supporting evidence.

Bradley
18 April 2008 at 02:34

Ben,

I don't know if your "quasi-cultish" reference refers to these comments or to email attempts, but if it is the former - I find your word choice patently absurd. Rancho Mastatal maintains an email list that sends monthly updates on what's going on, that many past volunteers subscribe to. Tim alerted us to this article via the listserve. This is hardly any more cultish than your college alumni network. If a news publication trashed your college, or your summer camp, or some other place near and dear to your heart, wouldn't you leap to its defense? There is nothing "cultish" about it. Just rightfully outraged people trying to set the record straight.

I took a semester off from my Princeton education in 2002 to volunteer in Costa Rica, which included a wonderful, life-changing month at Rancho Mastatal. I won't reiterate what everyone else has said here, only echo it. There are plenty of misguided "sustainable development" projects in the world that merit criticism. This isn't one of them.

raulston99
18 April 2008 at 05:01

i was privileged to have spent a brief time at rancho mastatal on two occasions over the last four years, both for workshops by SEI (solar energy international) on renewable energy for the devoloping world. both workshops were fantastic courses on both theory and practical applications of RE, with a real focus not on imposing externally-driven "solutions" to local problems, but looking at real needs of local populations and how to best meet them. the course benefited immensely by the experience and wisdom of tim and robin, their volunteer staff, and numerous locals who were involved in the workshops and daily life at RM. RM impressed time and again the idea of trying to live in symbiosis with mastatal, and that it was indeed a delicate balance, but one well worth pursuing. i learned a ton, and loved every minute of it, and hope to return many times in the future, both for the sake of learning and because it's such a beautiful place to spend some time, recharge and refocus, and get inspired to positive action.

RM did not prevent anyone from going to the pulp, but did bring up the prevalence of alcohol abuse and its negative effects. this was in no way meant to inhibit interaction with the local community, just to encourage positive, healthy interaction. i spent more that my fair share of time at the pulp talking to locals about their lives, development issues, el rancho, our workshop, problems and opportunities of locals, global and local politics, and just working on my spotty spanish skills.

if it's not too late for stepping back, taking a deep breath, and getting past the ill-will generated by this article, i'd like to see if there's any chance of reconciliation here, a chance for all involved with the wonderful community of mastatal to partake of a couple of the most fundamental and important ideas that most of us share: love, forgiveness, truth, and justice.

i don't believe that at heart daniel is a lout (though i was quite pissed at the outset), just that he was quite uninformed about rancho mastatal. his questioning of much of eco-development is warranted and to be aplauded, but his experience which he wrote about seemed like a bit more of a travel log which needed more research to find out what el rancho is really about.

i would hope that it's not too late for daniel to visit and spend some time at el rancho and write about that experience. i know this sounds a bit unlikely or even absurd after all the hard feelings. friends of rancho mastatal (including me), took personal offense to what to us seemed like an attack on a special, wonderful place, and daniel i'm sure felt burned by the counter-attack.

but i know tim and robin to be extremely warm, good-hearted, and loving people (as well as hard-working, committed, dedicated, well-intentioned (with actions matching that intent)). i can't speak for them, but i'd guess they would be glad to give the opportunity to experience el rancho and come to your own conclusions.

(this is now addressed to daniel; i hope you're viewing these posts, as upset in tone and content as they are)

i don't mean to say that you'll feel exactly as i do, or that you'll find a utopia. but i think you'll have a far different opinion of tim and robin, volunteers/staff, their work, and their relationship to the community. that would indeed be a story, even more so given the first chapter.

cheers! and love to all of you in mastatal, at el rancho and in the community, who have the stamina to have gotten through this long-winded post. :-)

mark

Unique4now
18 April 2008 at 07:51

Thanks, Robert

glad you're watching my back.

Admin
18 April 2008 at 09:21

I think it was blatantly obvious, Bradley, that I was referring to the attempt to give out the author's email. I'm intrigued you should make another inference.

Roger
18 April 2008 at 15:48

What an unfortunately inaccurate and carelessly researched piece of journalism. Such an irresponsible and misleading article casts an uneasy shadow over the reputation of the New Statesman as a serious publication.

I spent several years living in Mastatal and am appalled at what I just read. Not only does the author libelously asperse a group of people he did not bother to meet, the weight of his article relies heavily on the misguided inventions of uninformed individuals. Forgive me, but ‘getting to the roots’ of anything involves dedicated, focused and pertinent research, not, as is so wonderfully illustrated, reproducing hearsay. The article would be more correctly entitled ‘A False Economy?: what one person heard about another group of people but wasn’t quite sure was the case, but must be true because a couple of other people who hadn’t actually been to the place in question said they thought they’d heard something like it’.

Had the author wandered farther than the bar to speak with the neighboring wives and children of his local companions, he might have picked up some tips on sleeping through a thumping fiesta five nights a week, not to mention how to pay for his children’s school clothes with his wages behind the bar.

What a shame that shortsightedness and lack of true journalistic ability prevented Mr. Stacey from experiencing fully that magical little village.

alan
19 April 2008 at 23:43

Wow. The author didn't spend one minute at Rancho Mastatal. If he did he would have seen dedicated hard working people committed to a incredible projects and visions on a daily basis. He didnt see the building projects. He didn't see the art. He didn't speak to Tim or Robin, nor did he attempt to speak to members of the community employed there. There is no curfew. And there is no rule about going or not going to the Pulperia. But the ranch is not a party house or a vacation getaway. It is a learning center. The goals are centered around teaching and learning methods of natural building and sustainable living. The learning experience there is intense, and dare I say, revolutionary? I've spent many a night at the Pulp and it was not discouraged by anyone. But there is a general understanding that to be in Mastatal means to be a part of the community. And to not want contribute to the oft-debauchery of any saloon, especially as described by the author himself, would, one would think, be considered a good thing. Also, by referring to Tim and Robin's economic status, the author creates the illusion that they are rolling in money. Anyone who knows them is well aware that their mission is not rooted in financial gain, but a genuine belief in what they are doing. They are, by no means, getting rich off this venture. But they have created a learning environment that is a life changing educational gift for those of us who have had a chance to experience it, and to bring the skills we learned there to other places. Its just to bad the author didn't allow himself the same opportunity.

bporourke
20 April 2008 at 22:40

It pains me to be writing this. There is no place in such a beautiful and dynamic community as Mastatal for such unfounded criticism. The majority of foreign visitors to this place are seeking similar things, whether they spend their time at Rancho Mastatal or La Iguana Chocolate. The owners of both establishments respect each other, work together, and constantly strive to make the town a better place to raise their families. I have been to Mastatal four times and have thankfully spent years there. Throughout my time, I was encouraged to get to know the community and spend time with the people that live there.

I find it perplexing that a “journalist” could report on a place, on knowing its people so well, but yet somehow not even take the time to show its individuals enough respect to spell their names correctly. I consider Greivin to be a good friend and, although he speaks almost perfect English, I prefer to talk to him in his native tongue. Learning the language first may have aided Daniel in his attempts at learning the locals’ actual perspectives on the Ranch, La Iguana, and the fact that many volunteers within the gates of Rancho Mastatal are not only immersed in the community, but working with Juan Luis himself. I’ve had a beer or twelve with him, but that does not mean that I am willing to bring crowds to the pulperia every night. This action draws more local men in to drink the night away, thus affecting their daily work routine in the fields. It affects families that live close to the bar, and we all know how well the sounds of blaring reggaeton travel throughout the valley.

I prefer to wake up early in the morning, chow down on some locally grown brekky, and then learn as much as I can from Junior, his brother Alex, Kattia, Lile, Laura, Annia, don Mario, and my other friends that walk through our gates every day to work. Oftentimes, I’ll even take a stroll up the road myself and help Maritza milk her cows, since her sons have left Mastatal in search of employment elsewhere. I actually saw her son in Esterillos a few weeks ago, and he told me how much he misses being able to live in Mastatal. As tourists continue to increase throughout the area (which is bound to happen with the addition of a national park, businesses, volunteer opportunities, and a new soda), my hope is that Frankie, his brothers, and others can return to their home and teach the area’s visitors as much as they have taught me.

I’ll admit it: I first went to Mastatal thinking I was going to change something for the better. Instead, my experience there changed me for the better. It probably could have happened no matter what I was doing within the community. The fact of the matter is this: Rancho Mastatal brought me there, Tim and Robin and its inhabitants welcomed me, they eased my entrance into the community, and they let me do just about whatever I wanted (as long as it was making some sort of positive impact on someone or something). Do I feel like I have made an impact in the community of Mastatal? Sure, maybe a little. But, they have all certainly made me a better person. That is why I will walk into La Iguana when I return this winter, I’ll give Juan Luis a big hug, and I’ll forget about everything that Daniel wrote. Feel free to meet me on the field for a friendly majenga.

Your Friend,

Sparky

Colonel Blimp
21 April 2008 at 11:58

Well I don't know about anyone else but I've just been sick everywhere. Your friend, Spanky.

bporourke
21 April 2008 at 22:38

Glad we're in agreement.

David McEvoy
23 April 2008 at 23:06

Here is to Tim and Robin for putting up with all of this shit. It's probably fair for Daniel, as an apparently aspiring quasi-journalist, to offer his opinion. But I am unequivocally in support of the Ranch and their efforts. Tim and Robin are trying to do something great, namely inspiring people to live more considerably. They are having an impact and inevitably changing Mastatal. It cannot be perfect, particularly if perfection is measured against a null effect.

After six years of visits to Mastatal, the Ranch and numerous homestays in the village with my family, I am convinced that they are positively impacting the community and those who visit.

Keep up the good work, Tim and Robin. Doing is difficult. Critiquing is simple. Our family is forever inspired.

David McEvoy

Dave

Aaron W
24 April 2008 at 17:07

Public critique is one of the early signs of somebody actually doing something great... its a shame that this "journalist" didn't actually find real issues to critique, such as Tim's abysmal horseshoe game.

I don't need to add more evidence of the importance and integrity of Mastatal. Its a pleasure reading through these comments from old friends at the Ranch... a wonderful reminder of that community, that vision, that rare application of brilliant balance in making the world a better place.

MarkVM
25 April 2008 at 04:05

I stayed at the ranch for a week a few mos. ago and there's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said eloquently and passionately and accurately above. One comment about "The Statesman," though -- they should do a MINIMAL amount of fact checking before they publish articles like this in their magazine. What type of article was this supposed to be, anyway? Expose? Travelogue? Humor? Opinion piece? Investigative? Who knows. The fact-checking has been done for you in the form of this avalanche of responses.

And the article's subtitle? "Daniel Stacey... ...gets to the dubious roots of the green economy." The "roots"?!?! My god, what journalistic hubris. What empty sensationalism. What crap.

Mark VM

cs
25 April 2008 at 23:04

Its obvious from these responses that many many people have had wonderful experiences at the Rancho, and it is a shame that this article has offended so many because as someone who has spent somewhere close to 6 months in Mastatal but never stayed at the Ranch, this article highlights the view that many people hold from the outside.

For me, and many of the other people I have met working on the other projects in Mastatal, our perception of the Ranch is not as rosy. It is obviously a very positive environment, providing incredible experiences for many many people, and I have respect for the ways they are trying to interact sustainably with the community.

But one thing that is clear about the effect of the Ranch on Mastatal is that for a town of around 150 people (mas o menos?) there has been such a significant influx of foreigners.

And now out of the 25 (or so) WWOOFing farms in Costa Rica, 4 are based in Mastatal and there is talk of more and more families hoping to start businesses aimed at bringing in foreigners. But as discussed in the article, the Tico farms are businesses and are part of the WWOOF program solely to attract customers.

In my mind people in Mastatal have adopted this ecotourism model because of their experience with the Ranch. These are obviously great opportunities for families in Mastatal, but if all the current accomodations in town were full, then the foreigners would outnumber locals.

Maybe it is impossible to judge anything fairly from the outside. But I have heard many stories about how different Mastatal used to be before the Ranch and even now the development seems to be happening more and more rapidly.

I dont think this isnt about pointing a finger at anybody, its more about observing the benefits and the costs of development. And how it can happen too fast.

To me thats what this article was aimed at highlighting -- I would be really interested to hear the thoughts of those of you who have the view from inside the Ranch.

peeved
26 April 2008 at 19:00

I think i should add my 2 cents then, firstly tut tut tut Daniel jolly poor show old fellow. I mean really we must research our articles better in future if we want a career in journalism. cs i think you have a very valid point about the influx of foreigners into such a small community however to try and pin the blame on someonelse is pointless. Since Timo and Robin first came to town more tourism buisness have opened, is that a good thing or a bad thing, who knows? Something i do know is that La Cangreja National Park is going to attract tourists as national parks do it was inaugurated not long after timo and robin arrived, so perhaps the increase in tourism is actually more to do with this than ranch, i dont know im just putting that out there. But knowing local people they are proud and will always want to better themselves. It is hard sometimes for people to admit that they need help or to acknowledge it when it is given. Many people used to leave town when they were of age (18 or so) to look for work, is this a good thing for the community? with the influx of tourism maybe not so many will have to as they may be able to find work locally, is that a good thing? In the time i have lioved in mastatal i have seen great improvements in the town, maybe they would have happened with out timo and robinm, maybe they wouldnt have, who is to say. All i know is that they are an important part of the community as is every other memeber of the community. As in all walks of life and an in all communities some people play more of an active role than others in trying to benefit the local community. Timo and Robin are one of the pro active members along with many others, nothing more nothing less they give 100% commitment to sourcing things locally supporting local buisness employing local workers as sustainably as possible, is this not something that all buisness should strive for? Finally CS i think questioning the pro and cons of development is a good thing how do u measure it, is development ever good? i know that timo and robin spend hours and hours thinking about how they affect they community development holding mettings with people about buisness opportunities. People see that the ranch and the iguana and marcos´ are working and they think i´ll do that, i´ll make some cabinas just like javier has done. i dont know if this is the best think i do know that for Lilly and chepo to open the soda was a great buisness move maybe if this is succesfull everyone in town will think they should open a soda, this is human nature. I do know one thing that costa rica needs tourism, mastatal needs tourism and i just hope it is done as sustainably and as thoughtfully as Timo and RObin have done. One last point i laugh at the Rainforest Alliances database of having the best western Jaco on its list. If they dont have the resources to research and make a proper list of REAL eco-tourism they really shouldnt bother. How does it help a naive traveller to tell them that the best western in Jaco is certified as an eco tourism hotel. I hope for the sake of all the places in mastatal none of them are placed on this index because the mere association with places like Jaco (quite possibly the most disgusting unsustainable development in the whole of costa rica) and the best western (a multi national company with money their only motivation and token eco projects to get onto eco lists) would be a JOKE!!!!!

Michelita
28 April 2008 at 07:54

Well Daniel. . . you're a good story teller! While reading your article I could feel the gravel under my feet as you strolled the dark streets, wary of slithering creatures. Being someone who has sat in those barstools however, I know that your talents lie in fiction and not journalism.

First of all I am inspired and grateful for the amazing responses from past Rancho Mastatal volunteers. Thank you for setting this straight. I did a sort of 'double-take' after reading this article because I assumed it was a blog or some other sort of personal-venting space. Unfotunately I was wrong! The New Statesman is 'Britians award-winning current affairs magazine'. For this reason Daniel, I too feel the need to object to your unsubstantiated remarks.

Rancho Mastatal is a beautiful place that weaves people from all over the world into a local community. The atmosphere supports active learning, creative expression, and appreciation of each other and the earth. I loved every second of my time there, but none was more memorable then the nights I spent in a few of the local family's homes. I look forward to returning to Mastatal in the near future and once again waking to the sound of hummingbirds and the smell of egg-toasties. However, rather than ride that crazy bus straight to the Ranch's front step, I have a few friends to catch up with beforehand!

Daniel, you've managed to get a lot of people fired up. Their passionate responses are being questioned as 'cult-ish' and they continue to flow in nearly two weeks after your article was published. You struck a sensitive nerve because every one of us feels a strong connection to the Mastatal community. Many of us have spent long days working alongside the locals, our sweat the common factor that brings out understanding smiles and encouraging nods when our words mean nothing to each other. I didn't go to the pulperia often, but only because there was a hammock calling my name and the thought of what I might accomplish tomorrow.

Gracias~

Michelle

Michelita
28 April 2008 at 08:00

Scratch that- - - this has been published for over a month now, not just 2 weeks. Congrats!

amelia h
28 April 2008 at 08:18

I don't believe this is the first time this publication has come under such criticism. Here's to the pursuit of true knowledge, wisdom and beauty - all of which are conspicuously absent from this article. To all of you that participated in this discussion, I hope it raises lively and productive debate and that we can all set aside the negativity and create positive change to a world in need.

bporourke
28 April 2008 at 11:31

Sorry for yet another response, but I just can not help myself. CS, thanks for an actual intelligent response to something that can and should be contemplated. Even this publication has used such harsh words as “cultish” in their response to responses. There is no place in any recognized organization, publication, or opinion for such jargon.

Of course, Rancho Mastatal has an effect on the community by bringing foreigners there. But, guess what. You were not a volunteer at the Ranch and still found yourself in Mastatal. Perhaps this organization aided in paving the way for more similar businesses to start… but is it not better to relay information between cultures, to help glue the pieces of that biological corridor, to provide a place for health and safety concerns, and to input ideas for a sustainable society than it is to leave it to the same the people that have completely transformed places for the worse like Jaco? There is a fine line between impact, responsibility, and virtue.

Tourism is going to have an increased impact on Costa Rican culture in years to come. It already earns more foreign exchange than coffee and bananas… combined. I know that you understand the effects of tourism on the Mastatal community, and I appreciate the fact that you are sharing your opinion. Still, paved roads are on their way. A national park (Cangreja) shuns no visitors. The average visitor does not travel with the “eco-tourist mind.” Most of the people coming into Mastatal are attempting to create a better world, generated from a small farming community and pushing outward. Any of us who have been there know that this place can be a model for peace, sustainability, and personal growth. So, erasing this divide starts with all of us… the larger we allow that split to develop, the worse things become. Meet me on the field for a friendly majenga.

Mastatal
03 May 2008 at 18:27

Thanks for your comments "cs". I share your concerns about the growth of tourism in Mastatal. It's something I think about constantly. The Ranch's capacity has not grown substantially since we opened our doors over six years ago. From the beginning we've tried to keep our visitors at a manageable number both for our well being and that of the community. Twenty-five guests at any given time is our goal. This allows us to survive economically without inundating our small village with gringos. The creation of the national park in 2002 (after our arrival)and the opening of other local tourism accommodations, both of which attract more visitors to our area, were entirely out of our control. It was not my idea or suggestion to have anyone else listed on the WWOOF site. Nevertheless, we continue to look for ways to mitigate the negative impacts that increased tourism brings to our community. To suggest that the changes that Mastatal has experienced is a direct result of the Ranch is unfair. There are countless factors, many beyond our influence, contributing to the changes in our town; the creation of the national park, the opening of new local businesses, vastly improved roads, the arrival of the first phones (Mastatal did not have a phone for the first six years that we lived there), a skyrocketing presence of motorcycles (there were one or two motorcycles in town when we arrived), an increase in the presence and use of drugs, the opening of the "telesecundaria", the inauguration of the bridge in Zapaton, and so much more. It's also important to be objective about the changes that have occured in our town over the last half decade. Some of the changes have been arguably negative, and others positive. And everyone has their own opinions on what changes have been good and what changes have been bad. Improved roads facilitate the arrival of more people, drugs and crime. Something I view as negative. The vast majority of locals see improved roads as positive, resulting in easier trips into town and to the regional high school. Understanding this we have volunteered our services and vehicles on dozens of occasions to haul material, people and tools to do roadwork. Since we arrived, and not necessarily because of us, there are more local jobs, less poverty, a new community center, Mastatal's first "soda", an improved elementary school, less stray dogs, less litter, more economic opportunities and better roads. Nevertheless, we continue to lose our youth at an alarming rate to construction and tourism jobs in other parts of the country. The reality is that our community needs more jobs if we are to ever stem the brain drain occurring all around us. Is tourism perfect? We all know the answer is no, but it does provide jobs, and if managed well, healthy jobs. Mastatal had been hoping and working for increased tourism with the Zona Protectora La Cangreja (the name of the current national park pre June 2002) in its backyard, well before our arrival. The local people are now getting what they've been hoping for, and the bad that comes with it. We have had no influence whatsoever in the mayor of Puriscal's decision to invest so many resources into developing our area. Puriscal businesses and politicians have identified Mastatal and La Cangreja as an area to exploit. They have invited the journalists, news reporters, government ministers and others to our town, trying to convince them of the area's beauty and economic potential. There's nothing I want less than an onslaught of outside development in our town There are greater forces at work than the one's asserted by our small business. Forces that will greatly affect our town for decades to come and forces that will forever change the way Mastatal looks and feels in the coming years. If we don't come together as a community to keep the positive characteristics of our community alive, than much will be lost, and we will be overrun like so many other small communities throughout Costa Rica have been during the past few decades. Many people have suggested how we have influenced, both good and bad, the personality of our town. I do believe that we have some influence, and with it, we have tried to help create jobs, build community, educate, clean, plant and provide economic gain. Nevertheless, we are only one small player in a game filled with powerful government officials, business owners and land owners. The story's been written a thousand times over all over the world. We hope that the end of Mastatal's book reads a bit different. In the meantime, we will continue to go about our work. Thanks for the opportunity to chat. You should know that our gates are open everyday, all day, for anyone that wants to come in and talk. I get sick when I hear of people that I've never met shit-talking our work. I will open and honestly talk to anyone about what we're doing.

Tim O'Hara

Rancho Mastatal