Santa Lucia Cloud Forest Project
This project supports community-driven sustainable development, conservation and education projects.
History
Quest first supported the Santa Lucia project by sending donations and volunteer teams in 2001. Through Rainforest Concern this support continued until 2005. Since this support was carried out, the community run eco-lodge at Santa Lucia has won international recognition and awards. Objectives
To work with the communities of Santa Lucia to develop sustainable reforestation, community and education projects. To improve infrastructure and develop alternative income generating schemes, such as eco-tourism. Achievements
- Created extensive banana, coffee and sugar cane plantations (2 hectares each)
- Constructed a sugar extraction facility
- Constructed bird viewing tower
- Development of around 30km of interpretive trails
- Constructed a footbridge to help restore an ancient trading route
- Planted approx 1000 bamboo plants, to help provide sustainable construction material for the local communities
- Assisted in construction of various other facilities for tourists which in turn led to the lodge becoming an internationally recognised and award-winning eco- lodge.
Future Plans
After careful consideration with the local community and Rainforest Concern, it was decided that after four years and nearly £100,000 worth of investment that the formal project would cease. Quest Overseas still sends individual volunteers and small amounts of funding to continue small but essential projects. 
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