At the Refugio, we constantly strive to connect with researchers and practitioners from diverse fields related to ecosystem restoration. We have been particularly honored to host the professors Dr. Jenella Loye and Dr. Scott Carroll, two entomologists and evolutionary ecologists at the University of California, Davis at the Refugio. 

Dr. Loye and Dr. Carroll pioneered the scientific testing and development of organic, natural and low-toxicity pesticides, fertilizers and soil amendments, which is why the successful application of permacultural methods at the Refugio found an echo with them.

We are also happy that our concept for the diversification of palm oil monocultures into food forests found Dr. Loyes and Dr. Carrolls interest, not least because they own land in Southern Costa Rica themselves. We hope to build a productive and mutually enriching relationship on this basis!

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