Las Nubes Project

Students from the Environmental Arts and Food Sovereignty course, led by professor Martha Stiegman, participated in an enriching learning experience in Indigenous territories in southern Costa Rica, where they gained firsthand insight into community processes related to territorial defense, environmental conservation, and cultural identity.

During the visit, Gilbert González shared reflections on the historical and ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples, discussing topics such as land recovery, the protection of rivers and forests, and the social realities faced by many Indigenous communities. The group also learned about part of the work carried out by ARADIKES (Asociación Regional Indígena del Diquis) in collaboration with universities, Indigenous organizations, and environmental allies.

Later, in the Bröran Indigenous Territory (Térraba), Cindy Vargas Ortiz presented the project “Camino de la Semilla,” a community initiative focused on environmental education, the preservation of traditional knowledge, and the protection of nature through a cultural and community-based perspective.

The experience created valuable spaces for dialogue, reflection, and exchange on the importance of conservation, cultural identity, and community-led efforts in the protection of Indigenous territories.
Photos: Ana Martínez & Alixa González