Gaia Education Mini-EDE Costa Rica 2026
Programme Overview
Type: Face to Face (5 days / 6 nights)
Date: Feb 23rd to 28th, 2026
Residential: Optional
Facilitation: Taisa Mattos & guest trainers
Language: English
Certificate: Yes
Location: Finca Sol Y Valle, Costa Rica
Organised by:
In partnership with:
Ecovillage Design Education programmes, often referred to as ‘EDEs’, provide participants of all ages with the knowledge and practical skills to design communities, projects and organisations with stronger social systems, greater efficiency and healthier environments.
The EDE course equips you with skills and knowledge you will be able to put into action in any field or sector you are involved with. It also connects you to a global network of change agents and sustainability designers. These individuals are taking an active role in transitioning their existing communities, institutions, and neighborhoods, while also leading more joyful and meaningful lives.
For many people, it is not possible to take time off from work/family/school for a four-week immersive EDE programme. Our new mini-EDEs offer the possibility of experiencing the taste of a full EDE, maintaining the core values and following the 4D Framework, but in a shorter version.
The course is based on the four core dimensions of Gaia Education’s Ecovillage Design Curriculum: the Social, Worldview, Ecological and Economic dimensions of sustainability. The Curriculum was developed drawing on the experience developed throughout a network of some of the most successful ecovillages and transition settings around the world.
During the Mini-EDE Costa Rica we will dive into each of the core dimensions for one day, led by experienced facilitators in their fields and special guests.
*The course will be taught in English.
Ecovillage Design Education programmes, often referred to as ‘EDEs’, provide participants of all ages with the knowledge and practical skills to design communities, projects and organisations with stronger social systems, greater efficiency and healthier environments.
Our immersive Face-to-Face programmes are known to have transformed lives. Previous participants have become agents of positive culture change in their communities, they’ve co-created social enterprises, co-developed innovative projects, started community-led initiatives and became trainers for sustainability themselves – to name only a few paths you can take afterwards. The EDE course equips you with skills and knowledge you will be able to put into action in any field or sector you are involved with. It also connects you to a global network of change agents and sustainability designers, people who are taking active roles in transitioning their existing communities, institutions and neighborhoods, as well as leading more joyful, more meaningful and healthier lives.
Gaia Education mini-EDE Tulum
For many people, it is not possible to take time off from work/family/school for a four-week immersive EDE programme. Our new mini-EDEs offer the possibility of experiencing the taste of a full EDE, maintaining the core values and following the 4D Framework, but in a shorter version.
EDE programmes and Mini-EDEs are based on the four core dimensions of Gaia Education’s Ecovillage Design Curriculum: the Social, Worldview, Ecological and Economic dimensions of sustainability. The Curriculum was developed drawing on the experience and expertise developed throughout a network of some of the most successful ecovillages and transition settings around the world.
During the mini-EDE in Tulum, we will dive into each of the core dimensions for one day, led by experienced facilitators in their fields and special guests. We will also connect with like-minded people during the RegenWeek '24 gathering.
The course will be taught in English.
Programme Overview
Type: Face to Face (5 days)
Date: March 24 to 28th, 2024
Residential: Optional
Facilitation: With Facilitators
Language: English
Certificate: Yes
Location: Tulum, Mexico
Organised by:
In partnership with:
Course Schedule
Facilitators
Taisa Mattos
Taisa Mattos is the Face-to-Face Programmes CoordinatorGaia Schools CoordinatorGaia Education Ecovillage Design Education (EDE)30 certified courses lead facilitatorTraining of Trainers (ToT)
Taisa worked for several years as the Education & Research Coordinator at the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN International). She is a board member of the International Communal Studies Association (ICSA) and co-founder of Terra Una Ecovillage in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Author of the book she holds a Master’s degree in Communities and Social Ecology as well as a Bachelor’s in Social Communications, both from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).
Taisa is Brazilian and works globally as a trainer, lecturer, and consultant in the fields of sustainability, regenerative education, community building, and social innovation.
Jeffrey Davis
Jeff has dedicated over a decade to practicing both permaculture and professional engineering to blend his passions for nature and sustainable living. His journey began with the Sol y Valle project 7 years ago, sparking a deep, ongoing connection with the environment and a commitment to co-creating a sustainable lifestyle within an intentional community. As an energy engineer, Jeff works part time with Energy 350. He leads bioconstruction initiatives by exploring traditional and innovative techniques utilizing natural materials like bamboo, rock, clay, and wood.
Jeff offers workshops and consulting services in many areas within permaculture and bioconstruction.
Daniela Jiménez
Daniela Jiménez Escudé is an environmental engineer with a master's degree in circular economy. Passionate about the interconnected cycles of nature, humanity, and women, she specializes in syntropic agroforestry systems and medicinal plants. With a deep commitment to regenerative practices, Daniela integrates ecological principles with holistic well-being, fostering sustainable solutions that honor the rhythms of the land and life.
Anamor Parra
Anamor is a passionate advocate for body movement and lifelong learning. She coordinates the gardens and volunteering program with remarkable energy and care. For over four years, she has been immersed in permaculture practices at Finca Sol y Valle, where her innovative approach inspires sustainable living. Her vibrant energy and proactive mindset make her a catalyst for community growth and environmental stewardship.
Venue
Finca Sol y Valle is a community-managed environmental and wellness center focused on regenerative living. The 1.5 hectare (3.75 acre) project has 3 houses, a community kitchen & dining area, a greenhouse, nursery, composting, vegetable gardens, food forest, stunning views, and forest trails. We are in the process of building our learning center using the farm’s natural resources after six years of caring for each other and the land. Sol y Valle is a grassroots effort led by young professionals with long term visions.
Mission
Promote environmental and human consciousness to help humanity achieve sustainable living with the earth, living beings, and ourselves.
Core Values
The community at Sol y Valle prioritizes the following values:
1) Love 2) Wellbeing 3) Sharing 4) Communication and 5) Sustainability
Registration
Payments
Please ensure payment for Course Fees and Accommodation (optional) are made in order to secure your place.
Course Fee
|
400 |
Full price |
|
350 |
Early bird |
|
300 |
Latin Americans |
*Prices per person for 5 days of course training (6 nights).
Accommodation & Food
There are a few accommodation options at Finca Sol y Valle. You can choose the one that suits you best.
Option #1: Homestay Family (5 spots available)
Stay in private rooms with local families in our Homestay program. You will eat breakfast and dinner with the families and have lunch on the farm with the group. The families are around a 15-minute walk to the farm.
Option #2: Farm Stay in Finca Sol y Valle (4 spots available)
Stay on the farm in a shared dorm. Breakfast and dinner will be organized on the farm.
Option #3: Private Cabin (3 private rooms, maximum 10 people)
Stay in private rooms at a beautiful 3-story cabin at the neighboring “Finca Estacion Descansos” with other course participants 5-minutes walking from the farm. Breakfast and dinner will be organized at the cabin. This option has an additional cost. The listing is on AirBnB under the same name if you’d like to see more photos.
*Other photos of the accommodations can be provided upon request.
|
Farm stay |
220 |
|
Home stay |
220 |
|
Cabin |
300 |
*Prices per person with food included (3 vegan meals a day).
* All prices are on USD
More information: Finca Sol y Valle Costa Rica
If you have questions regarding food and accommodation, please write to: solyvallecr@gmail.com
If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us!
What You Will Receive?
- Gaia Education Curriculum (digital)
- Certificate of Completion
- Gaia Education Discounts in all online programmes;
More Information
Please fill this short form and we will contact you to support making the decision if this programme is suitable for you.