Who is Marenal

Marenal is a sustainable intentional eco-community in Costa Rica, created by a small group of locals and expatriates committed to living sustainably above the tranquil shores of Lake Arenal in Nuevo Arenal. Our community provides an environment suited to retired persons interested in living in a peaceful eco-village, working digital nomads, investors seeking relief from uncertainty in their home countries, while preparing for a future life in this beautiful country, and families seeking a healthier, more peaceful existence where children can learn and respect all things natural.

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The community is a joint effort between a Costa Rican family with deep roots in the region and Franz Xaver Meier, a Bavarian-American inspired by Lake Arenal’s natural beauty. Franz envisioned a nature-based, sovereign community where people could live harmoniously with a healthy environment and friendly neighbors while maintaining independence and well-being. Franz, now a full-time resident, continues to guide Marenal' s growth with care and dedication.

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Our dedication to Peace, Liberty, and the Pura Vida lifestyle fosters a space where residents can make life choices that do not harm others. They form a transparent network of trusting partners in a safe and sustainable society.

​Since we are a Gated Agricultural Community (GAC), we encourage our residents to live sustainably by learning about organic gardening, growing pesticide-free food through permaculture, aquaculture, and organically raised livestock.

Our regenerative, eco-conscious, sovereign approach to  community life serves those interested in a growing lifestyle that is certain to appreciate in the years ahead.

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We strive to

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....protect and restore the environment  by minimizing  our ecological footprint

....adopt energy-efficient practices by using construction systems in harmony with our unique location

....advance ecological knowledge in bio-culture, permaculture, aquaculture, and reforestation

....explore and cultivate native crops of medicinal plants for the benefit of our community and the general public.

....move toward self-sufficiency by producing our own food, water, shelter,  and other resources whenever possible.

....provide educational opportunities for our residents and the broader community.

....inspire collaboration and mentorship by encouraging members of our community to share their experience, knowledge, and talents, especially with younger generations.

....promote our holistic well-being through literacy, education, science, history, the arts, and spirituality.

....become a well-functioning Sociocracy Community.

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This is what we are:

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A Libertarian-Voluntaryist Community whose members subscribe to the principles listed above.

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A Sociocratic Community based on Consent-based decision making, meaning that any proposal to change our economic, environmental, and social goals must be accepted by the community partners without objection, before any change takes effect. To learn more about this system, we refer you to "Sociocracy For All" by Ted Rau. sociocracyforall.org

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A Sustainable Community - The term emerged from the discourse on “sustainability” and “sustainable development”. It describes ”a place where people want to live and work, now and in the future”. We could also be called an Intentional Community since many of our objectives overlap.

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Simple Rules and Regulations - Our Guidelines, Rules and Regulations have been written by the owner of Marenal. They are based on common sense and are deliberately short and to the point. Once the community members have formed a Property Owner Association and a Board of Directors, the members can then adapt the GRRs to the needs of the existing conditions.