Who is Marenal

Marenal is a sustainable intentional eco-community in Costa Rica, created by Franz Xaver Meier, a Bavarian-American who was inspired by Lake Arenal’s natural beauty, and a small group of locals with deep roots in the region who are committed to living sustainably above the tranquil shores of Lake Arenal.  Franz envisioned a nature-based, sovereign community where people could live harmoniously within 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.

Our community provides an environment suited to retired persons, working digital nomads, persons seeking an escape from uncertainty in their home countries, and families who want to live in an active, peaceful eco-village, where their children can learn and respect all things natural.

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We are...​

​A Community whose members subscribe to Libertarian-Voluntaryist principles. They are described and explained in simple terms by Jack V. Lloyd in his "Definite Guide to Libertarian Voluntaryism" www.jackvlloyd.com and in a meaningful collection of essays in "The Voluntaryist Handbook" by Keith Knight. All are available on Amazon.

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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 are also 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 the Marenal Partner Association (MPA) and its General Council ( the equivalence of a Board of Directors), the partners can then adapt the "GRRs" to any new or existing conditions.

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Our community land consists of two sections:  

Section A.) The properties with direct access to highway 143, and

Section B.) The interior properties that are accessed by agricultural community roads.

Because different legal conditions apply, Section B is a Gated Agricultural Community (GAC).

The differences between the two are described in the protected pages.

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Our regenerative, eco-conscious, sovereign approach to  community life serves our partners in ways that are 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 that benefit of our community and the general public.

....move toward self-sufficiency by producing our own food, 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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