Many members of CASEM have also increased
their understanding of the natural environment and
have become more aware of the need to protect it.
They realize their income depends on the preser-
vation of the forests that attract tourists. They edu-
cate other family members, especially their children,
about the importance of caring for nature (Monteverde
Journal, vol. 1, no. 2, Sept. 1994, M. I. Salazar and
P. Jimenez, pers. comm.). In 1994, CASEM's annual
contest focused on the theme of "Protection of the En-
vironment" (C. Castro, pers. comm.). Representatives
from CASEM attended a 1994 national conference on
Women and the Environment in San Jose. Many see
CASEM as a model for sustainable development in
locations with substantial ecotourism. Members of
CASEM have shared their experiences with groups
in Latin America (P. Jimenez and I. Leitinger, pers.
comm.).Figure 10.14. The women's artisan
cooperative center (CASEM), located
in the middle of Monteverde, which
sells crafts and artwork to tourists
and residents. Photograph by Leslie
Burlingame.
LACAMPESINITA
Leslie]. Burlingamea Campesinita, founded by 14 women in 1988,
offered an alternative for women living in the
community of La Cruz. They formed a legal
entity to produce and sell natural preserves. Their jars
of fruit cocktails, marmalades, and pickles are sold to
tourists in the dairy plant and the Coope. Aided by
MVI, La Campesinita helped members develop con-
fidence, self-esteem, an income of their own, and new
financial skills tied to environmental concerns. The
MCL helped them obtain a grant, and its reforestation
program planted fruit trees, which supply some of
their fruit (MCL Tapir Tracks, vol. 6, no. 2, 1991,
Monteverde Journal, vol. 1, no. 2, 1994, P. Jimenez,
pers. comm.).384 Conservation in the Monteverde ZoneL