What we do
Casa Congo is a sustainability hub in El Astillero, Nicaragua, where the local community, volunteers and experts come together to create projects focused on climate change and socio-economic development.
Located on the Pacific coast, only steps away from the Chacocente Wild Refuge, our facilities consist of a research centre, a coliving space, a bamboo workshop and an agroecology garden. We promote global knowledge sharing and welcome people from all over the world to visit Casa Congo and make an impact.
A model founded on 4 programs
Agroecology
Theory and practice of sustainable agricultural, landscape management and ecosystem restoration.
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Las Flores, a local women collective, designs and implements this program, with a focus on soil regeneration, food sovereignty, reforestation, circular systems and watershed management.
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13,107 trees planted
20 community gardens with sustainable water systems
3 scientific research projects
Bioconstruction
Solutions for regenerative built environments through the use of natural local materials.
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Construyendo Sueños, a team of local artisans, operates Casa Congo’s workshop and leads this program with the objective of empowering the community to design and build their own projects - from bamboo housing to upcycled furniture.
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2,500 m2 of bamboo housing and educational facilities
21 new homes built
65 homes improved
Ocean Conservation
Beach cleanups, surf school, turtle conservation and projects with the local fisheries.
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La Brigada Ecologica, an environmental youth advocacy group, manages this program with the aim of involving more students in the region in ecological education. Top performing students gain access to university scholarships and employment opportunities.
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43,146 turtle eggs saved
70,000 plastic bags recycled
2 scientific research projects
40 local students every year
Community Development
Supporting local talent with skills, tools and funding to launch community run enterprises. This program also provides critical aid for the most vulnerable in alliance with other NGOs.
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Casa Congo is collaborating with over a dozen local organizations and individuals to create sustainable products and support local enterprise growth, enabling local business owners and community groups to succeed in local and international markets.
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8 university scholarships
253 locals participating in programs
75,644 hours of local employment
“Working in Casa Congo is something new and beautiful because I am helping the environment and I am also helping our community thrive and live a new feeling.”
Anielka Aguirre, Agroecology Manager