Presenters

Paolo Lugari and Gaviotas represent one of the most inspiring stories of human goodness and potential. After graduating from Bogota's Universitad National Paolo traveled and studied development in Asia on a scholarship from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Upon his return, he began working for a commission planning the future of Colombia's wild pacific coast. In 1971 his group of idealistic, challenge-seeking engineers moved to a desolate, semi-populated region of Columbia, SA. Today, that once barren land has regenerated a rain forest with millions of trees, sprouted 247 plant species, and established an aquifer that supplies water to over 45,000 people. Gaviotas appropriate technology inventions, environmental discoveries, artistic, medical, educational and social innovations do more than marvel and inspire.

Friends of Gaviotas
(http:// www.friendsofgaviotas.org/2003retreat.htm )