Wanderlust Forest Sanctuary & Wellness Project

Our Story: A Sacred Space Under Threat

My name is Jai ("Jamie"), founder of Wanderlust Villas Retreat Center & Wellness Paradise in Jacó, Costa Rica. What began in 2017 as a humble home on raw, deforested land has blossomed into a magical retreat center – a sanctuary where guests heal and reconnect with nature amidst thriving gardens and visiting wildlife. It's been a true labor of love, a soul's reflection poured into reality, guided by the permaculture ethics of Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share & Future Care.

This journey required immense sacrifice; for years, I lived in a storage room, pouring every resource back into nurturing this space. But witnessing the daily visits of toucans, scarlet macaws, monkeys, and sloths confirmed the sacredness of this land.

Then, in 2023, the threat became terrifyingly real. Chainsaws arrived on the **last hectare of untouched, primary rainforest bordering our sanctuary**. I pleaded with the crew and managed to contact the owner, stopping the destruction for that day. But the land remains for sale and vulnerable. If we don't act **within 30 days**, this vital refuge – home to precious wildlife and essential to the air we breathe – could be lost forever to development.

We have a unique, urgent opportunity not just to stop the destruction, but to expand our sanctuary and create a living **"Earth Embassy"** – a place demonstrating regenerative living in harmony with Gaia, providing a safe haven for wildlife, and offering profound healing for all who visit.

Video Concept: Main Campaign Video (1-3 mins)

Featuring Jai on location. Goal: Connect emotionally, show stakes, inspire action.

Script Outline:

Opening (10s): Drone shot over jungle -> Jai: "This beautiful rainforest... will be gone in weeks... unless we save it." -> Cut to 'For Sale' sign/tape.
Jai's Story & Issue (60s): Jai to camera w/ B-roll -> "Hola, I'm Jai... built Wanderlust... devoted everything... But now, the last wild jungle next door is in danger... owner plans to sell, loggers could tear it down." -> Show contrast (chainsaw/cleared land). -> "This land is *precious*... monkeys, macaws... trees hold magic... can't bear to see them cut." -> Show Jai on land, wildlife.
Vision (50s): Hopeful tone -> "Vision for this land: a sanctuary. Imagine... permaculture garden feeding families... tiny clinic for wildlife... place to learn, meditate, reconnect." -> Show concepts/images (garden, sloth, yoga). -> "Model for regeneration... but first, we have to buy the land."
Call to Action (30s): Jai determined in forest -> "Need **$70,000 in 30 days**... ambitious goal, but I believe in miracles... seen what community can do." -> Show volunteer/guest montage. -> "Please donate... Every dollar is a seed of hope. If you can't, share our story... spread the word... empowering community & ecosystem."
Closing (20s): Jai kneels by seedling -> "From the bottom of my heart, thank you... for helping give this rainforest new life. Join us... grow something beautiful together." -> Potential emotion, smiles, waves. -> Final screen: GoFundMe link, "Save the Wanderlust Rainforest", logos, #SaveJacoJungle.

(Production Notes: Good audio, emotional music, captions. Aim for ~2.5 mins.)

URGENT: 30 DAYS TO RAISE $70,000! Save This Rainforest BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

This isn't just land; it's a vibrant ecosystem, a crucial wildlife corridor, and the future home of our **Earth Embassy** vision. For years, Wanderlust Villas has been a haven. Now, the primary rainforest bordering us is under immediate threat. We have a small window to purchase this 1-hectare (approx. 2.5 acres) parcel for $70,000 and protect it forever. Without your help, it will be cleared for development. Every dollar fights the chainsaws. Every share amplifies our voice. Join us in this critical mission!

Donate Now - Save This Forest!

Why This Piece of Jacó Matters – And How It Ignites a Bigger Vision

This campaign focuses on a specific, strategically vital piece of land near Jacó's estuary and beach. Its preservation is crucial for several immediate reasons:

Protecting Vital Ecosystems: This land acts as a buffer, safeguarding sensitive estuary and mangrove habitats – critical nurseries for marine life and natural filters for local waterways. Its protection directly supports the rich biodiversity of the Jacó region, a unique transition zone teeming with wildlife, including endangered species like the mangrove hummingbird.
Defending Water Resources: By preventing development on this plot, we help maintain the health of local waterways and the coastal aquifer, a key source of drinking water for Jacó's residents and visitors, shielding it from runoff and potential contamination.
Countering Urgent Threats: Jacó faces intense pressure from rapid, often unplanned development that fragments habitats, threatens wildlife (like monkeys and scarlet macaws), and risks polluting the environment. Saving this land draws a line against this encroachment, preserving a precious natural space before it's lost to concrete.

Beyond these immediate local benefits, rescuing this land serves as a powerful catalyst for broader conservation:

A Visible Model: In Jacó, one of Costa Rica's most visited towns, this protected space becomes a highly visible symbol of conservation in action. It leverages the town's high traffic to educate thousands of visitors and locals, raising environmental awareness on a large scale.
A Template for Others: Success here creates a replicable model for community-driven conservation. We can document and share this process, inspiring and guiding similar efforts in other Costa Rican communities facing development pressures.
Connecting to National Goals: This project aligns with Costa Rica's renowned environmental leadership, contributing directly to national biodiversity targets and the tradition of private land conservation. It demonstrates how grassroots action can help achieve ambitious goals, like protecting 30% of land by 2030.
Empowering Communities: Like past successful efforts to save the scarlet macaw in this region, this land rescue unites people around a positive vision, proving that passionate individuals can make a tangible difference and fostering a culture of stewardship.

In essence, saving this land isn't just about one plot; it's about planting a seed. It's a strategic first step to show that development and nature can coexist, creating a legacy in Jacó that ripples outwards, strengthening conservation efforts across Costa Rica.

The "Earth Embassy" Vision: Beyond Rescue to Regeneration

Securing this land is the first crucial step. Our larger vision is to cultivate an **"Earth Embassy"**: a beacon of hope and a practical model for regenerative living. This isn't just about conservation; it's about co-creation with nature.

Imagine a place where:

Drone shot of two scarlet macaws on the Wanderlust Sanctuary land

Regenerative Food Forest & Farm

Transforming the landscape into a thriving permaculture farm (~1 hectare) and food forest. Focusing on agroforestry, syntropic farming, and organic practices to grow diverse, nutrient-dense food for the community and retreats, while sequestering carbon and enhancing biodiversity. This becomes a living classroom for sustainable agriculture.

Wildlife Rescue & Healing Clinic

A dedicated 'forest ER' (~30-50m² clinic + rehab enclosures) providing crucial care for injured or orphaned local wildlife. This safe haven allows for treatment, recovery, release, and offers therapeutic connection for volunteers.

Holistic Healing & Education Center

An eco-conscious hub (~120-280m²) for healing and learning. Hosting yoga, meditation, workshops, and community events. Integrating wellness treatments like **cold plunge, sauna, red-light therapy, massage space, and potentially a temazcal**, serving as the heart of the retreat experience and helping fund conservation efforts.

Imagine walking healing trails through the protected forest, participating in regenerative gardening, witnessing wildlife recovery, and finding deep peace surrounded by the vibrant energy of Gaia – all while supporting a community-focused mission.

Our Phased Journey: Building the Sanctuary

Your support enables progress stage by stage (costs are estimates):

Stage 0: Land Rescue ($70,000 - URGENT): Purchase & protect the 1-hectare forest. Impact: Immediate habitat preservation. Timeline: Next 30 Days!
Stage 1: Permaculture Pilot & Volunteer Hub (~$30,000): Establish farm infrastructure (water, nursery, fence, compost) **and build a studio to house permaculture volunteers**. Impact: Regeneration begins, food production & donation, education, volunteer hosting. Timeline: 3-6 Months Post-Funding.
Stage 2: Wildlife Healing Clinic (~$40,000): Construct clinic & enclosures. Impact: Vital care for local wildlife, conservation partnerships. Timeline: 6-12 Months Post-Funding.
Stage 3: Wellness Center - Phase 1 (~$150,000): Build the core shared wellness center (e.g., ~200 m² multi-purpose space with treatment areas). Impact: Enables retreats, workshops, community hub, helps fund conservation. Timeline: Year 2-3.
Stage 4: Acquire the Last and Final Hectare ($299,000): Further expansion and protection of the sanctuary. Impact: Secures more critical habitat, expands regenerative efforts. Timeline: Year 3-4 (Pending initial fundraising success).

Each stage builds impact, moving towards a self-sustaining regenerative retreat model, ensuring this sacred sanctuary thrives for generations.

Be the Hero This Forest Needs

We have a unique, time-sensitive opportunity. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps us cross the finish line for the $70k land rescue and plant the seeds for this vital sanctuary.

Your donation secures:

2.5 acres of critical rainforest habitat
A home for wildlife like sloths, macaws, and monkeys
A living example of climate resilience and permaculture
A space of healing and reconnection with nature

Donate via GoFundMe Now

(Link will be added once available)

Join us in writing a story of hope and regeneration. Explore our gratitude gifts below!

Hear From Our Community

Video Concept: Community Voices (Testimonial Reel)

Social Proof/Human Element (20-30s). Visuals: Quick 1-2 second clips of different people (locals, volunteers, past guests, kids) each saying "Please help save this forest," or "Save this forest," etc. (English/Spanish).

Ending: Jai saying "Gracias" holding a "Thank You" sign.

(Goal: Authentic chorus of community voices, very shareable.)

Supporter Rewards & Gratitude

We deeply appreciate every contribution! As a thank you, we offer unique rewards, including stays at the existing Wanderlust Villas:

$25: Forest Friend: Digital Rainforest Wallpaper Pack + Social Media Shoutout.
$50: Cacao Gratitude: Your Name on a Cacao Pod (photo sent!) + Previous Perks.
$100: Tico Traditions: Digital Costa Rican Recipe/Remedy E-Book + Previous Perks.
$250: Jungle Swag: Ltd. Edition T-Shirt *or* Bottle (choose) + Name on Farm Mural + Previous Perks.
$500: Coffee Table Gratitude: Hardcover Project Photo Book (after 1yr) + Both Shirt & Bottle + Previous Perks.
$1,000: Rainforest Retreat Night: 1-Night Stay for 2 @ Wanderlust Villas + Breakfast + Full Swag Bundle.
$5,000: Permaculture Immersion: 3-Night Stay for 2 @ Wanderlust Villas + Farm Workshop + Chef Dinner + Adventure + Swag.
$10,000: Founder's VIP Retreat: 5-Day All-Inclusive Stay for 4 @ Wanderlust + Hosted Retreat + Tree Planting w/Plaque + Swag.
$50,000: Legendary Patron: 7-Day Private Retreat for up to 10 @ Wanderlust (full property) + Naming Rights Opportunity.

(Full details on the GoFundMe page. Experience-based rewards involving stays and workshops will be scheduled based on availability at our existing facilities (Villa Wanderlust, directly adjacent to the land - see www.villawanderlust.com). We will keep all patrons updated on progress!)