Imagine a caring person working with one of the largest developers in Costa Rica. Ed Mercer takes you on a spectacular tour of paradise and tells the story of this beautiful country and how he helped make changes to protect the environment and the wildlife in this ever-changing world.
Most importantly, the founding of “The Edward R. Mercer Foundation”, which is dedicated to the betterment of the Planet through ecological conservation and education. Considering Costa Rica his home for over 20 years, Ed has become an active philanthropist and member of Habit for Humanity, National Geographic, The World Wildlife Fund, Greenpeace and many other similar organizations, setting his targets to give back and help the community around him.
Learn about Isla Garza, the island that was transformed into a wondrous private reserve to protect the diminishing population of Scarlet Macaws, Sea Turtles and White-Faced Monkeys. All of these, being species that were on the verge of being wiped out by poachers who hunted them for their beautiful feathers, eggs and to sell as pets.
See how small changes in the right way can make huge contributions to the betterment of a regions environment. With the country embodying 6% of the world’s species, it’s not hard to be reminded that "Costa Rica embodies everything that the Planet Earth is."
It all began in 1988 as he came to Costa Rica as a guest, not an intruder. As a guest he felt he had specific obligations to Costa Rica’s environment and to the people of the area.
Since the beginning, a portion of every property sale has been allocated to humanitarian and environmental projects. The developer brought water, roads and electricity into nearby villages and allocated funds to spend on school projects and reforestation efforts.
While working in accordance to nature, never disturbing any primary forest areas, the developments and building processes are overseen and approved by the local Municipalities and by Costa Rica’s Ministry of the Environment. These close working relationships with the government has earned them a high standing in the community.
From their giving-back philosophies and historical dedication to Costa Rica, they have established relationships and support from key organizations that support their current and future directions, truly becoming shining examples of the direction which we are aiming the future of Costa Rica.
With Costa Rica being one of the most bio-diverse countries in the World, Costa Rica is the true jewel of Central America with more natural wonders than most continents. Learning from the mistakes of other more developed countries, Costa Rica has followed environmentally sound practices for decades, taking care to preserve its vast richness and delicate beauty.
With the world impressed by its scenic beauty, the government has taken measures to create a consolidated system of protected areas and leverage its popularity to facilitate both social and political stability. Thus insuring high educational levels and an efficient infrastructure that characterize Costa Rica as a well balanced society. All of this offered in a territory on only 51 thousand square kilometers, surrounded by both the Pacific and AtlanticOceans, at a distance from each other of only three to four hours by land or 45 minutes by air.
The country’s strategic position, in the heart of the Western Hemisphere, combined with the government’s positive attitude towards foreign investment and access to international markets makes Costa Rica an ideal place to establish commercial operations.
Costa Rica has many national parks, wildlife refuges, protected forest areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and a national forest. Protected areas total 1,077,308 hectares, or 21% of the national territory, which means Costa Rica has a larger percentage of its total surface area set aside in parks and preserves than any other country in the world.
Once the hunting ground of poachers, it is now a haven of protection for the Sea Turtles, White Faced Monkeys and the Scarlet Macaws
If you are not familiar with our foundation and your first contact with us is online: We would be pleased to hear from you! Please let us know what your needs and questions are, we will be more than happy to help. Drop us a note at info@mercerfoundation.com
Isla Garza is a prime spot for the Sea Turtles to migrate to and use the island's beautiful beaches as a hatching ground for their eggs.
Hundreds of White Faced Monkeys inhabit Isla Garza as it provides a safe home for them and their families.
The fabulously colored Scarlet Macaw enjoys a new home with plenty of food. Mainly due to the fact that Ventana del Pacifico planted thousands of Almond Trees to insure they had plenty to eat.
The beauty of Isla Garza's waters sparkles in the afternoon sunlight.
The isolated beaches of Isla Garza will be filled with Sea Turtles as soon as the fall begins.
No matter which direction you approach the island, you will be stunned at the magnificant beauty of the island.
From the mountainside of Ventana del Pacifico, Isla Garza rests beside the shores of Playa Ventana.
Within the boundaries of Isla Garza lies a gorgeous landscape maintained by the staff of Ventana del Pacifico.
Along the opposite banks of the island, fishing boats await the high tide to begin their day.
The purpose and goal of our foundation is to educate the world in the subtleties of living in an eco-sensitive world.
By informing the world to the uniqueness of our foundation and our like minded goals for sustainable growth though precise planning,
the eco-minded individual can learn how they can participate and become part of this phenomenal movement.
Through continuing education of the people of our planet, they will understand the need for sustainable, ecologically friendly developments, as well as the preservation of one of the most pristine and bio diverse places on Earth; The Rainforest and its Inhabitants.
Imagine a caring person working with one of the largest developers in Costa Rica. Ed Mercer takes you on a spectacular tour of paradise and tells the story of this beautiful country and how he helped make changes to protect the environment and the wildlife in this ever-changing world. 
See how small changes in the right way can make huge contributions to the betterment of a regions environment. With the country embodying 6% of the world’s species, it’s not hard to be reminded that "Costa Rica embodies everything that the Planet Earth is." 
While working in accordance to nature, never disturbing any primary forest areas, the developments and building processes are overseen and approved by the local 
With Costa Rica being one of the most bio-diverse countries in the World, Costa Rica is the true jewel of Central America with more natural wonders than most continents. Learning from the mistakes of other more developed countries, Costa Rica has followed environmentally sound practices for decades, taking care to preserve its vast richness and delicate beauty.
Once the hunting ground of poachers, it is now a haven of protection for the Sea Turtles, White Faced Monkeys and the Scarlet Macaws
Isla Garza is a prime spot for the Sea Turtles to migrate to and use the island's beautiful beaches as a hatching ground for their eggs. 
Hundreds of White Faced Monkeys inhabit Isla Garza as it provides a safe home for them and their families.
The fabulously colored Scarlet Macaw enjoys a new home with plenty of food. Mainly due to the fact that Ventana del Pacifico planted thousands of Almond Trees to insure they had plenty to eat.
The beauty of Isla Garza's waters sparkles in the afternoon sunlight.
The isolated beaches of Isla Garza will be filled with Sea Turtles as soon as the fall begins.
No matter which direction you approach the island, you will be stunned at the magnificant beauty of the island.
From the mountainside of Ventana del Pacifico, Isla Garza rests beside the shores of Playa Ventana.
Within the boundaries of Isla Garza lies a gorgeous landscape maintained by the staff of Ventana del Pacifico.
Along the opposite banks of the island, fishing boats await the high tide to begin their day.
