Finca Flora is a 1 hectare, sea-front permaculture-oriented project located on Isla Colon in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Permaculture is a set of design principles centered around whole systems thinking, simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and resilient features observed in natural ecosystems. Put simply: permaculture is sustainable agriculture.
At Finca Flora we strive for a healthy relationship with nature. A small-scale agricultural project for private use (at least for now), with tropical fruit, veg, egg-laying chickens, wildlife that often help themselves to what’s on the menu; from parrots to crabs and the occasional caiman. The plan is to grow into an even more impressive landscape as there’s plenty of space for more food, animals, plants and inspiration.
5km north from Bocas town, Finca Flora hugs a reef that continues right up to Bluff Beach. When the sea is calm you can enjoy a snorkel with eels, nurse sharks, octopus and more wildlife that we’re lucky enough to call our neighbours. Then when the surf is up you can take on the waves right outside the property. You can explore the area (Bluff beach, Bocas town...) by walking or renting a bike. There’s also a bar around the corner that has pool, ping-pong and more for after work entertainment (they rent out boards and snorkels) and a coffee food restaurant.
Monique and Jim have been living in and developing Finca Flora for six years, but have owned the location for over fourteen. Monique has been running Tesoro Escondido for many years and Jim’s background is in freshwater ecology. Together they have near-infinite knowledge on what’s growing on the property. Gabriel, Nadir and others from the Chiriqui province also work and live on the property, offering a hard work ethic, the opportunity to learn more about native Panamanian culture and the chance to improve your Spanish. Jim and Monique’s 7 dogs (circa February 2025), who specialise in lizard control and function as the welcome committee, also call Finca Flora home.
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Bring your skills and learn new ones such as gardening, building trellises and raised beds, painting, maintenance, art projects, mosaic, sewing, upcycling furniture and more. Sound like your kind of thing? Click below for more or drop us an email, we’re always keen to hear suggestions.
Learn More
If you are interested in volunteering on our project, please visit the 'Work With Us' page. For general enquiries please email us at flora.bocas@gmail.com.
