Finca Flora is a 1 hectare, sea-front permaculture 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. There are a few bikes you can ride into town or explore the area. There’s also a bar around the corner that have pool, ping-pong and more for after work entertainment (they also rent out boards and snorkels).
Monique and Jim have been living in and developing Finca Flora for two years, but have owned the location for over ten. 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, members of his family 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 10 dogs (circa February 2019), who specialise in lizard control and function as the welcome committee, also call Finca Flora home.
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
For general enquiries please fill out the form below. If you are interested in volunteering on our project, please visit the 'Work With Us' page.
