Nestled in the mountains of Nicoya, Guanacaste, Esperanza Norte is a 120-acre landscape undergoing transformation from a degraded cattle ranch to a thriving, regenerative ecosystem. Acquired in 2022 by 5D Ventures as a pilot project for The Resilient World Fund, the property sits within one of the last remaining tropical dry forest regions and serves as a vital watershed for over 600 people.

At the time of acquisition, the land bore the marks of extractive use, including eroded hillsides, compacted soils, degraded habitats, and weakened water systems. Beneath this degradation lay significant ecological potential, with natural springs, multiple waterways, and proximity to a protected reserve.

Today, Esperanza Norte remains an active project under stewardship. Through soil and water restoration, native reforestation, and diversified planting including fruit trees, cacao, coffee, bamboo, and native species, the land is steadily regaining biodiversity and ecological function. Rotational grazing supports soil health and reduces fire risk, while protected waterways and improved access have strengthened the resilience of the land.

The project is stewarded by local Costa Ricans Joel Vega and Elena Arrieta, whose combined expertise in permaculture design, ecosystem restoration, and conservation informs a deeply integrated approach to land management. Alongside ecological restoration, the project includes a community initiative to establish a well that will support long-term water security for surrounding residents.

Esperanza Norte stands as an early proof of concept for The Resilient World Fund. It demonstrates that degraded land can be restored into productive, biodiverse systems that generate ecological, social, and economic value, and reflects a broader vision of stewardship rooted in eco-system regeneration and resilience.