Meet “river hugger” and environmentalist, Roger Leiva Calderon

(Photo courtesy of Tomas of Quebradas)

COMMUNITY REPORTS: PEREZ ZELEDON

By Carol Vaughn, ICR Community Reporter

October 17th, 2014 (InsideCostaRica.com)

The love that the people of Quebradas have for their pueblo is evident in their tidy gardens, trash-free roads, immaculate schools, and above all, their sparkling sage-green Quebradas River.

Water is life to these people. They conserve and protect it carefully. This respect for the river and its environment can be traced, in large part, to the creation of the non-profit AQUA ( Asociacion Quebradeña de Artesanos ) in 2007. The efforts of this group to keep the river clean have resulted in potable drinking water for San Isidro and environs, with a marked improvement in water quality in recent years.

The founder of AQUA is Roger Leiva Calderon, a retired educator and school principal, with boundless energy and a zest for life. Roger was born in Perez Zeledon, and lived in a humble cabin in Quebradas with seven siblings and his parents. The river and its rocks were the Leivas’ playground, and Roger has never forgotten his roots.

The mission of AQUA has expanded to include helping the local community through the promotion of ecotourism, formation of women’s groups to create and sell crafts, the awarding of micro loans to artisans in need, and constant beautification projects for the river and the road that parallels it.

Roger spearheaded the planting of thousands of hortensias (hydrangeas) up and down the Quebradas Road, as well as installed wooden written reminders to keep the town clean, keep the river pure, and even, to eat your bizcochos and tamales to maintain your heritage.

In 2012, AQUA received a grant of $19,000 from the United Nations to support their good work. Beautiful painted rocks sprung up all along the main road, hand painted by local artist Guillermo Barrantes, depicting local fauna and flora. Two tents were erected: one to house the women’s craft project, another to shade the budding baby hortensias. A recycling program was hatched, complete with educational materials and hand painted recycling bins.

Quebradas went to the green side of life.

Perhaps even more amazing than Roger’s incredible energy and drive, is his ability to keep his 35-member association pulling in the same direction, despite squabbles and economic hardships. His team is mostly female, and don’t always get along. But there is no one better than this group at putting on a killer craft show of local art, cooking, music, and all-round community good vibrations. Roger himself is pretty crafty with a special laser tool he uses to sculpt wooden chunches (knick-knacks). What we have here, is a true Renaissance man.

And don’t forget, the 80,000 folks of San Isidro de El General drink clean water daily thanks to Roger and his team of concerned environmentalists.

Apparently, Roger has had no trouble filling his time as a retired person – inspiration for everyone! He embodies the true meaning of Pura Vida in every day he helps to make the world a better place.

For a sneak peek at Roger and AQUA’s headquarters and activities, watch Channel 13 “De Pueblo en Pueblo”, November 16 (tentative broadcast date), or book a visit to his community museum by calling AQUA at 506.8326.9634, Spanish only.

Carol Vaughn

Carol Vaughn is an Inside Costa Rica Community Reporter covering Perez Zeledon.

Carol Vaughn holds a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts and is retired from a career as a tap dancer and teacher. She moved to Costa Rica two years ago from Washington, DC, and settled into a cabin on the banks of the Quebradas River in Perez Zeledon.

She also blogs for AngloINFO and is a volunteer Warden for the US Embassy for Perez Zeledon, helping out fellow Americans in emergencies.