The Manu Center - Paths to Alternative Development - is a place for business meetings, training, experimentation and recreation, created by three institutions: the Educational Corporation for Costa Rican Development (CEDECO), the Costa Rican Lutheran Church (ILCO) and Ecumenical Services for Christian Formation in Central America (SEFCA). In this center, we work with popular leaders on issues related to the environment and Christian ethics. The purpose is to promote alternative forms of development that are more humane and that foster a sense of solidarity in peasant, indigenous and urban communities in Costa Rica and the rest of Central America. The Manu Center is a private, non-profit organization, founded in 1995. The three founding institutions have established a joint program of training, services (food, lodging, etc.), and educational and recreational tours.
The name Manu comes from the common name of a tree which is native to the tropical rain forests of Central America. It belongs to the Olacaceae family and its scientific name is Minguartia guianensis. When fully grown, it is a very tall tree that provides very durable wood.

Our Objetives:
1. To provide a gathering place where people can meet for reflection and training, and where ecumenical, environmental and organizational principles are integrated in the construction of development alternatives that are fair and harmonious, for nature and for human beings.
2. To offer educational and recreational tours where participants have productive environmental experiences and learn about the riches of the tropics and their contribution to local, national and international development, thereby becoming more sensitive to the challenges faced in conserving these areas and identifying ways to share their knowledge and work in solidarity with others.
3. To make center facilities available to a diverse range of public and private organizations on a rental basis, both as a service and as a means for sustaining the Center.