Rafael was videotaped by Barry Heidt of sustainabletv with editing support by Tom Hopkins of Sustainable Today at

Rafael was videotaped by Barry Heidt of sustainabletv with editing support by Tom Hopkins of Sustainable Today at The International Ecotourism Society's (TIES) 2010 ESTC event in Portland, Oregon, September 8-10, 2010. 

Title: Environmental Sustainability and Saving Resources by Rafael Gallo

Rafael Gallo has pursued his passion for whitewater paddling from learning to paddle in the Great Smoky Mountains of the United States during college to founding and growing one of the best rafting companies in the world in his native Central America, based in Costa Rica. He has introduced thousands to the sport of paddling, led the fight to save the world-renowned Pacuare River from the first dam threat in the 1990s, purchased and protects 2000 acres of rainforest along the Pacuare and Rios’ eco-lodge. has planted almost 14,000 native tree species as part of the United Nations Environmental Program “Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign.”  More information on community development visit this Website.

Barry Stevens talks about the program he and his wife, Nanci Wright co-founded called El Puente - The Bridge in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. They offer educational assistance, food, and microloans

Barry Stevens talks about the program he and his wife, Nanci Wright co-founded called El Puente - The Bridge in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. They offer educational assistance, food, and microloans mainly to indigenous people in Costa Rica.

They could use your support from both your heart and pocket. Give a little or a lot.

The School Program assists families with educational expenses for young children. The Food Program provides a gathering place, healthy meals, and additional support on Tuesday, Thursday, and SaturdayThe Microloan Program provides small loans from $20--$400, with approaches that have been helping people out of poverty globally since 1987.

Published on Mar 20, 2017

Oregon Entrepreneur Network (OEN), #OENPubTalk of March 8,

Published on Mar 20, 2017

Oregon Entrepreneur Network (OEN), #OENPubTalk of March 8, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. The panel features Sara Batterby, President and CEO, Hifi Farms, as Moderator with panelists Ashley Preece-Sackett, Executive Director, Ethical Cannabis Alliance (ECA); Dyana Patamia, President, Botanic eLiquids; and Jesce Horton, Chairman, The Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA).

About Oregon Entrepreneurs Network

The OEN PubTalk™ is our flagship monthly happy hour — a perfect starting point for new community members and a great place for established members to make new connections. Held the second Wednesday of every month, OEN PubTalks are what the name implies — an hour of networking followed by a talk on a specified theme. And yes, they take place at a pub.

Produced, filmed and edited by Ruth Ann Barrett and Barry Heidt of EarthSayers.tv and Sustainability Action Media.

Published July 16, 2017

Ethical Cannabis Alliance Kick off Event with Emma Chasen, Ashley Preece, and Laura Day Rivero. More info here. (March 2017)

Part 4 focuses on

Published July 16, 2017

Ethical Cannabis Alliance Kick off Event with Emma Chasen, Ashley Preece, and Laura Day Rivero. More info here. (March 2017)

Part 4 focuses on Q/A. 

Since the event, The #Cannabis Certification Council has been established representing a merger of Ethical Cannabis Alliance & Organic Cannabis Association. Ashley Preece was named the Exec. Director.

In order to address the current state of the industry, and the need for robust labor and environmental standards, ECA Executive Director Ashley Preece was joined by two outstanding guest presenters. Hear from Laura Day Rivero, who has extensive experience implementing sustainable practices in the cannabis industry, most recently as Operations Director at Yerba Buena, one of the first OLCC licensed cannabis cultivators in Oregon;  Dr. Elizabeth Bennett, Assistant Professor of International Affairs and Director of the Political Economy Program at Lewis & Clark College, as well as a Research Associate at the Center for Fair and Alternative Trade (CFAT) at Colorado State University.

Produce/videotaped by Barry Heidt and curated by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv.

Part 3 here on EarthSayers.tv.