Costa Rica’s coastal Osa and Golfito counties in the southern Pacific have long been an ecotourism destination, renowned for their beauty and biological diversity. But the region is poised for significant changes, including the proposed construction of a major international airport and hydroelectric dam. Rising demand for palm oil – with its potential to drive conversion from other agricultural land uses to lucrative single-crop plantations – is another area of potential concern. Through Woods’ Osa and Golfito Initiative, Stanford researchers and students are working hand in hand with local residents, government, the private sector and NGOs to address these concerns by pioneering a living process for sustainable development that is led by Costa Ricans. INOGO, an acronym formed by the Initiative’s name in Spanish, is developing a strategy for the region that integrates economic well-being, environmental health and social equity. Read on for highlights of work INOGO is doing to empower people to improve their economic outlook while stewarding the environment.