While we have decided against the exploitation of animals (see below), we have adopted some stray dogs from Tena, jungle bees that were displaced by deforestation, and farmed fish that would have otherwise been killed. Everyone volunteers their particular talents in various ways. One could say that we now (as of March 2020) make up a "community" of dozens of individuals of four different species, and of course there are plenty of native creatures that live here alongside us or as neighbours that come and go from the land as they please. Lumicon Farm does not discriminate based on species, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurotype, age, fruit preferences, presence/lack of thumbs, legal status, country of origin, or other attributes that bear no relation to the quality of an individual’s character. No shirt, no shoes, no problem.

vegan (adj): existing in alignment with VEGANISM
veganism (n): the doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals (from Veganism Defined as published by the Vegan Society in 1951)

Lumicon Farm is a vegan place and a vegan project. We do not commit or support (monetarily or otherwise) acts of unnecessary violence toward or exploitation of animals. We ask that those who come here conduct themselves likewise. "Veganism" is the word coined by Donald Watson and more precisely defined by Leslie Cross (in consensus with the Vegan Society) in order to describe this way of living. Psychologist Melanie Joy has used the term "carnism" to encompass the behaviours and philosophies of which veganism opts out. (Of course, the words are not the things, and we provide them here only for clarity.) From the animal suffering and environmental damage caused by carnism, to the mental gymnastics and misintegration necessary to justify it, to the limitations it places on achieving everyday wellness and personal growth, we have concluded that to live in any manner other than vegan would beget "vibes" that we do not want here. As a natural extension of veganism, and in return to our true nature, our only all-encompassing rule is to practice the non-harming principle of ahimsa in every aspect of life.

The land other than the primary jungle preserve is very "tame" and "domesticated" overall, though we do encounter many potential dangers, many of which are present to a greater degree than in the jungle. These include biting insects, spiders, scorpions, snakes, spiny or poisonous plants, tripping hazards, hidden holes, slippery terrain, falling branches and fruits, and barbed wire. Mental presence and awareness of one's surroundings make for a safer experience here. We recommend carrying a light if walking around at night and generally using common sense whenever possible.

With the domestication of the land by the indigenous farmers decades ago inevitably came the destruction of part of the primary rainforest. This means that the wild vegetation here is secondary growth. The plants grow quickly and die quickly. Unlike in the shady understory of the primary jungle, various pioneer grasses, vines, bushes, trees, and all manner of strangling greenery excel here. If we had not intervened and did not continue to intervene in the natural succession process by cutting back this vegetation, we would be unable to plant the fruit trees and other plants which facilitate both our own survival and the progression toward a sustainable long-term forest. We employ a "kill nothing" approach only in the primary rainforest preserve. Do not expect the impossible, as reality will always beg to differ...

There is not (currently) much large-scale agriculture or mining here, but there are roads and electrical wires connecting the local communities, and we have neighbours very close. They are generally very friendly towards us and our visitors, and they live much more simply than the "colonial" Ecuadorians in the larger towns. However, for all of their rustic charm, bear in mind that they are also not aligned with our way of living – we are an island within an island. The neighbours do exploit both animals and the natural resources, live "Westernised" lives with modern technologies, and occasionally allow the mining companies to have their way with the landscape. If you are looking for a totally pristine tropical rainforest paradise, this is not it, though we also protect 23 hectares of untouched primary rainforest connected to the expansive Parque Nacional Llanganates and Bosque Protector Colonso. We are just one small fruit forest project doing our part to steward our little island as responsibly as possible amidst the sea of everything else...

Planting, maintenance, and a multitude of tasks relating to the continuation and expedient advancement of the fruit forest occupy much of our time each day. We do not require anyone to join us in the farm work that we do if they would rather enjoy other activities while here, though we do ask for some form of contribution. We take a more-or-less hands-off approach to visitors here – if someone wants to help with a particular task, learn about the plants, or otherwise engage with us, they are free to do so, and if they would rather be left to explore each day by themselves, they are not disturbed. This affords everyone a degree of autonomy, and it also means that there is a stable "community" here only in the ecological sense of the term. Those looking for social interactions, group work days, acro-yoga, potluck dinners, jungle tours, and a "tribalistic atmosphere" or "sense of community" may well find all of it here, but none of it will manifest without someone to bring it together. In other words, the "social aspects" of the place are what the people make them. Nothing more, nothing less.

As stated elsewhere, we keep it simple. We observe the world, experiment with new things, and try to learn what we can. We are constantly striving for balance, peace of mind, and a nourishing habitat. We enjoy the nature that surrounds us as it all keeps spinning forward...

The durian trees (and many other trees) that we have planted here are not fruiting yet, but we already have some other trees fruiting.

You can contact us via email or Facebook (Lumicon.Farm) to arrange a time to experience the place for yourself.