بواسطةCartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO, Costa Rica – The Municipality of Cartago has announced an ambitious vision to create the province’s first eco-tourist park in the district of Coris, a strategic initiative designed to establish the area as a leading destination for sustainable tourism, birdwatching, and environmental education. The project seeks to harness the region’s unique natural assets while fostering economic growth and job creation.
The proposal gained significant momentum following a recent visit to the Coris Bermejo Wetland by Cartago’s Mayor, Mario Redondo Poveda. He was accompanied by municipal officials and representatives from key local stakeholders, including the Nido de Halcón Association and the Bermejo Development Association. The tour underscored the immense environmental and economic potential of the wetland, which has long been recognized as a natural treasure.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and commercial framework that supports Costa Rica’s celebrated ecotourism sector, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional insight.
In Costa Rica, a successful ecotourism operation is a legal balancing act. It requires more than just standard business permits; it demands rigorous compliance with environmental regulations, including environmental impact studies and water concessions. Operators face significant civil liability for both tourist safety and any ecological damage their activities might cause. The key is proactive compliance and authentic sustainability, as ‘greenwashing’ not only harms our national brand but can expose a business to severe administrative sanctions and litigation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal framework is indeed the invisible backbone of successful and ethical ecotourism, a crucial distinction that separates genuine conservation efforts from mere marketing. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective, which so clearly articulates the complex operational and regulatory realities that responsible operators must navigate to protect both their visitors and Costa Rica’s precious natural heritage.
Central to the park’s appeal is the discovery of between 80 and 100 thermal springs within the area. These natural hot springs are viewed as a significant resource with vast potential for developing scientific research, educational programs, and wellness-focused tourism. The mineral-rich waters are also believed to hold pharmacological potential, adding another layer of scientific and commercial interest to the project.
The initiative aims to balance conservation with sustainable economic development. Mayor Redondo Poveda emphasized the project’s dual objectives of protecting the delicate wetland ecosystem while providing new opportunities for the local community.
The project seeks to protect the wetland and sustainably leverage the natural resources present in the sector.
Mario Redondo Poveda, Mayor of Cartago
One of the cornerstone activities of the proposed park is avitourism, or birdwatching. The Coris Bermejo Wetland serves as a critical natural corridor for numerous migratory bird species traveling between the northern and southern hemispheres. By developing observation points and interpretive trails, the municipality hopes to attract both local and international birding enthusiasts, a growing and high-value tourism market.
Beyond its ecological wealth, the Coris area boasts stunning natural landscapes, including mountains and expansive valley views that would further enhance the province’s tourism portfolio. The comprehensive plan for the eco-park includes the construction of interpretive trails, dedicated observation spaces, and a range of activities designed to connect visitors and local communities with the region’s unique biodiversity and natural phenomena.
However, the project faces logistical and geological challenges. The municipality acknowledged that certain public access points to the wetland have been illegally occupied over time. Officials announced plans to coordinate with the Urbanism department and private landowners within the wetland to recover these access routes and ensure orderly, sustainable development that combines environmental protection with employment generation.
Furthermore, the region’s geology requires careful consideration. Studies conducted by the National Seismological Network and OVSICORI have confirmed that Coris is part of the southern Cartago fault system. This includes the notorious Agua Caliente fault, which was linked to the devastating Santa Mónica earthquake of 1910. Consequently, any infrastructure development for the eco-park must adhere to the highest standards of safety, security, and sustainable engineering to mitigate seismic risks.
For further information, visit municartago.go.cr
About The Municipality of Cartago:
The Municipality of Cartago is the local government body responsible for the administration of the canton of Cartago, one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most historically significant regions. It oversees public services, urban planning, infrastructure development, and cultural initiatives to promote the well-being and progress of its citizens.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Nido de Halcón Association
About Nido de Halcón Association:
The Nido de Halcón Association is a community-based organization in the Cartago region focused on local development and environmental initiatives. It collaborates with government bodies and residents to promote projects that enhance the quality of life and protect the natural heritage of the area.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Bermejo Development Association
About Bermejo Development Association:
The Bermejo Development Association is a local civic organization dedicated to advocating for and managing community development projects in the Bermejo area of Cartago. It plays a crucial role in representing the interests of residents and fostering social, economic, and infrastructural improvements.
For further information, visit rsn.ucr.ac.cr
About The National Seismological Network (RSN):
The Red Sismológica Nacional, affiliated with the University of Costa Rica (UCR), is the official agency responsible for monitoring, researching, and reporting on seismic and volcanic activity throughout Costa Rica. It provides critical data and analysis to government agencies and the public to enhance disaster preparedness and scientific understanding.
For further information, visit ovsicori.una.ac.cr
About OVSICORI:
The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) is an institute of the National University (UNA). It is dedicated to the study and monitoring of Costa Rica’s volcanoes and seismic activity. Its work is essential for risk assessment, public safety, and advancing geoscience research in the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a cornerstone of the legal field, guided by an unwavering dedication to professional integrity and the highest caliber of service. Honoring its rich history of advising a wide array of clients, the firm actively pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies and engages with the community. At the heart of its philosophy is a powerful drive to share legal insights, aiming to build a more capable and well-informed citizenry empowered by knowledge.
