QCOSTARICA — Since June of last year, almost 25,000 Costa Ricans have signed a petition to try to stop the construction of a new condominium in the forests of Manuel Antonio, in the province of Puntarenas.
Real estate development by Islas Manuel Antonio would not only affect the scenic beauty of the area, but would also put endangered species such as the squirrel monkey and the scarlet macaw at risk, according to the Corcovado Foundation.
The development project would also involve the felling of trees in a protected area.
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Those interested can sign the petition here at Change.org.
“The construction process alone will cause immense damage to the ecosystem, including soil erosion and destruction of habitat for many animals. Furthermore, this development will have serious consequences for local communities who depend on ecotourism as their main source of income. The loss of such an important natural attraction will lead to economic decline and loss of jobs in the region,” indicates the petition promoted by the Corcovado Foundation.
The condominium development is a 16-story tower that will generate a landscape impact and affect species.
On this issue, lawyer Wálter Brenes indicated that he has personally filed a criminal proceeding, an action in the Contentious Administrative Court and an Appeal with the Constitutional Court or Sala IV as it is commonly referred to, against the project.
“A criminal complaint was filed for illegal use of forest resources and an administrative dispute was also filed because they are seeking the annulment of the viability, environmental license and permits granted to Manuel Antonio Islands for invading a forest area (…) In regards to the appeal for protection, we are waiting for the Sala IV to know the result regarding the delivery of the environmental permits granted because Minae and SINAC have denied access to the alleged tree felling permits,” said Brenes.
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In fact, there are administrative orders issued by the Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC) – National System of Conservation Areas, where the development is requested to stop the works and not use machinery, but the works continue, according to the environmental lawyer.
The Secretaría Técnica Ambiental (Setena) – Environmental Technical Secretariat – gave environmental viability to this condominium tower in 2022, but the work was subsequently stopped and has been reactivated for some time.
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