No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta Rica's Southern Zone Airport Plan Faces Strong Opposition from Locals

Costa Rica’s Southern Zone Airport Plan Faces Strong Opposition from Locals

The airport in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica was announced by the current government as one of its major plans. However, a recent report by Mongabay News recounts how the locals are trying to stop it because of the damage it represents for them, their community, and the environment.

Community members have put up a fight, as they believe this new project will destroy their sacred land. It’s worth noting that the Diquís Delta area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to pre-Columbian artifacts.

The airport overlaps with the protected historical site and, according to the article, would leave approximately 350 families without a home. These people are facing eviction due to the government’s new airport plan.

Costa Rica’s tourism industry has been growing massively over the years. The nation’s popularity has spiked, and now millions of tourists wish to spend their time off in the land of ‘Pura Vida.’

Nonetheless, an intensive tourism model that focuses on large-scale visitation is destroying locals. The article stated that the tourism model the country is opting for is “appropriating Indigenous traditions to invisibilize the local and transform the landscape into Global North touristic areas.”

The Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands are another major concern for the population. This is one of the most important wetlands in the country, as it’s home to countless species of flora and fauna. Locals have voiced their rejection since 2010 when the first plans were set to build the airport.

Strong opposition and protests have been organized by those who call this important area home. Yet, last year, the government insisted on pursuing the construction of the airport. It’s worth noting that the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA) issued a negative environmental impact assessment, as there are risks to waterways and increased vulnerability to extreme events.

According to Mauricio Álvarez Mora, a geography professor at the University of Costa Rica, interviewed by Mongabay News, “The airport’s goal is to make tourism explode in the area, as the Guanacaste airport did.”

He believes authorities aren’t taking into account environmental criteria. While the government continues with its plans, the community is rallying to pursue legal action. The population wants to preserve the land, the nature, and doesn’t want the area to copy Guanacaste’s tourism model.

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Welcomes First Starbucks in Liberia

Starbucks has opened its first store in Guanacaste at Solarium Business Park in Liberia, marking a significant step in its expansion across Costa Rica....

Costa Rica’s Ojochal: From Farms to Luxury Tourism Hub

Ojochal, a small town in between the Pacific Ocean and the Fila Costeña in Costa Rica’s Osa, isn’t the sleepy agricultural community it once...

UN Ocean Conference Opens with Push for Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium

The UN Ocean Conference began Monday in France with a call from Secretary-General António Guterres to prevent the ocean floor from becoming the “Wild...

Costa Rica’s Massive Drug Raid Targets Cocaine Network to Europe

Costa Rican authorities struck a major blow against international drug trafficking dismantling a criminal network that smuggled over five tons of cocaine to Europe....

Gold Cup 2025: Costa Rica, Mexico and Canada Aim for Glory

While other CONCACAF teams have their sights set on the 2026 World Cup, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Canada are raising the stakes by targeting...

Canada’s Latest Costa Rica Travel Advisory Update

The Canadian government rolled out a fresh travel advisory for Costa Rica, urging travelers to stay sharp due to rising crime and natural risks....
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica