No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsBahía Papagayo Project Clears Hurdle as Court Rejects Environmental Appeal

Bahía Papagayo Project Clears Hurdle as Court Rejects Environmental Appeal

A $925 million tourism development in Guanacaste is pushing forward after Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court dismissed an appeal challenging its environmental approval. The Bahía Papagayo project, set to bring hotels and jobs to Playa Panamá, has sparked debate over balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

Court Rejects Appeal

Activist Gad Amit Kaufman, representing the Asociación Confraternidad Guanacasteca, filed the appeal to halt the project, arguing that the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (Setena) failed to properly consult the public. Kaufman cited a developer’s survey showing 88% of locals were unaware of the project, claiming it broke environmental rules.

On May 31, 2025, the Constitutional Court (Sala IV) rejected the appeal under resolution 2025-016284. The justices found that Setena followed the law by publishing the Environmental Impact Assessment in a national newspaper, with no public objections or requests for a hearing. They ruled that questioning the consultation’s quality is for regular courts, not constitutional ones.

A Bahía Papagayo spokesperson said, “This ruling confirms our commitment to a tourism model that’s responsible and boosts Guanacaste. We’ve followed all legal and environmental rules from the start.”

Led by ENJOY HOTELS & RESORTS S.A., the project covers 117 hectares and includes hotels, homes, and recreational areas. Developers pitch it as a low-impact tourism hub aligned with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute’s Master Plan and Setena’s guidelines, promising 1,200 direct jobs and better local infrastructure.

Environmental Risks vs. Economic Gains

Environmentalists warn the project threatens mature forests, wetlands, and a mangrove swamp, home to monkeys, raccoons, and coatis. “It risks cutting off wildlife corridors and destabilizing the coast,” Kaufman said. The Papagayo region also faces natural ocean acidification from seasonal upwelling, which could worsen reef damage if ecosystems are disrupted.

The ruling reflects Costa Rica’s challenge to balance growth with its eco-friendly reputation. A 2023 Samara project was scrapped after community pushback exposed weak approvals, and Kaufman’s appeal aimed for a similar outcome, but the court held firm.Locals are split—some welcome the jobs, others fear environmental damage and rising costs.

Developers emphasize transparency and coordination with authorities, arguing the project will strengthen Guanacaste’s tourism draw. But critics say the environmental cost could outweigh the benefits, especially if mangroves or forests are harmed. Kaufman may challenge the consultation process in ordinary courts, keeping the fight alive. Stay Tuned!

Trending Now

Remittances to Central America Surge 20% Amid U.S. Deportation Fears

Family remittances in Central America grew by around 20% in the first half of 2025, according to official data—a rise that experts attribute to...

UN Denounces Guatemala Over ‘Inhuman’ Indigenous Evictions

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, called on the Guatemalan government on Friday to halt the “inhuman”...

Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano Park Reopening to Tourists With Safety Measures

The Poás Volcano National Park will reopen its doors to tourism starting July 30, after  scientific entities reported a decrease in volcanic activity. This was...

Costa Rica Fails to Meet Human Rights Standards for Deportees

The Ombudsman's Office has confirmed that Costa Rica was unprepared to provide adequate care for deportees who have entered the country since February. This...

Keylor Navas Joins Pumas After Controversial Exit from Newell’s

Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas is officially the newest player for Pumas UNAM, but his move from Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys has been anything...

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly Vacation in Costa Rica with Baby

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly touched down in Costa Rica for a family getaway with their three-month-old daughter, Saga Blade Fox-Baker. Photographers caught...
spot_img
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