Authorities in Cartago carried out raids on Tuesday in an ongoing probe into suspected harm to the Coris wetland. The Deputy Environmental Prosecutor’s Office led the operation, targeting an agricultural firm, a home, and related land parcels. Officials seized a cellphone, computers, and key documents during the searches, which continued into the late morning.
The investigation centers on claims that the company filled and drained parts of the wetland, entered protected zones around springs and streams, and ignored stop-work orders from regulators. Two men, surnamed Obando Rojas and Calderón Chaves, stand as defendants in the case.
Prosecutors believe the firm’s activities damaged the wetland and nearby water sources. Teams conducted on-site inspections and topographical assessments to measure the impact and record changes to safeguarded areas.
The Coris wetland sits in a valley known for its water springs, thermal features, and diverse wildlife. Birds such as hawks, coots, herons, hummingbirds, doves, parrots, and owls call it home, along with amphibians, snakes, and mammals. This site plays a key role in recharging aquifers and stands out as a rare habitat close to urban growth, just 23 kilometers from San José. It borders the Cerros de la Carpintera protected zone and covers about 130 hectares, according to conservation records.
Concerns first surfaced in January 2024 when locals and environmental advocates reported heavy equipment, soil shifts, and fires in the protected space. They notified authorities, leading to action from the Cartago Municipality. Officials inspected the area with the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) and halted three building projects inside the zone.
The targeted company, Vantage Point Global CR S.A., runs Hybrida Farms on the property called Finca La Mara. The farm focuses on growing industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis. In May 2024, the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (Setena) approved the project’s environmental clearance, allowing construction and operations. However, SINAC later flagged alterations to the wetland and invasions into six spring protection areas.
Further checks this month revealed tractors, backhoes, and rollers at work, moving earth over large sections without proper permits. When municipal police, construction department staff, and SINAC tried to issue a cautionary measure and stop the activities, the company blocked their entry. Authorities sought help from the Cartago Prosecutor’s Office multiple times, but received no immediate response.
Environmental groups have long highlighted risks to the wetland from development pressures. In March 2024, the environmental prosecutor pointed to a network of real estate interests that profit from land deals harmful to natural sites. He noted weak laws make it hard to convict offenders and restore damaged ecosystems, where some losses prove permanent. SINAC estimated 1.2 hectares suffered from burns and machine use, with lasting effects despite possible partial recovery.
Activists defending the area have faced threats. One defender, Ricardo Muñoz, reported intimidation for his efforts to shield the wetland, underscoring the tensions between conservation and industry. The raids mark a step forward in holding parties accountable. Prosecutors aim to build a stronger case with the gathered evidence. As the probe unfolds, it highlights the need to balance economic pursuits with protecting vital natural resources in Costa Rica’s landscapes.
Officials stress that the wetland’s unique traits—its biodiversity and water functions—demand strict oversight. Residents in the Coris valley continue to monitor the site, pushing for enforcement to prevent further decline. The case reflects broader challenges in managing growth near sensitive ecosystems. With urban and industrial expansion encroaching, authorities face calls to strengthen wetland inventories and require clear proof that projects avoid harm.
As of now, the investigation remains active, with no charges filed yet. The Prosecutor’s Office plans to review the new materials and decide on next steps.
