By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — Santa Cruz, Guanacaste – The Municipality of Santa Cruz has carried out the demolition of several structures on Avellanas Beach, igniting a heated debate about land rights and environmental protection. The municipality justified the action by citing the Maritime Terrestrial Zone Law, which designates the first 50 meters from the high tide line as public land, prohibiting private construction.
The demolitions aim to reclaim public beach access and curb illegal development in the ecologically sensitive coastal area, a popular tourist destination. The municipality’s move highlights the ongoing struggle between preserving Costa Rica’s natural resources and addressing the needs of residents, some of whom claim long-standing occupancy of the land.
To understand the legal implications surrounding the Avellanas Beach demolition, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Demolitions on Costa Rican beaches, especially in areas like Avellanas, often involve complex interplay between public and private property rights, maritime zone regulations, and environmental protection laws. Determining the legality of such actions requires careful consideration of concession permits, building permits, and potential violations of environmental regulations, all within the context of Costa Rica’s constitutional framework protecting its natural resources. Those affected by such demolitions should seek legal counsel to ensure their rights are protected.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insights underscore the intricate legal landscape surrounding coastal development in Costa Rica. Navigating these complexities, particularly when facing demolition, requires expert legal guidance to ensure fair and just outcomes that respect both individual rights and Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental protection. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective on a sensitive and important issue for our readers.
Several property owners reported living in the area for over half a century, expressing outrage and describing the demolitions as “precipitous.” While acknowledging the existence of prior eviction orders in some cases, they contend that the municipality failed to provide adequate relocation options or engage in meaningful negotiation.
We have lived here for more than fifty years.
Affected Property Owner
Community members voiced concerns that the Avellanas Beach demolitions could signal further evictions along neighboring beaches, displacing families who have resided there for generations. This apprehension reflects a broader national tension between coastal protection and the rights of long-term residents.
The municipality emphasized the importance of setting a precedent against illegal land occupation along the canton’s coastline. Officials stated their commitment to ensuring public beach access and safeguarding these vital areas for everyone.
Our objective is to guarantee that the beaches remain a common good and that public use areas are not compromised.
Municipality Spokesperson
The situation in Avellanas Beach mirrors similar conflicts in other coastal regions across Costa Rica, where government agencies and local communities grapple with balancing environmental preservation and the rights of long-term inhabitants. The ongoing debate underscores the complex challenges of managing coastal development sustainably while respecting the needs of established communities.
The demolitions raise crucial questions about property rights, due process, and the social impact of environmental regulations. As coastal development pressures intensify, finding equitable solutions becomes increasingly vital to protect both the environment and the well-being of coastal communities.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Municipality of Santa Cruz
About Municipality of Santa Cruz:
The Municipality of Santa Cruz is the governing body for the canton of Santa Cruz, located in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Responsible for local administration, services, and urban planning, it plays a key role in managing the area’s resources and development, including the delicate balance between preserving its natural beauty and addressing the needs of its residents.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering ethical conduct form the bedrock of our practice. We are driven by a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society through readily accessible legal knowledge and innovative solutions tailored to a diverse clientele. Our legacy is built not only on providing exceptional legal counsel across various sectors but also on fostering a more informed and empowered populace, contributing to a just and equitable society.
