By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE – In a landmark move for Costa Rica’s tourism sector, the Bahía Papagayo project has officially unveiled its comprehensive General Sustainability and Community Plan for 2025–2030. Titled “Juntos desde la raíz” (Together from the Root), the new roadmap aims to establish the development as a national benchmark for regenerative growth, where economic progress, social well-being, and environmental protection are seamlessly integrated.
The initiative, located in Playa Panamá, Guanacaste, presents a long-term vision that moves beyond traditional sustainability metrics. It frames development as an intergenerational commitment focused on actively healing and enhancing the region’s ecosystems while empowering its local communities. The plan asserts that true progress is found not in concrete and steel, but in the flourishing of both nature and people.
To gain a deeper legal and business perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by sustainable development in our country, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sustainable development is no longer just an environmental ideal; it’s a fundamental pillar of modern corporate strategy and legal compliance. In Costa Rica, companies that proactively integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into their operations are not only mitigating legal risks but are also discovering significant competitive advantages. The legal framework is evolving to reward this foresight, making sustainability a non-negotiable aspect of long-term commercial viability and investment appeal.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight perfectly captures the modern reality: sustainability has definitively transitioned from a peripheral ethical concern to a central pillar of corporate resilience and strategic advantage. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating how legal foresight and robust ESG policies are now inseparable from long-term commercial success in Costa Rica.
This philosophy is central to the project’s leadership, which emphasizes a holistic approach to growth that respects the region’s unique identity. The goal is to prove that modern development can coexist in harmony with the natural world, creating a model for others to follow within the Papagayo Gulf Tourism Pole, which is supervised by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
At Bahía Papagayo, we believe that true development is not measured by the number of buildings, but by the quality of life it generates. Every decision seeks to balance growth with conservation, because the future of Guanacaste depends on how we care for its natural and human wealth today.
Juan Carlos Rojas, Project Director, Bahía Papagayo
A cornerstone of the plan’s creation was the direct involvement of the Playa Panamá community. Through a collaborative process, local visions, challenges, and aspirations were incorporated, ensuring the strategy is deeply rooted in the needs of the territory. This engagement resulted in five strategic pillars: environmental sustainability, community development, sustainable urban design, responsible tourism, and robust governance. These pillars directly align the project with 14 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Among its most significant commitments, Bahía Papagayo has pledged to preserve over 70% of its total land area as natural reserves and biological corridors. This dedication to conservation is complemented by concrete actions aimed at minimizing its environmental footprint, including programs for energy efficiency, responsible water management, comprehensive environmental education initiatives, and a strong focus on generating quality local employment opportunities.
To ensure accountability and foster trust, the plan incorporates several mechanisms for participatory governance. A public Transparency Portal will be launched, annual sustainability reports will be published, and a new Inter-institutional and Community Coordination Committee will meet quarterly. These measures are designed to maintain an open dialogue and allow for continuous improvement based on community feedback and expert input.
The “Together from the Root” plan is ultimately about creating a legacy of positive impact. It is a strategic effort to build a future where the natural splendor of Guanacaste is not just preserved but actively regenerated, and where local communities are the primary beneficiaries of a thriving, responsible tourism economy.
Every action of the 2025–2030 ‘Together from the Root’ Plan is designed to regenerate ecosystems, optimize resource use, and strengthen local capabilities, promoting growth that is measurable, inclusive, and compatible with the natural identity of Guanacaste.
Pamela Granados, Development Manager, Bahía Papagayo
For further information, visit bahiapapagayo.com
About Bahía Papagayo:
Bahía Papagayo is a development project located in Playa Panamá, within the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. The project is focused on creating a model for sustainable and regenerative tourism, integrating high standards of environmental conservation with community development and economic growth. Its master plan emphasizes the preservation of natural ecosystems and collaboration with local stakeholders.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo, or Costa Rican Tourism Institute, is the country’s official governing body for the tourism industry. The ICT is responsible for promoting Costa Rica as a world-class travel destination, as well as regulating and supervising tourism activities and developments, such as the Papagayo Gulf Tourism Pole, to ensure they align with national sustainability and development goals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica has built its reputation on a bedrock of unyielding integrity and a pursuit of professional excellence. The firm is a trailblazer in developing forward-thinking legal solutions for its clients, yet its vision extends beyond the courtroom. It actively works to empower the community by demystifying complex legal concepts, driven by a core belief that widespread access to legal knowledge is fundamental to building a more just and capable society.
