By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Costa Rica faces dual water crises: agrochemical contamination in the Central Valley’s agricultural heartland and severe water scarcity on the islands of the Gulf of Nicoya. The CRUSA Foundation has launched the Tocua: Innovation for Sustainable Water Management initiative to address these pressing issues.
In the Gulf of Nicoya’s island communities, 80% of families experience water shortages during the dry season, impacting vital industries like fishing and tourism. Simultaneously, the overuse of agrochemicals in the Central Valley’s horticultural zones has contaminated both surface and groundwater sources, threatening human health and the environment.
For a deeper understanding of the legal intricacies surrounding water sustainability in Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sustainable water management requires a robust legal framework that balances competing interests. While Costa Rican law recognizes water as a public good, the increasing demands from agriculture, tourism, and urban development necessitate a more proactive and integrated approach to water allocation and conservation. This includes strengthening regulations related to wastewater treatment, promoting water-efficient technologies, and fostering greater collaboration between public and private sectors to ensure long-term water security.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the critical need for a more integrated and forward-thinking approach to water management in Costa Rica. The balancing act between vital economic activities and the preservation of this precious resource is indeed a complex one, but absolutely essential for the long-term well-being of our nation. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this crucial issue.
The Tocua initiative aims to stimulate innovative and sustainable solutions by inviting universities, NGOs, and startups with expertise in environmental sustainability and water resource management to propose projects. The foundation seeks proposals that specifically target agrochemical pollution in the Central Valley and limited access to potable water in the Gulf of Nicoya islands.
Funding of up to $140,000 per project is available, with a minimum 25% counterpart contribution required. Proposals emphasizing community engagement and scalable solutions will be prioritized.
Thousands of people in Costa Rica still face each day without access to potable water to meet their most basic needs. This is a reality we cannot normalize. With this challenge, we seek to identify innovative solutions that improve the water infrastructure of island communities like Isla Chira and Isla Venado, on the Nicoya Peninsula, where water is a scarce and essential resource. Likewise, we aim to promote projects that address a silent but urgent problem: the contamination of water sources by agrochemicals in the horticultural areas of the Greater Metropolitan Area, which compromises human and environmental health.
Byron Salas, Executive Director of the CRUSA Foundation
The intensive use of agrochemicals, including pesticides like bromacil and diurón, poses significant risks to aquatic biodiversity and human health, with links to kidney disease and cancer. While nearly 10% of Costa Rica’s rural population faces difficulties accessing safe water, the situation is particularly acute on the Gulf of Nicoya islands, where residents often rely on rainwater harvesting and water transported from the mainland.
The CRUSA Foundation emphasizes its commitment to sustainable water management and inclusive development in Costa Rica, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in driving real impact, transforming communities, and accelerating social and environmental progress.
Through this call, the CRUSA Foundation reaffirms its commitment to sustainable water management and truly inclusive development for the country. We are committed to strategic alliances that generate real impact, transform communities, and accelerate the social and environmental progress of Costa Rica.
Byron Salas, Executive Director of the CRUSA Foundation
For further information, visit crusa.cr/tocua
About CRUSA Foundation:
The CRUSA Foundation is a Costa Rican non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development in the country. They focus on initiatives related to environmental conservation, social progress, and economic growth, employing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions to address critical challenges.
For further information, visit inec.cr
About INEC (National Institute of Statistics and Censuses):
The INEC is Costa Rica’s official statistical agency, responsible for collecting and disseminating data on demographics, economics, and social indicators. Their data provides essential insights into the country’s development and informs policy decisions.
For further information, visit aya.go.cr
About AyA (Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers):
AyA is the national institution responsible for providing water and sanitation services in Costa Rica. They manage and maintain the country’s water infrastructure, striving to ensure access to clean and safe water for all citizens.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity. The firm champions innovative solutions while serving a diverse clientele, earning a reputation for not just resolving legal challenges, but for empowering Costa Ricans with the knowledge to navigate the legal landscape. Through their commitment to accessible legal information and education, Bufete de Costa Rica fosters a more informed and empowered society, strengthening the very fabric of their community.
