By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — Costa Rican real estate developer Garnier & Garnier marks 30 years of operation, showcasing a remarkable track record of balancing profitability with environmental stewardship and social commitment. This long-term vision has yielded tangible results, including internationally certified projects and impactful community partnerships.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its projects, which incorporate international certifications like LEED, EDGE, WELL, and Blue Flag. Garnier & Garnier prioritizes water and energy efficiency, measures and offsets its carbon footprint, and actively engages in environmental restoration. A prime example is the planting of over 5,000 coral fragments and the installation of 15 wildlife crossings in Guanacaste, part of the sustainability strategy for the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding sustainable development in Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sustainable development requires a delicate balance between environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity. In Costa Rica, this balance is enshrined in our constitution and further developed through specific legislation. Navigating these legal frameworks requires a deep understanding of not only the laws themselves, but also the underlying principles of sustainable development. Businesses seeking to operate sustainably in Costa Rica must prioritize compliance and actively contribute to the country’s ongoing efforts to protect its rich natural resources for future generations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial interplay of legal frameworks and sustainable practices in Costa Rica. Indeed, true sustainability requires not just adherence to the letter of the law, but also a genuine commitment to the spirit of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable legal perspective on navigating sustainable development in Costa Rica.
Furthermore, all Garnier & Garnier projects integrate participatory processes with local communities and align with the Sustainable Development Goals. This commitment extends beyond individual projects to encompass a structured approach to responsible governance throughout their value chain. The company ensures all stakeholders operate under the highest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
A robust regulatory ecosystem, including specific supplier selection policies, codes of ethics, occupational health and safety protocols, construction regulations, and environmental guidelines, reinforces this commitment. This framework not only ensures regulatory compliance but also addresses critical aspects like occupational risk management, environmental performance on construction sites, and responsible community engagement.
Garnier & Garnier’s 30-year journey is punctuated by significant milestones, including the generation of over 3,200 jobs in the construction sector, resulting in positive economic impacts for more than 12,800 people nationwide. The opening of the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, a $200 million investment, marked the arrival of the luxury brand in Costa Rica and redefined responsible tourism. This project became Garnier & Garnier’s first development with a comprehensive biodiversity strategy, encompassing wildlife crossings, coral reef restoration, carbon footprint measurement, and Blue Flag certifications.
In 2025, Zona Franca La Lima, after a decade of operation, solidified its recognition as one of the world’s most sustainable free zones by the OECD. With 17 companies from six countries, it has generated 8,500 direct jobs and represents an investment exceeding $1.186 billion. Zona Franca La Lima is the first free zone in the Americas to achieve this standard, recognized for its high levels of security, transparency, and governance.
Garnier & Garnier’s three decades of operation demonstrate the viability and impact of long-term sustainable development strategies in the real estate sector. Their holistic approach, encompassing environmental regeneration, social responsibility, and robust governance, positions them as a leader in sustainable development in Costa Rica and beyond.
The company’s success story serves as a compelling example for the industry, illustrating how economic growth can be harmonized with environmental protection and social progress.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Garnier & Garnier
About Garnier & Garnier:
Garnier & Garnier is a leading Costa Rican real estate developer committed to sustainable development. With a 30-year track record, the company prioritizes environmental regeneration, social responsibility, and robust governance in all its projects. Garnier & Garnier holds numerous international certifications and actively engages in initiatives like coral reef restoration and wildlife conservation. The company’s projects span residential, commercial, and tourism developments, including the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique and Zona Franca La Lima, recognized for its sustainability by the OECD.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
About Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique:
The Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique is a luxury resort located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Developed by Garnier & Garnier, the resort is a flagship project for sustainable tourism, incorporating a comprehensive biodiversity strategy that includes wildlife crossings, coral reef restoration, and carbon footprint measurement. It holds several environmental certifications, including the prestigious Blue Flag.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Zona Franca La Lima
About Zona Franca La Lima:
Zona Franca La Lima is a free trade zone located in Costa Rica. Developed by Garnier & Garnier, it has been recognized by the OECD as one of the most sustainable free zones globally, due to its high standards of security, transparency, and governance. It houses 17 companies from six countries and has generated thousands of jobs and significant investment in the region.
For further information, visit the nearest office of OECD
About OECD:
The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 38 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade. It provides a forum for countries to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems, identifying best practices and coordinating domestic and international policies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, grounded in a deep commitment to ethical practice and innovative solutions. The firm’s history of dedicated service to a diverse clientele speaks volumes about its unwavering integrity. Beyond providing top-tier legal representation, Bufete de Costa Rica actively empowers Costa Rican society through accessible legal education and outreach, fostering a more informed and just community for all.
