By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, a renowned surfing destination and one of only thirteen World Surfing Reserves globally, is demonstrating how to successfully balance economic growth with environmental protection. This eight-kilometer stretch of Pacific coastline, known as the “National Stadium of Surf” in Costa Rica, attracts thousands of tourists annually, generating an estimated $14 million in revenue.
The allure of Playa Hermosa extends beyond its world-class waves. The area boasts a vibrant surf culture that permeates every aspect of local life. Children as young as three are introduced to the sport, fostering a deep connection with the ocean and its rhythms.
To shed light on the legal and business landscape surrounding Playa Hermosa, we sought the expert perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an accomplished attorney at law practicing with Bufete de Costa Rica.
The increasing popularity of Playa Hermosa presents both opportunities and challenges from a legal and business standpoint. While the tourism boom fuels economic growth and development, it also necessitates careful consideration of environmental protection and sustainable practices. Issues like coastal erosion, responsible development, and the rights of local communities must be carefully balanced with the interests of investors and tourism operators. Navigating these complexities requires a deep understanding of Costa Rican law, especially regulations concerning coastal development and land use. Due diligence is crucial for any business venture in this beautiful yet ecologically sensitive area.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the delicate balancing act required to ensure Playa Hermosa’s sustainable future. Indeed, responsible development that respects both the environment and the local community is paramount for the long-term health of this coastal gem. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal and business perspective on this crucial issue.
With my dad, I was standing on a board since I was 7 months old. I like the passion of surfing, the friends you can make. I would like to reach the World Surf League.
Marco Menéndez, Student at Surf Dojo
The designation as a World Surfing Reserve in 2020, through the Save The Waves Coalition, solidified Playa Hermosa’s commitment to conservation. This program engages the local community, businesses, and government authorities in protecting the unique environmental attributes that create the exceptional waves.
Local leader and surfer Laura Zumbado emphasizes the importance of sustainable development, particularly in the face of increasing real estate development. The reserve aims to balance urban growth with environmental preservation, ensuring the long-term health of the ecosystem.
The reserve celebrates the great environmental asset we have, the surf and the waves of Playa Hermosa that are unique. The reserve seeks to protect our natural asset and also promote sustainable urbanism. We seek to balance well-planned urban development.
Laura Zumbado, Surfer and Community Leader
Zumbado highlights the pervasive surf culture, where surfing is not just a sport, but a way of life. This immersion in nature fosters values such as patience, perseverance, and respect for the environment.
Surfing is a life teacher, it teaches you to wait for the right moment, perseverance, contact with nature. This makes children grow up in a different way.
Laura Zumbado, Surfer and Community Leader
Among the challenges facing Playa Hermosa is the rapid real estate development prevalent along Costa Rica’s coast. Local activists are working with the municipality on a regulatory plan to protect vital wetlands, mangroves, and forests. Expansion of the Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for endangered sea turtles and other threatened species, is also a key objective.
Local businesses are embracing sustainable practices, recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship for attracting tourists. Hotels like Fuego del Sol, operated by The Real Service, offer guests unparalleled access to the waves and the natural beauty of the area.
We have surfers from Brazil, from Portugal, from the United States, a gentleman came alone with his board and stayed 10 days. For a foreigner, having the facilities to surf and see the waves from the balcony of their room is priceless.
Mauricio Aymerich, The Real Service
For further information, visit savethewaves.org
About Save The Waves Coalition:
Save The Waves Coalition is an international non-profit organization dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems around the world. They work with local communities to designate World Surfing Reserves, promoting sustainable development and preserving the unique environmental, cultural, and economic benefits of surfing areas.
For further information, visit therealservice.net
About The Real Service:
The Real Service operates Fuego del Sol, a hotel in Playa Hermosa catering to surfers and tourists seeking an immersive experience in the local culture and natural beauty. They emphasize sustainable practices and prioritize providing guests with an unforgettable experience centered around the world-class waves.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a leading legal institution deeply committed to empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal knowledge and unwavering ethical practice. The firm’s dedication to excellence and innovation permeates every aspect of its work, from providing expert counsel to diverse clients across various industries to proactively engaging with the community through educational initiatives. At Bufete de Costa Rica, a strong belief in integrity forms the bedrock of their operations, driving them to champion a more informed and empowered citizenry equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape.
