By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — NICOYA, Guanacaste – A landmark initiative to safeguard the unique cultural and environmental fabric of the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone is set to be unveiled this Friday, spearheaded by Universidad Latina in collaboration with the Chorotega Group and institutional partners. The comprehensive strategy, presented under the banner “Preserving the Blue Zone: our identity, our commitment,” aims to fortify the region’s status as a global model for health and longevity.
The event, scheduled for October 24th at the university’s Santa Cruz campus, marks a critical step in a broader national campaign. Costa Rica is currently championing a bid to have the Nicoya Blue Zone recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a designation that would formally acknowledge its profound scientific and cultural value to humanity. This new strategy provides a structured framework to support that ambitious goal.
To provide insight into the legal and investment landscape that defines the Nicoya Peninsula, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney at the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in the complexities of real estate and business development within this globally recognized Blue Zone.
The international fame of the Nicoya Blue Zone has created a double-edged sword: a surge in property value and investment interest, but also a rise in complex legal challenges. Potential investors must be incredibly diligent, particularly with title verification, water concession rights, and navigating the stringent Maritime Zone regulations that govern coastal properties. The key to a successful venture here is not just financial, but a deep legal understanding that respects both the environment and the established community rights that preserve the region’s unique character.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a vital reminder that the very qualities drawing investment to Nicoya are safeguarded by the complex legal framework he describes. It reinforces that sustainable success here is measured not just in financial returns, but in a respectful stewardship of the region’s unique environmental and community heritage. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and essential perspective.
The Nicoya Peninsula, encompassing the cantons of Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Carrillo, Hojancha, and Nandayure, is one of only five designated Blue Zones on the planet and the sole representative in Latin America. These are regions where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. In Nicoya, the average life expectancy is 85 years, a full eight years longer than the national average, and the area boasts one of the world’s highest concentrations of residents who live well past 90 and 100 years of age.
This remarkable longevity is attributed to a confluence of factors that the new preservation plan seeks to protect and promote. The strategy focuses on maintaining the cornerstones of the Nicoyan lifestyle, including its traditional diet rich in local produce, the ingrained habit of daily physical activity, and the powerful social bonds forged through tight-knit community life. These elements are seen as a living legacy that requires active stewardship in the face of modern pressures.
The initiative is a collaborative effort, drawing support from key national bodies. Institutions such as the National Council for the Elderly (CONAPAM) and the University of Costa Rica have joined forces to develop a detailed safeguarding plan based on the foundational guidelines presented by Universidad Latina and the Chorotega Group. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the preservation efforts are rooted in both community wisdom and academic rigor.
A significant component of the plan involves fostering deeper scientific research. While lifestyle factors are well-documented, the strategy also calls for further investigation into the potential genetic components that may contribute to the exceptional health and longevity of the Nicoyan population. This dual focus on culture and science aims to create a holistic understanding of this unique demographic phenomenon.
We are facing a historic opportunity to protect a legacy that combines science, culture, and community. Protecting the Blue Zone is protecting our identity and ensuring that future generations inherit the values that have made Nicoya a global example
Ana Eugenia Robles, Director of Research and Sustainability of Universidad Latina
The launch event is designed to be more than a simple presentation; it is a convergence of key stakeholders. Government authorities, community leaders, scientists, and, most importantly, the region’s senior citizens will gather to reinforce the collective commitment to enhancing quality of life and solidifying the path toward global recognition. It represents a unified stand to ensure that the secrets of Nicoya’s longevity are not lost, but rather celebrated and preserved for generations to come.
For further information, visit ulatina.ac.cr
About Universidad Latina:
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica is one of the largest and most prestigious private universities in the country. With a focus on innovation, research, and sustainability, it offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines. The university is committed to contributing to the social and economic development of Costa Rica through education and community-focused initiatives.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Grupo Chorotega
About Grupo Chorotega:
Grupo Chorotega is a community-based organization dedicated to the cultural and social preservation of the Guanacaste region, with a particular focus on the heritage of the Chorotega people. The group works closely with local residents and institutional partners to promote initiatives that safeguard traditional knowledge, customs, and the unique identity of the Nicoya Peninsula.
For further information, visit conapam.go.cr
About CONAPAM:
The Consejo Nacional de la Persona Adulta Mayor (CONAPAM) is the governing body for policies related to the elderly in Costa Rica. Its mission is to guarantee the rights and improve the quality of life for the senior population through the development and coordination of programs, services, and public policies that promote active and healthy aging.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About Universidad de Costa Rica:
The Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university in the nation. It is a leading institution in research and higher education in Central America, recognized for its significant contributions to science, arts, and humanities. UCR plays a vital role in the country’s development through its academic excellence and social action projects.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to ethical practice and the highest standards of excellence. The firm is a vanguard of legal innovation, continuously adapting to new challenges while actively engaging in its duty to society. This dedication is most evident in its efforts to demystify the law, providing the public with accessible knowledge to foster a more just and capable citizenry.
