128Canopy Blog

The Municipality of Osa in Costa Rica’s South Pacific region has been under scrutiny by the local government due to the alarming increase of construction permits.  The Osa Peninsula is one of Costa Rica’s most ecologically diverse regions and national pride.

The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET) has requested the Osa Municipality to limit the amount of permits given out for real estate development projects.  The request is to be in action until a regulation plan for the region is approved.

The petition to limit these permits was presented by Roberto Dobles, head of the MINAET, and Etilma Morales who is the Director for the Osa Conservation Area.  The purpose behind the petition is to regulate the increasing project development taking place in Osa’s coastline.

Several environmentalists have publicly stated their concern of the direct implication these development projects have on the delicate ecosystem.  According to specialists, the felling of trees as well as earth movements will have a short term effect on the areas wildlife as well as marine life.

Biological corridors are being tampered with thus interrupting the passage of several species such as the capuchin and squirrel monkey.  Sediment is being dragged into the ocean waters and damages the coral reefs and marine life.

The MINAET has stated that they have the authority to intervene but that they wish for the Osa municipality to cooperate for the sake of the area’s conservation and protection.