We cherish Nosara as a unique environment with pristine beaches, plentiful green space, and beautiful rivers. Tourists continue to discover this enchanting spot, businesses to accommodate them continue to follow, and for the moment everyone prospers. New hotels, houses, and restaurants appear every season.

But concerns about the relationship of burgeoning, seemingly unlimited development crop up more and more often in conversations, in public meetings, and on social media. All of those new buildings bring with them the need for more water, electricity, and infrastructure. Will this demand eventually overtax the natural resources? This year, for example, we have seen how the stress on our water systems in the midst of drought caused prolonged shortages.

Typically, zoning ordinances serve to determine the extent of growth. Newcomers are surprised to learn that zoning is a rarity in Costa Rica, but recent requirements are pointing to a change. By law, every municipality must have a Plan Regulador (Master Plan), which requires input from local communities. The Nicoya municipality drafted a Plan Regulador only to see it challenged in the courts and subsequently sent back for revisions. No new plan has emerged.

Jaco Beach

Beaches of Nosara

The NCA has made the adoption of a local zoning plan one of its top priorities. We are studying what the process requires and how we can help the municipality achieve a Plan Regulador that works for everyone.

We expect to form a committee soon to work together with the Municipality in advancing the process of a zoning plan.

Public participation will be a critical part of the process. We envision holding a series of community meetings around the district to listen to people’s concerns and suggestions.

We are committed to making this process open and transparent and to creating a plan promoting sustainable development that reflects the interests of the environment and the community.

We’ll keep you informed as the process unfolds — watch this space, our web site, our newsletter, and Facebook. And talk to your NCA Board members!