Future of Ostional Wildlife Refuge at Risk

Our rescue center is located within the ‘Buffer Zone’ of the National Wildlife Refuge Ostional, which is well-known because of the mass-nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles and is home to an abundance of exotic wildlife.

We completely understand that development construction is an important component of Costa Rica’s progress as a country; however, this should be done in a sustainable way that is consistent with the country’s green credentials. It is essential that the environmental impact of development projects is properly assessed; including the impact of unprotected electrical supplies, which can cause wildlife electrocutions.

We are disappointed to learn that the new building regulations that were put in place last year to prevent overdevelopment in the Buffer Zone of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge (Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada, Playa Nosara, and Playa Ostional) have been suspended. This will have a negative impact on wildlife because regulating building height, building footprint, wastewater management, and light pollution is important to protect and preserve essential wildlife habitat.  In recent years, due to rapid unchecked development, we have seen an increase in wildlife injuries and deaths due to habitat loss in these areas.

We support the implementation of robust regulations to protect wildlife and habitats and believe that only truly sustainable development is of long-term benefit to local communities while minimizing the impact on the environment. We support the Nosara Civic Association who is working hard to defend the regulations.