The Costa Rican government has created a vehicle for local people to take control of the development of their lands so that smart land use and water and soil preservation can be ensured. It’s called a Plan Regulador.

The Plan Regulador is a regional land use plan that allows for development while considering the health and limits of water supplies as well as other environmental objectives. It’s similar to the U.S. Zoning Regulations but with an increased emphasis on the health of air, soil and water resources.

In March 2006, residents and friends of the Andomojo Valley in the Guanacaste began meeting to establish a Plan Regulador to protect their watershed. Greening Paraiso lends support and guidance beginning with the research results and strategy outocomes of the students in the 2006 University of Vermont course. Local advocates of the Plan include Dona Abigail Ruiz Pizarro, local elder and landowner; Joan Inman, local land owner; and Tom Peifer, founder of El Centro Verde.

The big picture

Costa Rica is an exploding tourism and second home market with the tropical climate, pristine beaches, friendly locals and a democratic government that dissolved its armed forces are enticing attractions to worldwide visitors. In 2004, the country experienced a 25 percent increase in visitors, bringing the number up to 1.5 million. Another 18 percent increase in visitorship happened in 2005. By 2006, the government expects a hotel deficit with 19,000 new rooms needed each year and only 3-4,000 being built.