By the A.M. Costa Rica staff


The deputies of the Legislative Assembly approved bill No.21.021 that restricts ownership of business ventures in protected areas. The measure reforms Article No.39 of Biodiversity Law No.7788.

According to the reform, which is No.21.021,  when concessions for non-essential services are granted in protected wild areas, they will be approved only for local companies, cooperatives or associations.

The government can allow, through a concession, the development of businesses such as restaurants, parking lots, shops or tourist services within the protected areas.

As a requirement in the reform that was just passed, these businesses must be managed by community development associations, cooperatives, small business or non-profit social organizations.

Those to support the conservation of natural resources, which incorporate environmental management, said lawmakers.

Larger private firms, such as hotel corporations or travel firms would be prohibited from obtaining such concessions when the law goes into force.

According to Congress, the goal of this modification is to reactivate the economies of surrounding communities by generating productive linkages with national parks and areas of tourist attraction.

Also, the reform establishes that the National Learning Institute, known as INA, in coordination with other public educational organizations and municipalities, will create training and technical instruction programs to fill the need for these businesses.

According to the reform, the concession or right of use cannot be interpreted as "an authorization for access to elements of biodiversity in favor of third parties or the exploitation of natural resources; nor the construction of private buildings," says the law of Biodiversity.

According to the law, the services and activities that may be developed are parking lots, health services, physical facilities management, food services, shops, construction, and trails, managing tour visits and others defined by the regional council of the conservation area.

The conservation areas should provide extensive information to the communities about the services they decide to grant in concession and establish a registry of local organizations to guarantee the mayor number of people participating in the processes.

More information may be requested from Congress, at 2243-2000 or 800-6746466.

A report on the legislation did not address the status of existing businesses that are not run by the approved entities.







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