A municipality just a short drive from Las Catalinas, Liberia, has plans to include the Iguanita Wildlife Refuge in a proposed land use plan, covering 6,000 hectares of forested areas, cliffs, and highlands with scenic views of Liberia's beaches. This initiative aims to stimulate hotel, commercial, and tourism development in the region.
The proposal is part of the new Territorial Management Plan (POT), a regulatory tool outlining permissible developments in different sectors of the canton, such as commerce, housing, services, and industry. Since 2002, Liberia has had a regulatory plan solely for its center, and the current effort aims to organize the entire canton.
Upon review of the inclusion of Playa Iguanita and the wildlife refuge within the golden coast development zone, José Rafael Jiménez, President of the Regulatory Plan Commission and head of Urban Planning and Constructive Control of the Liberia Municipality, acknowledged the need to revise and possibly remove this inclusion based on received feedback. Other protected areas in the province remain intact on the map.
The municipal project designates the 6,000 hectares as the "golden coast," representing 5% of the total area to be regulated. If approved, this green area could transform into a hub of urban, hotel, and commercial developments. The "golden coast" is one of five special zones proposed, each earmarked for specific activities and projected growth. The other zones include historical, academic, institutional, and airport areas.
Jiménez explained the rationale for creating a special "golden coast" district, highlighting the area's scenic beaches, beautiful views, sea, and cliffs. He noted that development in this area is already underway with ongoing construction projects and permits.
The areas closest to the coast are envisioned for hotels, sports fields, cinemas, shops, and other tourism-related developments, possibly including a sports stadium. Residential constructions are planned for more inland areas to accommodate those working in the zone.
While the final approval of the regulatory plan may take months, the administration of President Rodrigo Chaves has prioritized facilitating the establishment of regulatory plans across municipalities. Eight municipalities have approved such plans within two years, with 20 more in progress.
Despite the developmental aspirations, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact. Christian Golcher, a university professor and civil society representative on the regulatory plan commission, emphasized the need to protect vulnerable and fragile natural areas, especially in the context of climate change.
Another concern is public access to beaches. Damaris Rodríguez from the Confraternidad Guanacasteca pointed out that many locals already lack free access to coastal areas due to existing tourism developments, such as the Golfo de Papagayo Tourist Pole.
Gadi Amit, President of the Confraternidad Guanacasteca, highlighted water availability as a crucial factor in planning for the golden coast, questioning the sustainability of proposed developments without adequate water resources.
The proposal for the golden coast became public in April, prompting calls for clearer information. The draft plan divides Liberia into six main areas, or transects, each with specific developmental guidelines.
Funded with over 189 million colones from construction taxes, primarily from a large hotel project in Papagayo, the plan is managed by consulting firm Ecoplan SRL, with oversight from the Institute of Housing and Urbanism (INVU).
Public consultations and feedback are ongoing, with meetings scheduled through July and August. Las Catalinas’ community members are encouraged to review documents and share their input via email at planregulador@muniliberia.go.cr.