EIA: Was law applied correctly in the Suerre Hotel Case?

In the late 80 s a Swedish entrepreneur invested in the Costa Rican- Caribbean forests and built a hotel in a Protected Area.

In 1990 the investor received the permit to use, the already built hotel in a sustainable way, under the Forestal Law and the Law for the protection of wild life, compromising to protect and preserve the environment and create opportunities for the community.

However, in 1992 irregularities and a big environmental damage were detected because of the construction of an artificial lagoon, the construction and expansion of drains, obstruction of natural waterways, tractor work, mercury lighting using the palm trees, coral to use mass logging and filling in a swamp. Because of the illegal actions, the permission was suspended; nevertheless, the hotel and the unconstitutional actions kept taking place.

Three years after, half of the property was sold to a Costa Rican entrepreneur. This part of the property stopped the growth infrastructure growth and developed a waste management for the hotel, self-sufficient energy programs and financed an aqueduct for the community and created a policy that all the hotel’s employees must be hired form the community. On the other hand “the Swedish” part continue with the infrastructure growth and built new rooms 150 meters away from the shore, which goes against the law. These activities awaken the attention of the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and in 2004 the demolition of the hotel was ordered.

Finally 20 years after their construction, both hotels were demolished, leaving more than 50 people with out a job and spending more than $400 000 and debris in the middle of the forests. In my opinion, demolishing a hotel (that  shouldnt been built there in first  place) is not the proper solution, because part of that infrastructure is working in a sustainable way. It created a damage 20 years ago when it as built, but nowadays is an income source for the people, by providing jobs and business opportunities.

In this cases we can see the importance of having impact assessment instruments. For instance, a Strategic Environmental Assessment, with established priorities and policies could help for decision making and Even an Environmental Impact Assessment done before demolishing the Suerre Hotel after 20 years can help to determine if  this could have a bigger impact to the environment and the community.

Pinche aquí para ver el vídeo


Suscribirse a comentarios Respuestas cerradas. |

Comentarios cerrados.


Este sitio web utiliza cookies para que usted tenga la mejor experiencia de usuario. Si continúa navegando está dando su consentimiento para la aceptación de las mencionadas cookies y la aceptación de nuestra política de cookies, pinche el enlace para mayor información.plugin cookies

ACEPTAR
Aviso de cookies