But both those structures have been there a very long time. Whether they ever should have been allowed to be built in the first place, is a big old moot point.

Personally, I’m glad Suerre was spared the wrecking ball. the owners made good faith efforts to comply with regualtions and make restitution for past mistakes, many of which they did not make, so they didn’t deserve the wrecking ball.

I also know a couple of people who work there and am very glad that they, given the state of the economy and the fact that, with US carriers having cancelled a total of 1000 flights in and out Costa Rica as this high season approaches because of lack of demand, will not be out of work. Because jobs are not likely to be easy to find for anyone.

In terms of Las palmas, if it gets demolished, let’s just hope and pray the clean up and salvage job that gets done is environmentally sound and profesionally managed.

Otherwise, well, a lot of damage could yet be done to the reserve.

We can also still with confidence offer most TITLED properties within the refuge to our clients – but again, go out of our way to clearly explain the limitations of what can or can’t be done – so as to limit any surprises and negative consequences. There are other properties based on specific locations and characteristics that I cannot with a clear conscious advise to purchase today.

We are currently working with the muni and MINAE to create a certification program to local Realtors – certifying that a basic course has been taken and an understanding of the regulations can be properly communicated to their respective clients – thus eliminating or reducing many “misunderstandings”.

Costa Rica – in principle – is a country of rights (too much sometimes ) – therefore I believe that Suerre has a strong case for contesting the orders. They have accepted and paid their fines in order to supposedly continue to operate freely. Let’s hope that be the case.

Some will see it as a victory in keeping the area a cheap place they can live cheaply, pay virtually no taxes and contribute as little as possible to actually improving the economic standards of the local citizens.

This action will only help keep the locals marginally or unemployed and greatly discourage foreign investment.

I personally live within the refuge and abide to the regulations set forth. It should be considered a PRIVILEGE and not a right to live within the refuge – and as such – if environmental guidelines are broken – there must be logical and predefined consequences. In the case of Las Palmas – losing that privilege to occupy the refuge seems correct (IMO) – but at this point to destroy it seems extreme and illogical – for may reasons. As for Suerre, it was believed that they paid their dues, indemnified and permitted to continue. The manner and timeliness of the order for them to cease is odd at best and is another serious point of contention.

There is a fine line between protecting the environment and balancing that with development. That line has to be clearly defined by the authorities and must be clearly followed by the occupants of the refuge.

As a realtor, I go out of my way to clearly identify and explain to my clients what living within the refuge means – what can and cannot be done and it is far different then other areas with far less protections. If we are to be able to continue to use the refuge as mixed use (humans and wildlife side by side and in balance) and set an example to the world that it CAN be done, then we must understand and respect the guidelines set forth so that we continue to preserve it into the future.

The social and economic impact is left out of the equation. What will happen to the 30 full time employees at Suerre? Do their families have to pay for the wrongs that happened some 17 years ago by a previous owner. This affects everybody. Not only the two hotels now in the cross hairs. With the two largest hotels out of the picture major tour operators counting on their capacity then lose viability in coming to Caribesur and they will cancel all their business to the area. This will then of course not only affect the hotels involved but all business in the area from restaurants to souvenir vendors. What impact will this have on investor confidence in general in the area? Is it reasonable to believe potential hoteliers will take their business elsewhere due to judicial insecurity in regards to property rights ? What is the population supposed to live of if the tourist industry is crippled? The demolition is setting a catastrophic precedent not only for those who live and have their business south of Rio Cocles but all of Caribesur