| Changes
There is no doubt that when this law takes effect there will
be changes at Playa Grande. The government to protect the
beach will acquire some structures. Other structures will
remain and owners will have to follow the conservation measures
required by the law. Lights will have to be turned off at
night or covered during the nesting season, trash will have
to be picked up, access to the beach will be through controlled
entrances.
However, conservation minded owners do not have to fear loss
of their homes if they follow the rules of the Park. Surfing
Surfing will continue at Playa Grande. In fact it will be
even better because instead of riding the waves into a beach
filled with big houses and hotels you will be riding toward
the same natural beauty that you have for many years.
The new law is a win-win situation for both the leatherback
turtles and surfers. Both will have a natural beach on which
to land and both will continue to enjoy this special place
for all time.
Before You Buy
Many developers are selling land to unwary foreigners. Small
water front lots, large parcels behind the beach and land
on the hills overlooking the beach are for sale. Be
aware that all of those lands are scheduled to be included
in the expanded Park.
Even in its current configuration the Park protects the beach
and the 50 m behind it. It is illegal to cut the vegetation
in that zone. It is illegal to place structures in that area,
it is illegal to enter the Park except in designated locations,
especially at night. If you buy a lot behind the beach you
will probably lose it to the government through the process
of eminent domain.
If you buy an existing house or other structure
you will have to revegetate the zone between the house and
the beach and cannot use the public zone for your personal
front yard. You can live in harmony with the turtles but you
will have to follow the rules, both those now in existence
and those that will come with the new Law.
Before you buy any land in the area of these
beaches you would be wise to meet with the Director of the
Park and find out what the current rules are and what the
future holds for the land in which you are interested. If
you do not take this precaution then you may be very disappointed.
There are many beautiful beaches on the Pacific coast of
Costa Rica, but there is only one area where the leatherback
turtle nests in large numbers, that is the area of Playa Grande
and its nearby beaches. You can help to preserve this area
or you can make a bad investment. The choice is yours.
You Can Help
You can help save the leatherback turtle from extinction.
If you are thinking of buying land behind these beaches don't
do it. Buy land somewhere else on another beach. Wonderful
opportunities are available south of Playa Langosta. If you
now own land at Playa Grande you can coordinate with the Park
Director to see how you can best protect the beach and avoid
harming the turtles.
If you are from the US you could even donate the land or
sell it at a fair price to The Leatherback Trust
a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that is helping to preserve
the Park. Finally you can make a donation to The Leatherback
Trust. Any amount will help.
|
Leatherbacks
nest primarily in the center of the beach where the
land is open and where new development is planned. Open
land is essential for leatherback nesting to reduce
human disturbance. Leatherbacks used to nest on other
beaches in the area such as Playa Flamingo and Playa
Tamarindo. However, these beaches have been fully developed
and the human disturbance has driven the turtles away.