While developers with deep pockets jockey for prime building spots to construct the next generation of eco lodges along Playa Grande in Las Baulas Marine National Park, it is up to the public to convince the Costa Rican Congress to stop them.

Please urge the Congressional Environment Commission to make the right decision, by issuing a negative review and tabling proposals 16.915 and 16.916, both of which seek to amend the Law that created the Park in 1995.  Such amendments would allow beachfront developments, inevitably and permanently altering the last known nesting site of the Eastern Pacific leatherback.

Please send personal letters by FAX or email to:

Maureen Ballestero

President of the Congressional Environment Commission

Costa Rica

FAX (506) 2243-2433; email hduran@asamblea.go.cr

Sample letter:

Sample letter:

Costa Rica created Las Baulas National Park by Law in 1995, acknowledging its sole responsibility as the depositary of the last leatherback-nesting beach in the Eastern Pacific.  Unfortunately, I am  aware that this Honorable Commission is studying two proposals (16.915 and 16.916) to amend the Law and reduce the Park boundaries, allowing developments that would alter critical leatherback nesting habitat.  I am  also aware of the State Attorney and the Constitutional Court rulings, both of which mandate the Government of Costa Rica to immediately proceed with the expropriation of lands within the Park boundaries for their permanent protection.  I therefore urge this Commission to stand by the aforementioned Court rulings, issue a negative review of the proposals and proceed to table them.

Thank you,