The construction of future marinas in Costa Rica might have to go through more procedures before receiving an approval should the new marina law pass congress any time soon.
The current Marina Law in Costa Rica , which has been valid since 1998, might soon be reformed should the new proposal be voted in favor for by Congress. The new marina law prohibits the construction of marinas in areas where important marine life exists. The law will also add a never before considered location which includes rivers and lakes.
The majority of the Congress fractions are in favor of voting for the law while left wing representatives are opposing it alleging that the new plan does not contemplate strict and thorough environmental protection actions.
The proposal for the reform states that the Inter-Institutional Commission for Marinas and Tourist Ports (CIMAT) will be responsible for granting permission for the construction of new marinas. Without the green light from CIMAT, investors will not be allowed to build the marina even if they have a permit from the local municipality.
CIMAT also stated in the proposals that since marinas are part of the tourism industry, the Costa Rican Bureau of Tourism (ICT) should overlook the procedure.
On the other hand, specialists and oceanographers have criticized the proposal stating that it only softens the regulations for investors. According to oceanographer Guillermo Quiros, the Technical Secretary for the Environment grants the concession to investors after only a partial environmental impact study.
CIMAT responded by stating that the concession is only part of the procedure and that the companies must carry out a complete environmental impact study.
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