After three years of community complaints, illegal dumpsites in Nosara continue to operate, putting people’s health and the environment at risk.

The Nosara Civic Association (NCA), addresses the relevant authorities to urgently take immediate measures regarding the concerning situation of illegal dumpsites in our area.

Nosara is known for its rich biodiversity and beautiful natural landscapes, attracting national and international tourists. However, we are facing an emergency: the proliferation of illegal dumpsites that are causing severe water and air pollution, mainly in the Santa Marta and Nosara Springs areas, located just meters away from the Nosara River and only 1 kilometer from the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge.

The air pollution caused by the burning at these illegal dumpsites directly impacts health. The burning of waste that occurs day and night in the vicinity of the Santa Marta community, only 250 meters away from the community school, poses a risk to the children who breathe the contaminated air and has already caused respiratory issues.

Over the past three years, the community has made several complaints to the relevant authorities:

1. Sending letters from community members to the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment, Nicoya Municipality, and Environmental Court since February 2022: The Nosara community has formally addressed these institutions, exposing the situation of illegal dumpsites and requesting immediate action to solve this problem. 
   
   
2. Complaints in the SITADA system: Specific complaints related to illegal dumpsites in Nosara have been registered in the SITADA system (Administrative Procedures System of the Ministry of Environment and Energy) under the numbers 20917, 37346-2022, and 40502-2023. These complaints generated by the community and the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge Administration provide official documentation of the issue and support the need for intervention.
   
   
3. Communications with the Environmental Management Department of the Nicoya Municipality, providing detailed reports on the location of illegal dumpsites, offering precise information for local authorities to take appropriate actions. Submission of hundreds of photographs and videos as evidence: The Nosara community has gathered and sent numerous photographs and videos as visual evidence of the existence of illegal dumpsites. These documentary proofs clearly show the magnitude of the problem and support the need for urgent intervention.
   
   

These actions demonstrate the constant effort and willingness of the Nosara community to address illegal dumpsites and preserve our natural environment.

Community organizations, such as the Santa Marta ASADA, have insisted on the need and urgency to solve this problem.

“It is an emergency, and we need a response from the authorities to stop this illegal activity while educating the population and, mainly, construction companies to dispose of their waste in authorized landfills.”

Emmanuel Gutiérrez, President of the ASADA

The authorities must understand the situation’s urgency and take concrete actions to solve this problem that affects us all.

We urgently call for the following:

1. Establishing appropriate penalties and deterrent measures for those who violate environmental regulations, aiming to prevent the operation of the current illegal dumpsites in the Santa Marta and Nosara Springs areas. We demand the immediate closedown of the illegal dumps. 
   
   
2. Activating inspections and surveillance in areas prone to the appearance of illegal dumpsites to identify and close those operating outside the law. 
   
   
3. Promoting environmental education and awareness in our community, fostering proper waste management practices, and highlighting the importance of preserving our natural environment.
   
   

The images below, are an example of one of the formal complaints made by community members on Sept, 2022. Addressing the Municipality of Nicoya, Ministry of Health (Nicoya’s subdivision), National System of Conservation Areas, MINAET, OIJ and NCA.

The Nosara Civic Association will continue to demand and press the relevant authorities to fulfill their duty to protect our health and the environment. Furthermore, we will tirelessly work to ensure that these complaints are addressed, and effective measures are taken to eliminate illegal dumpsites and guarantee a clean and healthy environment for our community.

Marco Villegas 
Executive Director
Nosara Civic Association – NCA
marco@nca.cr