Within the realm of urban and territorial planning, a crucial tool stands out: the Regulatory Plan. In Costa Rica, its role is paramount in orchestrating the sustainable and organized development of a municipality. So, what exactly is this Regulatory Plan and how does it take shape in the case of Nicoya?

Essentially, it serves as a compass for the development of the entire municipality. Its purpose is to support the municipal government in decision-making, while guiding future economic, social, and environmental dynamics, all the while safeguarding community interests.

The Regulatory Plan not only provides a clear roadmap for implementing actions within the municipality, but also offers legal certainty to both citizens as well as investors through the analysis of key axes for development. These encompass diverse aspects such as land use, conservation and environmental impact, sustainable development, economic planning, citizen participation, and access to public services.

Nicoya’s Situation

When a canton has coastlines within its territory, the dynamics shift slightly. In this context, it becomes necessary to develop two types of regulatory plans: a traditional one and a coastal one. The latter only governs the maritime-land zone (200 meters wide from the coastline). Both can take shape independently and without conflicts. In Nicoya, we have two coastal districts: Sámara and Nosara. However, only a portion of Sámara has a coastal regulatory plan. On the other hand, the beaches in Nosara that fall within the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge (the entire coastline except Playa Garza) are ruled by the Refuge Management Plan. In other words, the coastline in Nosara that is not within the Refuge requires a coastal regulatory plan, which is currently not in place or planned.

It’s important to emphasize that a Cantonal Regulatory Plan includes regulations regarding construction and development, but areas within Wildlife Refuges, such as the Ostional Refuge, are ruled by their own management plan authorized by the relevant authorities

Understanding this unique situation, Nicoya has an additional task once the cantonal regulatory plan concludes: creating a coastal regulatory plan that unifies Sámara’s coastline with the small portion of Nosara’s coastline that is not part of the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge (Playa Garza).

The Evolution of the Cantonal Regulatory Plan:

Regarding the traditional regulatory plan, the first steps were taken in 2018 to transform the canton’s need into a reality. One of these crucial steps was the formation of the Special Commission for the Regulatory Plan, of which the NCA is an active part.

Into the Special Commission

When the need arises to conceive a new regulatory plan in a canton, this special commission is convened to coordinate and guide the process. This team, designated under the authority of the Municipal Council, plays a vital role in ensuring active participation of diverse stakeholders in decisions related to territorial development and organization.

In the case of Nicoya, this commission brings together figures from local government, the municipal council, legislators, and civil society. Additionally, the Nosara Civic Association contributes as an advisory entity, without voting power, but enriching the process with administrative and technical resources for a well-planned execution.

Collaboration Driving Progress

The NCA has entrusted Agathos Natura, led by Engineer Heiner Acevedo, as the consulting company responsible for participation. This decision is motivated by their track record and experience in other cantonal regulatory plans, where the integration of urban, rural, and tourist aspects required subtlety and accuracy. Moreover, Agathos’ ability to optimize processes, by understanding Costa Rica’s institutional framework, has expedited the project’s initiation, adding substantial value to the process.

Crucial Stages of the Regulatory Plan: Where Are We Now?

The development of the Regulatory Plan is divided into four crucial stages:

• Preparatory Stage: Involves forming the commission, charting the roadmap, and presenting it to the National Institute of Housing and Urbanism (INVU) for initial review.
  
• Diagnostic Phase: Focuses on studying and diagnosing six planning axes. The results will be analyzed collectively to define convergence points and advance the plan, considering the canton as an interdisciplinary space. The social, physical-spatial, and economic axes are already complete, the environmental axis is progressing at 90%, and the legal axis is also in progress. Guidelines for the political-institutional axis are soon to be published in SICOP for the public process according to regulations.
  
• Construction of the Regulatory Plan: Set to take place in 2024, this stage will convene the seven districts of Nicoya to discuss opinions and recommendations. The community’s voice will play a role in planning their future.
  
• Adoption and Legal Consultation: The Municipal Council will proceed with the approval and adoption, along with seeking legal consultation concerning the new Regulatory Plan. This step is fundamental for its effective implementation.

A Brighter Horizon
In summary, the Regulatory Plan is more than a document; it’s a compass guiding the canton’s growth and development. The involvement of the NCA and the designation of Agathos Natura as a facilitating axis in this process underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and expertise in crafting Regulatory Plans.

With the commitment of all stakeholders and the meticulous implementation of stages, Nicoya is headed toward a more structured, sustainable, and harmonious future for its community and environment.