Establishes the EIA regime, creates SETENA as the environmental viability authority, and codifies public-participation rights including hearings and information access.
Establece el régimen de EIA, crea SETENA como autoridad de viabilidad ambiental y codifica los derechos de participación pública, incluyendo audiencias y acceso a información.
143 documents in this topic.
Decreto 454882026
Reforma al Reglamento de Regencias Agropecuarias del Colegio de Ingenieros Agrónomos
This executive decree reforms the Agricultural Stewardship Regulation of the College of Agricultural Engineers (Decree 26503-MAG) to modernize and strengthen control over highly toxic and restricted-use agrochemicals. It mandates the digitalization of professional prescriptions, to be issued exclusively through the electronic platform of the State…
Decreto 455222026
Prohibición del fipronil en productos agrícolas
This executive decree prohibits the registration, import, export, manufacture, formulation, repackaging, storage, sale, mixing, commercialization, and use in Costa Rica of formulated agricultural products containing the active ingredient fipronil, due to its high toxicity to bees and other pollinating insects. It establishes a 12‑month grace period for…
Decreto 449012025
Reforma al Reglamento para la Incorporación de la Variable Ambiental en Planes de Ordenamiento Territorial
This executive decree introduces specific amendments to Executive Decree 44710-MINAE of October 18, 2024, which regulates the incorporation of the environmental variable into territorial planning plans (POT, by its Spanish acronym). The modifications correct drafting errors in several articles and technical annexes, clarifying review timelines, formats for…
Decreto 449742025
Reglamento para la gestión regionalizada de residuos sólidos, ordinarios y orgánicos
This executive decree establishes the framework for integrated solid waste management in Costa Rica under a regionalization model, based on regions defined by MIDEPLAN. Municipalities must coordinate within their regions to optimize resources and minimize environmental impacts. A maximum radius of 80 km is set for transporting waste to Environmental Parks,…
Decreto 443662024
Plan Nacional de Acción para la Extracción de Oro Artesanal y en Pequeña Escala
This decree formalizes the National Action Plan (NAP) for artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Costa Rica, in compliance with the Minamata Convention on Mercury. It establishes an inter-institutional framework to address the technical, legal, socioeconomic, environmental, gender, and public health dimensions of ASGM. A Steering Committee is…
Decreto 444862024
Reglamento para el control del ruido ambiental
Executive Decree No. 44486-S establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for the prevention and control of noise pollution in Costa Rica. It sets maximum permissible noise emission limits for different receptor zones (residential, commercial, industrial, tranquility, and mixed), distinguishing between daytime and nighttime periods. The regulation…
Decreto 448552024
Reglamento Complemento para la Aplicación del RTCA 97.01.81:22 Refrigeradores y Congeladores Electrodomésticos
This executive decree establishes the complementary administrative procedures for the application of the Central American Technical Regulation (RTCA) 97.01.81:22 on energy efficiency specifications for household refrigerators and freezers. It does not contain its own technical requirements, but rather develops the mechanisms for demonstrating product…
Decreto 442802023
Prohibición del Clorotalonil
The decree fully bans in Costa Rica the registration, import, export, manufacture, formulation, storage, distribution, transport, repackaging, handling, sale, mixing and use of the active ingredient chlorothalonil and formulated synthetic pesticides containing it. The decision is based on technical evidence from the Ministry of Health, MINAE and AyA…
Decreto 443212023
Reglamento de Cuotas de HFC
This executive decree establishes an import quota mechanism for the gradual reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in Costa Rica, in accordance with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The Environmental Quality Management Directorate (DIGECA) of MINAE is responsible for calculating and assigning annual quotas to registered importers, based on a…
Decreto 443672023
Derogatoria de los Manuales de EIA Partes II y IV
This executive decree formally repeals two technical manuals that previously governed the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process in Costa Rica: the Manual of Technical Instruments for the EIA Process – Part II (Decree No. 32712-MINAE) and the Manual of Technical Instruments for the EIA Process – Part IV (Decree No. 32966-MINAE). The repeal is based…
Decreto 438982022
Reglamento de Evaluación, Control y Seguimiento Ambiental
Executive Decree 43898-MINAE-S-MOPT-MAG-MEIC establishes Costa Rica's new regulatory framework for environmental assessment, control, and monitoring, replacing the previous regulation (Decree 31849). It modernizes and streamlines the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process before SETENA. The Decree defines the assessment instruments (D1+DJCA,…
Decreto 398382016
Facultar al SINAC para autorizar intervención controlada en humedales por infraestructura pública de conveniencia nacional
Executive Decree 39838-MINAE empowers the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) to authorize controlled intervention in wetland ecosystems by the State and public entities, solely for projects involving repair, maintenance, construction, or expansion of public infrastructure previously declared as being of national convenience. It establishes a…
Decreto 382362014
Reglamento del Pago del Incentivo de Disponibilidad para Funcionarios del SINAC
This executive decree, repealed in 2017, regulated the payment of a salary incentive of 25% of the base salary to SINAC officials who held police authority and performed natural resource control and protection duties outside their regular working hours. The goal was to ensure the availability of personnel to address urgent situations such as forest fires,…
Decreto 386782014
Prohibición del plaguicida aldicarb
Decree 38678-MAG-S-MINAE-MTSS completely bans the registration, import, export, manufacturing, formulation, storage, distribution, transport, repackaging, rebottling, handling, sale, mixing and use of technical-grade active ingredients and formulated synthetic pesticides containing aldicarb in Costa Rica. It is based on aldicarb's high toxicity, risks to…
Decreto 388342014
Prohibición del endosulfán con excepción temporal para café
This executive decree bans in Costa Rica the registration, import, export, manufacture, formulation, storage, distribution, transport, repackaging, refilling, handling, sale, mixing, and use of technical-grade active ingredients and formulated synthetic pesticides containing the active ingredient endosulfan. The ban is based on unacceptable risks to human…
Decreto 376752013
Comisión para la Modernización de la SETENA
This executive decree creates a Special Commission within MINAE to identify, propose, and implement improvements in the administrative, operational, and environmental impact assessment management of SETENA. The Commission operates under four strategic axes: administrative (process modernization), legal (regulatory framework analysis), internal control…
Decreto 378032013
Adición y modificación al Reglamento General sobre los Procedimientos de Evaluación de Impacto Ambiental (EIA)
This executive decree amends and adds provisions to the General Regulation on EIA Procedures (Decree 31849). It introduces key definitions such as 'exogenous conditions' and 'activities of very low potential environmental impact,' establishes a list of EIA-exempt activities (construction under 500 m², industrial buildings under 1000 m² in conforming land…
Decreto 377882013
Reglamento General para la Clasificación y Manejo de Residuos Peligrosos
This executive decree approves a new General Regulation for the Classification and Management of Hazardous Waste, integrating and updating previous regulations. It establishes obligations for hazardous waste generators, including classification, accumulation, storage, transportation, and final disposal. It defines detailed procedures for safe accumulation,…
Decreto 378142013
Reforma sobre Comisión de Modernización de SETENA
This decree amends Executive Decree No. 37675-MINAE, which established the Special Commission for the Modernization of SETENA. It clarifies and adjusts its composition, including private-sector participation through a shortlist proposed by the Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of Private Enterprise (UCCAEP). It also redefines the power to…
Decreto 380242013
Reforma al Reglamento de EIA — Decreto 38024
Executive Decree 38024 amends the General Regulation on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Procedures, primarily regarding the function of the Environmental Consultants Registry. It expands the responsibilities and powers of this registry, establishing procedures for the registration, regulation, and monitoring of environmental consultants authorized to…
Decreto 371092012
Reglamento del Sistema de Reconocimientos Ambientales (SIREA)
This executive decree creates the Environmental Recognition System (SIREA) as a state system that integrates and grants public recognition to organizations that bring about significant environmental change, contributing to sustainable development. It establishes an organizational structure with an Executive Secretariat and organizers, defines the initial…
Decreto 371812012
Reforma de la Comisión Nacional Asesora Técnica Mixta de SETENA
This decree amends Executive Decree 32631-MINAE to restructure the National Mixed Technical Advisory Commission of the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA). The reform reduces the number of members from 20 to 11, balancing representation between public and private sectors to improve functionality. The Commission, attached to MINAET, will…
Decreto 371862012
Declaratoria de Interés Público del Programa "Costa Rica Verde y Limpia"
Executive Decree No. 37186-MINAET, issued in 2012, declares the "Costa Rica Verde y Limpia" (Green and Clean Costa Rica) program of public interest. Promoted by the Terra Nostra Association with MINAET support, the program focuses on environmental education and citizen participation in solid waste management, bringing together public institutions,…
Decreto 373012012
Reforma al Reglamento sobre Emisión de Contaminantes Atmosféricos de Calderas y Hornos de Tipo Indirecto — Decreto 37301
This decree amends Article 7 of the Regulation on Air Pollutant Emissions from Indirect-Fired Boilers and Furnaces (Executive Decree 36551-S-MINAET-MTSS of 2011), updating the maximum emission limits for atmospheric pollutants from boilers and furnaces burning fossil fuels and biomass. The amendment was prompted by a technical study submitted by the sugar…
Decreto 363722011
Reducción de azufre en el diésel al 0.005%
This executive decree reduces the maximum sulfur content in diesel (except for thermal power generation) from 0.05% to 0.005% mass/mass, aiming to cut sulfur oxide emissions that contribute to acid rain and affect public health. It aligns with the 2011-2014 National Development Plan and MINAET's energy policy of producing clean, environmentally friendly…
Decreto 364992011
Reglamento para la Elaboración de Programas de Gestión Ambiental Institucional en el Sector Público
Executive Decree No. 36499-S-MINAET establishes the regulatory framework for all Costa Rican public administration institutions to formulate, implement, and update Institutional Environmental Management Programs (PGAI). These PGAI are planning instruments based on a continuous improvement cycle starting from an environmental diagnosis of the institution's…
Decreto 366732011
Proyecto de Educación Ciudadana para el Manejo de Residuos durante la Romería
This executive decree, signed by the President and the Minister of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications, declares the 'Citizen Education Project for Waste Management during the Pilgrimage' as a matter of public and national interest. The initiative, coordinated by EARTH University and MINAET, addresses the massive annual pilgrimage to the Basilica of…
Decreto 368152011
Reglamento de Organización Interna de SETENA
This executive decree establishes the organic structure and internal functioning of the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA), responsible for environmental assessment and monitoring in Costa Rica. It defines the main bodies: a General Secretariat as head, a Plenary Commission (now regulated separately), and a General Directorate…
Decreto 358832010
Modificación del artículo 36 y adición al artículo 2 del Reglamento a la Ley Forestal sobre intervención en bosque privado
This Executive Decree amends the Forestry Law Regulation to clarify the procedure for authorizing interventions in private forests under Article 19 of Forestry Law 7575. It establishes that the State Forestry Administration (AFE) may authorize the use of up to 10% of a property's forest area for infrastructure such as housing, ecotourism, and similar…
Decreto 329662006
Manual de Instrumentos Técnicos para el Proceso de Evaluación del Impacto Ambiental (Manual de EIA) – Parte IV
Executive Decree 32966-MINAE, repealed in 2023, established Part IV of the EIA Manual, containing the general guide for preparing Environmental Impact Studies (EsIA) and Environmental Management Plan Forecasts (P-PGA), an instruction for impact assessment using the Environmental Impact Importance Matrix (MIIA), and a procedure for defining terms of…
Decreto 318492004
Reglamento General sobre los Procedimientos de Evaluación de Impacto Ambiental (EIA)
This executive decree defines the general requirements and procedures for obtaining environmental viability (license) and environmental registries (permits) for new activities, works, or projects that may impact the environment. It establishes the Initial Environmental Assessment process through forms D1, D2, and D3, based on the Potential Environmental…
Decreto 293932001
Plan de Ordenamiento Ambiental para Reservas Forestales, Zonas Protectoras y Refugios de Vida Silvestre
This Decree establishes the Environmental Management Plan (POA) ordered by Article 37 of the Organic Environmental Law, to regulate productive activities on private lands within Forest Reserves, Protected Zones, and state and mixed Wildlife Refuges. The POA provides a methodology for decision-making on permits by evaluating criteria such as natural…
Decreto 274431998
Reforma del Reglamento sobre Manejo de Basuras — Exención de Estudio de Impacto Ambiental para Rellenos Sanitarios Manuales
This executive decree amended Article 39 of the Waste Management Regulation (Executive Decree No. 19049-S) to establish that all final solid waste disposal projects must generally submit an environmental impact study approved by SETENA. However, it created a specific exemption: manual sanitary landfill projects designed for populations of 75 000…
Decreto 257211996
Reglamento a la Ley Forestal
This executive decree develops Forestry Law No. 7575, establishing operational definitions, the organization and powers of the State Forestry Administration, and detailed procedures for forest management and harvesting. It regulates forestry regencies, voluntary forest certification, transport of forest products, and protection against fires and pests. It…
Decreto 257051996
Reglamento sobre Procedimientos de la SETENA
This executive decree established the requirements and procedures for the submission and approval of Environmental Impact Studies (EsIA) before the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA). It regulated the organization of SETENA, the functions of its units, the environmental evaluation process using the Preliminary Environmental Assessment…
Res. 03598-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Granja avícola contamina comunidad: el amparo procede ante ineficacia estatal
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action filed by residents of Calle El Monte and Concepción de San Ramón against the operation of the Los Güiros poultry farm. They allege persistent harm from foul odors, fly proliferation, noise during bird dispatch, and deficient waste management, affecting health and the environment despite years of…
Res. 03442-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación sónica de Frumar en Playas del Coco
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by residents of Playas del Coco, Carrillo, against the Ministry of Health for failing to definitively resolve complaints of noise pollution and wastewater leakage from the company Frumar. The Chamber finds that while the Ministry diligently addressed odor and septic tank complaints—confirming no…
Res. 04335-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Rebalse de aguas negras en Finca San Juan de Pavas vulnera derecho a ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo against the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of San José, and the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) for the continuous sewage overflow in Finca San Juan, Pavas. Despite complaints since 2024, inspections, a sanitary order against the municipality, and fines, the problem persisted. AyA argued…
Res. 08040-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Tanque de autoconsumo en Parque de Tecnología Ambiental Galagarza no justifica intervención constitucional
The Constitutional Court denied an amparo challenging the environmental viability granted by SETENA to the 'Galagarza Environmental Technology Park' project. The plaintiff argued that a stationary diesel self-consumption tank had been approved without technical authorization from MINAE/DGTCC and without sufficient safety or emergency information, violating…
Res. 09971-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Participación ciudadana en la conformación de la Comisión del Plan Regulador de Escazú
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo appeal filed by the Association for the Conservation and Development of the Cerros de Escazú against the Municipality of Escazú. The association claimed that the municipality had obstructed the formation of the Regulatory Plan Commission through bureaucratic obstacles—first suspending district assemblies for…
Res. 12255-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Cuestionamiento del traslado de residuos sólidos de la GAM al relleno sanitario El Tomatal en Limón
The Constitutional Chamber denied an 'amparo' appeal filed against the Ministry of Health and SETENA regarding the transfer of solid waste from the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) to the Limón landfill, known as the El Tomatal Environmental Technology Park. The petitioner, a resident of Limón, argued that authorizing these transfers violated the right to a…
Res. 13335-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
SETENA debe cumplir con remitir extractos de EIA a municipalidades
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action against the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA) for failing to comply with Article 22 of the Environmental Organic Law. The Chamber found that SETENA does not currently send to municipalities the extract of environmental impact assessments required by law, despite the obligation to do so…
Res. 06916-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Instalación desregularizada ambientalmente de postes de telecomunicaciones
The Constitutional Chamber reviews a constitutional challenge against Executive Decree No. 40075 and SETENA's Agreement ACP-30-2017, which exclude telecommunications poles from the environmental impact assessment requirement, keeping it only for towers. The plaintiff alleges violation of the principles of non-regression, precaution, progressivity,…
Res. 31954-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Ajustes a planes reguladores costeros requieren evaluación ambiental por SETENA
The Constitutional Chamber partially granted an amparo appeal against the District Municipal Council of Cóbano, ordering it to obtain environmental viability from SETENA for the adjustment and rectification procedures of the coastal regulatory plans of Punta Barrigona and Peñón de Arío. The Chamber relied on its prior ruling 2025003640, which declared…
Res. 32048-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra viabilidad ambiental del megaproyecto Papagayo
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the environmental viability granted by SETENA for the Papagayo Gulf megaproject in Playa Panamá, Guanacaste. The petitioner alleged violations of the rights to a healthy environment, citizen participation, and due process, citing omission of a public hearing, inadequate assessment of impacts on…
Res. 05973-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Siembra de aguacate en zona protectora El Chayote sin viabilidad ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber hears a petition for amparo filed by lawmakers on behalf of the Los Robles rural water board against the Municipality of Naranjo, SETENA, SENARA, SINAC, and Agrícola Pascale S.A., concerning avocado farming in the El Chayote Protected Zone, an aquifer recharge area supplying the canton. The petitioners claim a violation of the…
Res. 03227-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Obligatoriedad de EIA para proyectos de maricultura de menor escala
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed the constitutionality of Executive Decree No. 42755-MINAE, which sets differentiated environmental evaluation requirements for mariculture projects based on scale. The petitioner argued that excluding the full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for family, small, and medium-scale projects violates Article 50 of the…
Res. 29302-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra viabilidad ambiental del Hospital de Cartago
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismissed an amparo filed by a group of geologists challenging the environmental viability granted by SETENA for the new Maximiliano Peralta Hospital in Cartago. The petitioners argued serious technical flaws: location in a polluting industrial zone, the presence of the Agua Caliente seismic fault, muddy subsoil with a…
Res. 36952-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Reducción inconstitucional de la Zona Protectora Tivives
The Constitutional Chamber upholds an unconstitutionality claim against Executive Decree No. 42404-MINAE, which reduced the area of the Tivives Protected Zone. The Court holds that reducing a protected wild area requires a formal law, prior technical studies, and compensation measures, pursuant to Article 38 of the Organic Environmental Law. The impugned…
Res. 11236-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Nueva audiencia pública obligatoria tras caducidad de viabilidad ambiental anterior
The Constitutional Chamber partially granted an amparo against SETENA for granting environmental viability to a landfill in Miramar de Montes de Oro without holding a new public hearing. The project had obtained viability in 2009, but it expired without commencing works. In 2021, the company filed a new application, and SETENA exempted it from the hearing,…
Res. 08750-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Definición de daño ambiental en el Reglamento de EIA ante la Sala Constitucional
The Constitutional Chamber ruled on a constitutional challenge to the phrase in Article 3(28) of the General Regulation on Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures (Executive Decree 31849) that limits the concept of environmental damage to alterations of high environmental impact significance (SIA). The claimants and the Attorney General argued this…
Res. 25307-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Consulta sobre viabilidad ambiental expedita para hidrógeno verde
The Constitutional Chamber resolved a facultative legislative consultation on the bill 'Law for the promotion and implementation of a green hydrogen economy in Costa Rica'. By majority, it held that the bill as a whole does not violate the principle of technical reasonableness due to lack of prior studies, since it is a promotional norm enjoying broad…
Res. 01706-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Instalación de postes eléctricos en zona marítimo terrestre y afectación a tortugas marinas
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the Municipality of Santa Cruz for authorizing the installation of two electrical poles on Playa El Coco de Marbella, a highly fragile maritime-terrestrial zone, without prior environmental studies. The petitioner claimed that light pollution affected the nesting of leatherback and black turtles,…
Res. 19096-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Retraso en la prohibición del paraquat lesiona principio precautorio
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo against the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Environment, and Labor for delaying the publication of an executive decree that would ban the herbicide paraquat. The petitioner alleged violations of the rights to life, health, and an ecologically balanced environment, as well as the precautionary principle. The…
Res. 24807-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional ordena culminar estudios sobre afectación del Fipronil en polinizadores
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by the Ombudsperson against the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Environment, alleging lack of regulation of the insecticide Fipronil, linked to mass bee deaths and risks to biodiversity and human health. The Chamber found that while there was technical evidence (DIGECA…
Res. 11203-2019 Sala Constitucional2019 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra viabilidad ambiental del proyecto Vista Islas y denuncia ambiental no atendida
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by Fundación Corcovado against ACOPAC and SETENA, challenging the 2017 environmental viability permit for the “Vista Islas” real estate project in Manuel Antonio. The claimant argues that in 2002, SETENA had imposed strict conditions on a similar project on the same land, whereas ACOPAC’s technical…
Res. 16792-2019 Sala Constitucional2019 · Sala Constitucional
Viabilidad ambiental para aprovechamiento maderable en áreas protegidas
The Constitutional Chamber analyzed the unconstitutionality action against Article 5(3) of SETENA resolutions 2373-2016 and 1909-2017, which exempted timber harvesting in forest plantations, agroforestry systems, individually planted trees, and trees on non-forest agricultural land from environmental viability requirements. The plaintiff argued this…
Res. 16793-2019 Sala Constitucional2019 · Sala Constitucional
Reducción de zona protectora solo por ley y con estudios técnicos
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed the unconstitutionality claim against Executive Decree No. 29278-MINAE, which modified the boundaries of the Cerro de la Carpintera Protected Zone. The decree both reduced the protected area by excluding lands with productive value and expanded it elsewhere. The Chamber held that under Article 38 of the Organic…
Res. 13718-2018 Sala Constitucional2018 · Sala Constitucional
Suspensión de reapertura de camino en Tortuguero por falta de estudio ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo petition against the Municipality of Pococí and MINAE for reopening the Caño Chiquero road, which crosses the Tortuguero Protective Zone and National Park. The petitioner argued that works were authorized without an environmental impact study, even though the road runs more than 50% through a wetland in an…
Res. 05994-2017 Sala Constitucional2017 · Sala Constitucional
Constitucionalidad del Decreto 37803 que modifica el Reglamento de EIA
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an unconstitutionality action against several provisions of Executive Decree 37803, which amended the General Regulation on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Procedures. The plaintiffs argued that the definition of very low environmental impact activities, the exclusion of certain activities from EIA, insufficient…
Res. 18360-2017 Sala Constitucional2017 · Sala Constitucional
Constitucionalidad de la reducción de franja de fumigación aérea a 30 metros
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed a constitutional challenge against Article 1 of Executive Decree 34202, which amended the Agricultural Aviation Regulations by allowing the buffer zone for aerial pesticide spraying to be reduced from 100 to 30 meters when a vegetative barrier and technical conditions are met. The petitioner argued violations of Articles…
Res. 03167-2016 Sala Constitucional2016 · Sala Constitucional
Emergencia por sequía no exime viabilidad ambiental si el impacto es significativo
The Constitutional Chamber grants the amparo filed against SETENA, MINAE, and the Water Users Society of Los Ángeles de Guacimal for archiving the environmental viability file of the SUDAGUA irrigation project, relying on the Drought Emergency Decree No. 38642-MP-MAG and SETENA Resolution No. 583-2008. The Court annuls the inclusion of the project in the…
Res. 04496-2016 Sala Constitucional2016 · Sala Constitucional
Principio precautorio y viabilidad ambiental en estación de transferencia de residuos sólidos
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Municipality of Pérez Zeledón, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, and the Ministry of Health, filed by residents opposing the operation of a solid waste transfer station in the community of Las Juntas de Pacuar. The Chamber finds that the station, operating since 2012, lacks the required…
Res. 19776-2014 Sala Constitucional2014 · Sala Constitucional
Constitucionalidad del Plan Regulador de Puerto Jiménez sin evaluación ambiental previa
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed the unconstitutionality action against the Partial Regulatory Plan of Puerto Jiménez and its Zoning Regulation, approved in 2004. It held that, although an environmental impact assessment is a constitutional duty under Article 50, at the time of adoption there was no specific regulation requiring municipalities to…
Res. 07934-2013 Sala Constitucional2013 · Sala Constitucional
Anulación de concesiones municipales sobre Patrimonio Natural del Estado en Osa
The Constitutional Court grants constitutional relief against the Municipality of Osa for renewing concessions in the Maritime-Terrestrial Zone on lands containing wetlands and forests that form part of the State Natural Heritage (PNE). The complainant argued that the Punta San José Coastal Master Plan, drafted by a private company, was approved without…
Res. 17305-2013 Sala Constitucional2013 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de participación ciudadana en audiencia pública ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo against SETENA for prematurely ending the public hearing on the “New Moín Container Terminal” project. The petitioner claims she was denied the right to speak and that the hearing concluded without completing the comments and replies phase. The Chamber finds that the fundamental right to participatory…
Res. 02133-2011 Sala Constitucional2011 · Sala Constitucional
Viabilidad ambiental para proyecto piñero y necesidad de audiencia pública
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed on behalf of residents of Santa Rosa de La Rita de Pococí, Limón, who challenged the environmental viability granted by SETENA to the company Piñas Tropicales GAC, S. A. for a pineapple farm. The complainants alleged a violation of the right to a healthy environment because no public hearing was held…
Res. 01888-2011 Sala Constitucional2011 · Sala Constitucional
SETENA otorga viabilidad ambiental sin estudios definitivos del SENARA vulnera principio precautorio
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA) for granting environmental viability to the 'Mar Serena Residential Tourism Condominium' project in Guanacaste. The claimant argued that SETENA approved the environmental impact study without the hydrogeological information required by…
Res. 00075-2010 Sala Constitucional2010 · Sala Constitucional
Camino en Plan Regulador de Playa Ballena requiere evaluación de impacto ambiental previa
The Constitutional Court reviewed a claim against the land-use map of the Playa Ballena Regulatory Plan, which included a 14-meter road parallel to the beach. Plaintiffs alleged violation of the right to a healthy environment (Article 50 of the Constitution), the precautionary principle, and international treaties. The Court found that the road is located…
Res. 06922-2010 Sala Constitucional2010 · Sala Constitucional
Minería metálica a cielo abierto y protección del ambiente en Crucitas
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action against the Crucitas mining project, which involved open-pit gold mining with cyanide leaching. The majority partially granted the appeal solely because the environmental impact study was approved without the prior opinion of the National Service for Groundwater, Irrigation, and Drainage (SENARA),…
Res. 12261-2010 Sala Constitucional2010 · Sala Constitucional
Estación de servicio cerca de fábrica con sustancias inflamables
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo appeal against permits issued for a gas station in Alajuela, located less than 100 meters from a factory storing flammable and explosive products (Molinos de Costa Rica). The Chamber finds that the environmental viability approval, municipal construction and land-use permits, and fuel commercialization…
Res. 12458-2010 Sala Constitucional2010 · Sala Constitucional
Plan Regulador sin viabilidad ambiental de SETENA
The Constitutional Court reviews an amparo action against the Municipality of Osa for approving the modification and expansion of the Playa Ballena Regulatory Plan to include Playa Arco without having an environmental impact assessment approved by the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA). The plaintiff alleges violation of the right to a…
Res. 12556-2010 Sala Constitucional2010 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de viabilidad ambiental por falta de certeza científica sobre recurso hídrico
The Constitutional Chamber annulled the environmental viability granted by SETENA to the 'Flamingo Torres de la Bahía' condominium project in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, for violating the precautionary principle. The Chamber found no scientific certainty regarding the availability of drinking water or the risk of saline intrusion in wells MTP-123 and MTP-125,…
Res. 14180-2010 Sala Constitucional2010 · Sala Constitucional
Anulación de viabilidad ambiental para construcción en Playa Ventanas dentro del Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas
The Constitutional Court upheld an amparo action against SETENA for granting environmental feasibility to a housing project in Playa Ventanas, inside Las Baulas National Marine Park. The Court held that the authorization violated the precautionary principle and the right to a healthy environment, given that the area is critical for the nesting of the…
Res. 07540-2009 Sala Constitucional2009 · Sala Constitucional
Participación ciudadana en audiencia pública de SETENA no puede ser restringida
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo appeal filed by a resident of Miramar de Montes de Oro against the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA) because, during the public hearing held for the "Parque de Tecnología Ambiental Galagarza" project, she was prevented from commenting on EBI's experience at other landfills. SETENA argued that…
Res. 09592-2009 Sala Constitucional2009 · Sala Constitucional
Viabilidad ambiental no es transferible sin cesión formal ante SETENA
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Municipality of Limón and EBI de Costa Rica for constructing a sanitary landfill without EBI holding its own environmental viability permit. Evidence showed that viability was granted to the Municipality under resolution 914-2008-SETENA, and that the company purchased the land and commenced…
Res. 05271-2009 Sala Constitucional2009 · Sala Constitucional
Aplicación del apartado 14 de la Guía de EIA
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by a citizen against the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA), alleging that SETENA systematically omitted Section 14 of the General Guide for Environmental Impact Assessment Instruments in high-impact projects, thereby violating the right to a healthy and ecologically balanced…
Res. 08713-2008 Sala Constitucional2008 · Sala Constitucional
Anulación del Reglamento de Zonificación de Cabo Velas por invadir Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas
The Constitutional Chamber annuls the Cabo Velas District Zoning Regulation issued by the Municipality of Santa Cruz. The ruling determines that the regulation encroaches on the terrestrial portion of Las Baulas Marine National Park, established by Executive Decree 20518-MIRENEM and Law 7524, within a 125-meter strip from the ordinary high tide line. The…
Res. 14186-2008 Sala Constitucional2008 · Sala Constitucional
Plan Regulador de Escazú: restricciones constructivas en la Zona Protectora Cerros de Escazú
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejected an unconstitutionality action against Article 16.2 of the Escazú Regulatory Plan, which imposes severe construction limits in the Cerros de Escazú Protective Zone (maximum one 60 m² dwelling per property). The plaintiffs alleged violation of the principle of normative hierarchy, disproportionality, inequality, and…
Res. 17213-2008 Sala Constitucional2008 · Sala Constitucional
Electrificación del Parque Nacional Cahuita no vulnera el derecho al ambiente sano
In this amparo action, a group of ecotourism students challenged the electrification works in Cahuita National Park carried out by ICE and MINAE. They alleged that the installation of power lines would involve tree felling, visual pollution, and risk of electrocution for wildlife, thus violating Article 50 of the Costa Rican Constitution. The…
Res. 06315-2007 Sala Constitucional2007 · Sala Constitucional
Principio precautorio en proyecto atunero por contradicciones en el EIA
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo against MINAE and SETENA for granting environmental viability to Granjas Atuneras de Golfito S.A. to raise tuna in floating cages in Pavones, Golfito. Petitioners argue the Environmental Impact Assessment omitted risks to turtles, cetaceans, and waste management, and that the community and the Conte Burica…
Res. 17388-2007 Sala Constitucional2007 · Sala Constitucional
Plan Regulador de Playa Uvita aprobado sin viabilidad ambiental viola el artículo 50 constitucional
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action against the Municipality of Osa and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute for approving the Playa Uvita Regulatory Plan without submitting it to the environmental viability process before SETENA, as required by Article 67 of the General Regulation on Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures (Decree…
Res. 11562-2006 Sala Constitucional2006 · Sala Constitucional
Plan Regulador no requiere EIA previo si SETENA omite normativa
The Constitutional Chamber rejects an unconstitutionality action against the Partial Zoning Regulation (Regulatory Plan) of San Isidro de El General, Pérez Zeledón. The plaintiff argued the plan lacked an environmental impact assessment (EIA) required by Article 50 of the Constitution and the Chamber's case law (decision 1220-2002). The Chamber reiterates…
Res. 16276-2006 Sala Constitucional2006 · Sala Constitucional
Inconstitucionalidad de la reducción de franjas de retiro en fumigación aérea
The Constitutional Chamber partially granted an unconstitutionality action against several articles of the Regulation for Agricultural Aviation Activities (Executive Decree No. 31520). The plaintiff argued that the rules endangered health and the environment, especially due to omissions in groundwater protection and the reduction of safety buffer zones.…
Res. 14293-2005 Sala Constitucional2005 · Sala Constitucional
Exigencia de EIA para planes reguladores y no anulación del Plan Regulador de Escazú
An action of unconstitutionality was filed against the Escazú Regulatory Plan because it lacked a prior Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as required by constitutional case law. The plaintiffs argued a violation of Article 50 of the Constitution. The Constitutional Chamber dismissed the action on the merits, reiterating that the EIA requirement for…
Res. 04944-2004 Sala Constitucional2004 · Sala Constitucional
Construcción de diques sin estudios de impacto ambiental vulnera derecho a ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber grants an environmental amparo filed by a representative of the San Pancracio Settlement in Siquirres against two banana companies, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the Ministry of Health, and the Municipality of Siquirres. The Chamber finds that COBAL and BANDECO built and repaired dikes on the banks of the Pacuare and…
Res. 06322-2003 Sala Constitucional2003 · Sala Constitucional
Inconstitucionalidad de exención de EIA para rellenos sanitarios manuales
The Constitutional Chamber heard actions of unconstitutionality against Executive Decree No. 27443-S, which amended the Waste Management Regulations to exempt municipalities from preparing prior environmental impact assessments (EIA) for the construction and operation of manual sanitary landfills serving design populations of 75,000 or fewer. The…
Res. 01220-2002 Sala Constitucional2002 · Sala Constitucional
Exclusión genérica de EIA para proyectos urbanísticos bajo plan regulador es inconstitucional
The Constitutional Chamber struck down, on unconstitutionality grounds, the amendment to the SETENA Procedures Regulation (Executive Decree 26,228‑MINAE) that exempted from the obligation to submit a Preliminary Environmental Assessment Form (FEAP) —and thus from any environmental impact assessment— urban projects and housing developments located in…
Res. 03964-2001 Sala Constitucional2001 · Sala Constitucional
Construcción de camino sin EIA ni control urbanístico en Manuel Antonio
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action filed by residents of Manuel Antonio, Quepos, against the Municipality of Aguirre and several private parties for building a private road (called an “easement of way”) without an environmental impact study, without municipal plan approval, and in violation of urban planning and environmental laws. The…
Res. 02219-1999 Sala Constitucional1999 · Sala Constitucional
Depósito de desechos de naranja en el Área de Conservación Guanacaste viola el derecho al ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the Ministry of Environment and Energy and Del Oro S.A., concerning the authorization and disposal of thousands of tons of solid orange waste inside the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG). The Chamber found that the activity—carried out under an alleged research project to regenerate degraded…
Res. 01791-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Admisión parcial del recurso de casación en proceso sobre proyecto en Playa Grande y Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice rules on the admissibility of the cassation appeal filed by Coming Undone Ltda. against the judgment of the Contentious-Administrative and Civil Treasury Court, which dismissed its lawsuit against the State and SINAC. The company sought the nullity of administrative acts that denied an extension of an…
Res. 06355-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección I2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección I
Responsabilidad patrimonial por autorización y denegación de uso de suelo en humedal
The Administrative Court partially granted the claim of a plaintiff who bought a property trusting a land-use certificate issued by the Municipality of Puntarenas authorizing a residence and mechanic workshop. Later, the municipality denied the use because the land lies within the Laguna Bonilla wetland – information it had known since 2013. The court…
Res. 00004-2023 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI2023 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI
Improcedencia de indemnización por archivo de viabilidad ambiental sobre humedal Laguna Pochotal
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal dismisses the lawsuit brought by La Residencia Soñada de Costa Rica Tres S.A. against the State and SINAC, seeking compensation for damages resulting from a determination that 78% of its property lay within the Pochotal Lagoon Wetland and its protection zone, which prevented the development of the real estate project…
Res. 02691-2022 Sala Primera de la Corte2022 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Competencia para posesión en zona marítimo terrestre
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court resolves a consultation on material jurisdiction in an ordinary civil proceeding. The plaintiff, Monte Castillo S.A., sought annulment of an agrarian possessory judgment and recognition of its possession over a property in Playa Lagarto, within the maritime-terrestrial zone. The Civil Collegiate Court of Guanacaste…
Res. 00066-2022 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VIII2022 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VIII
Nulidad de viabilidad ambiental por omisión de humedal protegido
The Administrative Court dismisses the lawsuit of Marina Resort Moín S.A. against the annulment by MINAE and the Comptroller General of the environmental viability granted in 2008 for a tourist project in Moín, Limón. The company sought nullity of multiple administrative acts that revoked the permit, arguing that the viability was final and created…
Res. 00208-2017 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección III2017 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección III
Anulación de moratoria piñera municipal por vicio de competencia
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal annulled the Los Chiles Municipal Council's agreement imposing a five-year moratorium on new permits and land-use certificates for pineapple farms. While acknowledging the municipality's commendable environmental intent, the tribunal found the measure exceeded its legal authority and violated the principle of legality,…
Res. 00128-2017 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección V2017 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección V
Anulación del Decreto 26750-MINAE por debilitar controles ambientales en exploración petrolera
The Administrative Contentious Court declared the absolute nullity of Executive Decree 26750-MINAE of 1998, which had repealed Title X of the Hydrocarbons Law Regulation and divided the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) into two phases, allowing the awarding act of an oil concession to become final with only the approval of Phase I (prospecting). The…
Res. 00194-2015 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI2015 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI
Evaluación de impacto ambiental en fase de investigación geológica del PHD Térraba
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Section VI, examines whether ICE carried out construction works during the geological investigation phase of the El Diquís Hydroelectric Project (PHD) in the Térraba Indigenous Reserve and whether a different environmental assessment instrument was required beyond the Sworn Declaration of Environmental Commitments…
Res. 00048-2014 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI2014 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI
Responsabilidad por daño ambiental en humedal — condena a Argon Transport S.A.
The Contentious-Administrative Tribunal, Section VI, partially granted the claim for environmental damage against Argon Transport S.A. and dismissed it against JAPDEVA, SINAC, and the State. The court found that the company deposited granular material (ballast) on 0.15 hectares of the Central Caribbean Zone Wetland (yolillo) without environmental…
Res. 00133-2013 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI2013 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI
Adenda a viabilidad ambiental para cambio de ruta de línea de transmisión SIEPAC en Matapalo no requiere nueva audiencia pública
The Administrative Contentious Court, Section VI, examined the legality of an addendum approved by SETENA to modify the route of the CR-7 Portalón subsection of the SIEPAC project, authorizing a rerouting to avoid wildlife refuges and unstable areas, passing near Matapalo. The plaintiff alleged procedural flaws, lack of public hearing, damage to…
Res. 00412-2013 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección IX2013 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección IX
Mallon Oil debe cumplir con EIA para la Fase I de prospección petrolera
The Contentious-Administrative Tribunal, Section IX, dismissed Mallon Oil Company's lawsuit against the State, which sought to compel the Executive to sign the concession contract for hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation in blocks 5–10. The company argued it had fulfilled the environmental impact study requirement by submitting an information…
Res. 01472-2011 Sala Primera de la Corte2011 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Cesión de viabilidad ambiental entre empresas desarrolladoras de proyectos privados no es personalísima ni requiere trámites nuevos
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court rejects the cassation appeal filed by Sépticos El Nacional S.A. against the judgment that declared its lack of active standing to challenge the suspension of the sanitary operating permit for the 'El Nacional' septic sludge treatment plant. The Chamber confirms that the plaintiff, by public deed, assigned for…
Res. 00368-2011 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección III2011 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección III
Nulidad de acuerdo municipal por falta de motivación en exigencia de estudio de impacto ambiental
The Administrative Litigation Court annuls agreement SE-969-2009 of the Naranjo Municipal Council and consequently point 4 of agreement SE-7-197-2010, which had suspended the "Agricultural Parcels" subdivision project filed by Feruga Limitada and demanded an additional environmental impact study. While the Court acknowledges the Council's competence in…
Res. 01573-2010 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección III2010 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección III
Veto a licencia municipal de almacenamiento de combustible sin viabilidad ambiental de SETENA
The Contentious-Administrative Court, Section III, upholds the veto by the Mayor of Escazú against municipal council resolutions that ordered a construction license to be issued to Tractores Escazú S.A. for two diesel storage tanks without prior environmental feasibility clearance (viabilidad ambiental) from SETENA. SETENA had refused to issue the…
Res. 04399-2010 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección IV2010 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección IV
Nulidad de la concesión del Proyecto Minero Crucitas y reparación ambiental integral
The Contentious-Administrative Tribunal, Section IV, annulled the environmental viability, the approval of changes without a new EIA, the exploitation concession, the national interest decree, and the land-use change permit for the Crucitas mining project. It held that these acts violated the principle of non-derogation of regulations by disregarding the…
Res. 00042-2006 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección II2006 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección II
Suspensión de modificación del Plan Regulador de Playa Ballena por vulneración ambiental
The Administrative Contentious Tribunal, Section II, hears a request to stay the effects of a municipal planning decision, within an appeal against Osa Municipal Agreement No. 3-2004, which approved an amendment and expansion of the Playa Ballena Regulatory Plan, Playa Arco sector. The appellant argued soil fragility, coastal erosion, presence of wetlands…
Res. 00160-2006 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección II2006 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección II
Denegación de permiso de explotación de poliqueto por principio precautorio
The Administrative Court hears on appeal a motion to suspend the administrative act filed by Bloody Worm S.A. against INCOPESCA, which denied the extension of an experimental extraction and commercialization permit for the polychaete Americonuphis reesei. The company argued the denial caused irreparable harm by prohibiting its economic activity. The Court…