Environmentalists in Costa Rica face an alarming rise in threats and harassment as they confront detrimental projects impacting ecosystems. Their efforts to protect the environment have sparked a systematic pattern of repression, including stigmatization, digital harassment, and legal intimidation.
Increased Threats to Environmental Activists
Organizations in Costa Rica report grappling with various forms of harassment. In Puntarenas, local activists have been labeled as “persona non grata” on billboards, symbolizing efforts to alienate them from their communities. Additionally, an uptick in online disinformation campaigns targets those, especially women, who voice opposition to coastal developments or illegal logging.
Legal Intimidation and SLAPP Lawsuits
Legal challenges present another significant hurdle for environmental defenders. Developers have initiated lawsuits against content creators who share videos questioning the environmental impact of their projects. Such lawsuits, known as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), aim to stifle dissent by draining activists’ time and resources. As a result, some activists have had their bank accounts frozen, halting their vital work.
Institutional Challenges and Environmental Oversight
According to the latest State of the Nation Report, environmental bodies in Costa Rica are experiencing acute weakening. Budget cuts and staff reductions at both the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) have diminished resources for larger protected areas. This shift in policy centralizes decision-making while sidelining scientific and community input.
Risks to Biodiversity and Community Safety
- Rapid development in areas like Guanacaste strains vital ecosystems.
- Indigenous and rural communities encounter increased vulnerabilities, including death threats linked to land recovery efforts.
Activists warn that these pressures coincide with debates surrounding resource extraction and regulatory rollbacks. They argue that protecting natural resources is vital not only for public health but also for sustainable tourism jobs and democratic rights.
Call to Action for Environmental Governance
Environmental organizations stress the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and active participation in conservation efforts. Without stronger protections for defenders and a reversal of institutional decline, the environmental legacy of Costa Rica faces critical threats. Activists advocate for the establishment of protocols to address intimidation, anti-SLAPP legislation, and a renewed commitment to environmental governance.
In conclusion, the protection of ecosystems is intertwined with the future stability and justice of Costa Rica. Environmentalists assert that their fight is essential for the country’s sustainability and well-being.
