Monteverde Water Concession Nullified
Jairo Villegas S. - La Nacion
The Minister of the Environment, Roberto Dobles, anulled the water concession obtained by a group of investors to capture water from the La Cuecha and La Máquina watercourses in Monteverde. (Puntarenas province)
The water is used for ranching and farming. Dobles sided with a group of residents, who opposed the project, saying that it would damage the environment.
José Miguel Zeledón, Water Director for MINAE, said that the resolution could affect other users who have authorization to utilize resources in Monteverde. He announced that they would analyze all the cases.
AgustĂn Atmetlla, lawyer for those opposed to the project, said that the concessionaire did not give true details during their application. “They did no mention that this area is forest or of interest for tourism. The neighbors are very happy, the community is not against investment that is above board.”