Costa Elena conserves vast land while promoting luxury and sustainability
- Costa Elena is located in the Guanacaste Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The resort preserves 60% of its land as undeveloped for local ecosystems.
- Significant sustainable development and conservation efforts have led to the resurgence of vulnerable species.
Costa Rica, recognized for its rich biodiversity, features the Guanacaste Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in 1999. This area contains one of the largest continuous dry forest tracts in Central America. The resort community of Costa Elena was designed with a focus on sustainability, aligning luxury with conservation practices. Carlos Hernandez, CEO of Pellas Development, emphasizes that this community aims to coexist harmoniously with nature by implementing low-density development plans, utilizing solar panels, and preserving a significant portion of the ecosystem. Illegal hunting and logging threaten the area due to human activities in Guanacaste Province. Costa Elena collaborates with local conservation organizations to combat these threats through education and economic development initiatives. The community’s strategies have notably bolstered populations of vulnerable species in recent years, with certain fauna exhibiting significant recovery from critical decline. The success of the Guanacaste Conservation Area has led to a transformation into a biological corridor, facilitating the movement of wildlife. This initiative has directly aided species such as ocelots and jaguars, helping to reintroduce these predators into regions where they had been absent. Taller vegetation and healthier ecosystems support the intricate food chains necessary for various species to thrive. Visitors at Costa Elena frequently encounter diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and an array of bird species, such as the critically endangered yellow-naped amazon. The area offers remarkable opportunities for birdwatching and observing other wildlife, providing guests with a unique experience that illustrates the balance between luxury living and nature conservation.