In an inspiring demonstration of civic engagement, residents of San Rafael de Heredia and environmental activists managed to temporarily halt the felling of several trees in the residential area of El Tirol. This clash between environmental conservation and legal decisions highlights the challenges Costa Rica faces in preserving its rich natural heritage.
A Fight for Nature
The controversy began when Irina Mijaylovna Tkachenko, a resident of the neighborhood, obtained a judicial ruling in 2021 authorizing the removal of 65 trees she deemed a danger to her property. After a series of legal proceedings and inspections, the Agrarian Court of Costa Rica ordered the cutting of 20 trees on January 31, 2024.
When local authorities began executing the ruling, residents reacted immediately. A citizen movement emerged, bringing together environmentalists and community members determined to protect local biodiversity.
A Temporary Victory for Environmental Defenders
Thanks to their presence and determination, protesters managed to obtain a reprieve. The mayor of San Rafael, Jorge Eduardo Santamaría, confirmed that tree-cutting operations had been suspended following the public outcry. However, this victory remains fragile. Legal decisions and administrative obligations still loom over the future of these trees.
Protesters are not only calling for a definitive halt to the felling but also demanding a reform of the country’s forestry law to better protect green spaces and strengthen regulations against deforestation.
The Importance of Habitat Conservation
This conflict perfectly illustrates the tensions between urbanization and environmental protection in Costa Rica. Considered an ecological paradise, the country has always emphasized the preservation of its flora and fauna. However, local decisions can sometimes contradict this national commitment.
Trees are not just decorative elements in urban settings; they play a fundamental role in ecological balance. They filter air pollutants, capture CO₂, produce oxygen, and regulate ambient temperature. In a country where the tropical climate fosters exceptional biodiversity, cutting down even a few trees can have cascading effects on surrounding wildlife and vegetation.
Urban and peri-urban forests, such as those in El Tirol, are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. These green areas provide shelter for animal and plant species, including endemic birds and pollinating insects vital for natural regeneration. Additionally, trees help stabilize the soil, reducing the risks of erosion and flooding—especially in a region prone to heavy rainfall.
Eliminating these trees doesn’t just alter the landscape; it disrupts an essential component of a thriving habitat. This is why the issue should not be limited to a simple conflict between individual property rights and infrastructure safety but should instead spark a broader discussion about the role of nature in urban environments.
The situation in El Tirol underscores the need for a more sustainable and forward-thinking approach to urban planning. Conservation should not be seen as an obstacle to development but rather as a guarantee of quality of life and a safeguard for essential resources for future generations.
A Wake-Up Call for the Future
Although the battle for El Tirol’s trees is not over, it represents a powerful example of the importance of civic vigilance. Such mobilizations can not only halt rash decisions but also influence long-term legislative changes.
Green space protection can no longer be seen as an isolated struggle led solely by committed environmentalists. It must become a central issue in public policy and urban planning. The El Tirol case proves that the public is ready to mobilize to defend their living environment, but it also highlights the shortcomings in current regulations.
To prevent similar situations from recurring, it is crucial to strengthen laws governing tree removal and to require thorough environmental impact assessments before making administrative decisions. Costa Rica, often hailed as a global leader in ecological policies, must live up to its reputation by ensuring strict protection of its natural resources.
Local authorities, urban planners, and citizens must collaborate to develop alternatives to systematic tree cutting, such as maintaining trees at risk, urban reforestation, or creating ecological corridors that allow nature to coexist harmoniously with human infrastructure.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for other similar projects across the country, reinforcing the idea that civic engagement is a powerful tool for protecting the environment. If no action is taken, the increasing pressures of urbanization and real estate development could gradually erode the natural sanctuaries that make Costa Rica unique.
El Tirol is not just a local battle—it is a warning. The preservation of green spaces must become a top priority to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Sources:
Original article published by La Teja: “Vecinos y ambientalista lograron detener tala de árboles en El Tirol, pero no por mucho tiempo”, written by Sergio Salazar, February 14, 2025.