Local Economy in La Cruz
The project “Driving local economy through conservation: The model of La Cruz, its communities and protected areas” promotes a 5-year regional vision (2020-2024) with the support of the WAITT Foundation to position the canton of La Cruz, in Guanacaste, as a tourist destination, driving communal associativity, and environmental, social and economic sustainability.
This initiative is part of the Green and Blue Economy Program of Forever Costa Rica to reduce threats to biodiversity conservation.
The initiative in La Cruz, Guanacaste, was born in 2018 with the process of creating the Bahía Santa Elena Marine Management Area. This process was developed under a participatory governance model with government authorities, local organizations and coastal communities.
Marine Management Area (AMM) Bahia Santa Elena
Forever Costa Rica supported SINAC, organizations and communities in a participatory governance model for the creation of the Bahía Santa Elena Marine Management Area in La Cruz.
Project components
1. Investment and financial mechanisms
2. Business plans and skills
3. Marketing and innovation
4. Participation and strengthening of local stakeholders
Achievements 2022
1. Tourism to create opportunities
In partnership with the Costa Elena group and the Municipality of La Cruz, we implemented a training program with 18 local artisans to innovate their products.
Likewise, with the Chamber of Tourism Entrepreneurs and the Municipality, the first Tourism Fair was held in the canton, linking 20 local suppliers with 25 large tourism agencies.
2. Positioning of the La Cruz Coastal Tourism Corridor
For the third year, we implemented activities to position the Coastal Tourism Corridor La Cruz (CTC) as a route of natural attractions, cultural traditions, adventure tourism options.
3. Community leadership
Training on topics such as responsible observation of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, customer service and sales was carried out with 28 guides and tourism entrepreneurs, in partnership with the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG).
4. Sustainable community investments
The La Cruz Community Foundation is now consolidated, and will seek to provide long-term sustainability to environmental, social and climate change adaptation projects in the canton.
We also worked alongside local organizations to identify funding opportunities with national and international entities.
Local economy and conservation in La Cruz
Blue and Green Economy
The Local Economy in La Cruz project is part of our Blue and Green Economy Program. Learn more at:
