Local Economy in La Cruz
The project "Boosting local economy through conservation: The La Cruz model, its communities and protected wilderness areas" promotes a 5-year regional vision (2020-2024) with the support of the WAITT Foundation to position the canton of La Cruz, Guanacaste, in the canton of La Cruz, in Guanacaste, as a tourist destination, promoting community associativity and environmental, social and economic sustainability.
This initiative is part of the Blue and Green 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 creation of the Santa Elena Bay Marine Management Area. This process was developed under a participatory governance model with government authorities, organizations and coastal communities.
AMM Ba. Santa Elena
We supported SINAC, organizations and communities in a participatory governance model for the creation of the Santa Elena Bay Marine Management Area in La Cruz.
Project axes
Investment and financial mechanisms
Business plans and skills
Marketing and innovation
Participation and strengthening of local stakeholders
Achievements 2021
1. Tourism to create opportunities
The canton of La Cruz, Guanacaste, has a Regional Business Plan to promote the creation of a local tourism business environment. With support from the project, five business plans were prepared for local organizations and seed capital was provided to start implementation.
2. Positioning of the La Cruz Coastal Tourism Corridor
The Coastal Tourism Corridor La Cruz (CTC) is a territorial route with natural, cultural, historical, experiential and geological attractions from La Cruz to Cuajiniquil. Among its options are rural tourism, marine tours, sport fishing, whale watching, local gastronomy, among others.
3. Community leadership
Training and exchange of experiences for organizations in La Cruz. In addition, the creation of a community fund for the canton is being promoted, an initiative of local leaders, the mayor's office and the business sector.
4. Sustainable investment for communities
Asojunquillal, for example, is working with the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG) to manage tourism services in the Junquillal National Wildlife Reserve.
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:
