San Juanillo Indigenous Cemetery: Victim of Gentrification

San Juanillo, a small town in the province of Guanacaste, is the scene of an alarming story about the impacts of gentrification in Costa Rica . The destruction of an indigenous cemetery by the Costa Brava mega-tourism project not only reflects the loss of historical heritage, but also the uprooting of local communities and environmental damage. This article explores how gentrification and residential tourism are transforming regions like San Juanillo and what we can do to protect these cultural and natural treasures.

What is Gentrification?

Gentrification is a process of urban transformation that often involves the arrival of wealthier residents into areas previously occupied by lower-income communities. This phenomenon can bring development, but it also generates displacement and cultural loss. Learn more in our blog about Gentrification in Costa Rica

The story of San Juanillo: A town marked by resistance

San Juanillo is a coastal town with deep historical and cultural roots. Founded on land that formerly belonged to a hacienda, its inhabitants have relied on artisanal fishing and agriculture for their subsistence. Over the years, the community has faced multiple challenges, from overfishing to the pressure of tourism projects that threaten to transform the identity of the place.

One of the most significant moments of resistance occurred in 2008, when the community rejected a tourist marina project. This act demonstrated the importance of local organizing in protecting community resources and rights from outside economic interests.

San Juanillo and the Costa Brava Project

Destruction of the Indigenous Cemetery: In 2018, a team of archaeologists discovered the remains of an indigenous cemetery in San Juanillo dating back to the pre-Hispanic period. However, construction work on the Costa Brava megaproject destroyed 80% of these historical remains, leaving an irreparable loss for Costa Rican culture.

Environmental Impacts: Massive construction on the Costa Brava has resulted in deforestation, including the felling of protected species like the cocobolo. Furthermore, the intensive use of water resources to maintain amenities like artificial lakes and helipads puts the local water supply at risk.

Displacement of Local Communities: Longtime residents of San Juanillo face rising land prices and the loss of common spaces, forcing many families to leave the area.

The Impact of Gentrification in San Juanillo

Costa Brava: The project that marked a before and after

The Costa Brava mega-tourism project, located in San Juanillo, is a clear example of how gentrification impacts rural communities. The luxury development, which covers more than 148 hectares , has caused concern for three main reasons:

Consequences of Gentrification

1. Displacement of Local Communities

Rising housing costs and real estate speculation have led to the displacement of families who have lived in San Juanillo for generations. As luxury developments expand, these communities lose access to essential land and resources.

2. Loss of Cultural Heritage

In 2018, the construction of the Costa Brava project resulted in the destruction of 80% of an indigenous cemetery from the pre-Hispanic period. This cemetery was an invaluable testament to the region's cultural history. Complaints filed by archaeologists and activists have not halted construction, leaving a gap in the protection of this heritage.

3. Environmental Impact of Gentrification

• Deforestation: The felling of protected species such as the tree Cocobolo This is one of the most visible impacts. More than 200 complaints have been filed, but the institutional response has been minimal.
• Water Scarcity: Tourism projects like the Costa Brava require large amounts of water to maintain swimming pools, artificial lakes, and gardens. This places unsustainable pressure on a region already facing intense summers and limited water resources.
• Pollution: The increase in the floating population and the lack of proper waste management are leading to garbage accumulation and contamination of local water sources.

Gentrification in Guanacaste: A recurring problem?

San Juanillo is not an isolated case in Guanacaste. Neighboring communities like Marbella and Nosara also face the consequences of gentrification . In Marbella, irregularities in water management and violations of coastal protection laws are common. Meanwhile, in Nosara, the rise of residential tourism has led to the loss of access to affordable housing, pollution of natural resources, and urban sprawl. Furthermore, Increased tourism and demand for local resources have exacerbated the seashell extraction in coastal regions, affecting coastal ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.

Comparison with Other Cases of Gentrification

San Juanillo is not an isolated case. Destinations like Santa Teresa and Nosara are also facing the effects of gentrification. Like San Juanillo, these areas have experienced:

• Rising housing costs.
• Displacement of local communities.
• Overexploitation of natural resources.

For example, in Nosara, the overexploitation of drinking water, and marine pollution have sparked protests and calls for stricter regulation. These similarities underline the need for more responsible territorial planning.

The role of residential tourism in gentrification

Gentrification in Costa Rica is driven, in large part, by residential tourism. Projects like Costa Brava promise an exclusive lifestyle for foreigners, but often ignore the social, cultural, and environmental impact they create. This development model reinforces inequality, leaving local communities outside the economic benefits derived from tourism.

Alternatives to mitigate the impact of gentrification

Despite the challenges, it is possible to implement measures that balance economic development with sustainability and community well-being. Some proposals include:

1. Regulation of the Real Estate Market

It is essential to establish regulations that limit the construction of luxury projects and protect local communities from displacement.

2. Protection of Cultural Heritage

Archaeological supervision must be ensured throughout all phases of construction, and strict penalties must be imposed for the destruction of historical remains.

3. Promotion of Local Economic Alternatives

• Support artisanal fishing through local markets.
• Promote ecotourism and community tourism as sustainable forms of economic development.

4. Sustainable Water Management

Implement clear policies that prioritize access to water for local communities and limit its use in tourism projects.

A call to action

San Juanillo is a clear example of the challenges Costa Rica faces at the intersection of development and sustainability. Gentrification has transformed this community, but it has also generated resistance. Only through collective action and appropriate regulations can development be guaranteed that benefits both local communities and the environment.