SETENA Orders all Work to Stop on "Development" Project on Playa La Macha

The beautiful beach and forests of Playa La Macha have been in the eye of "developers" for the last couple of years.  The result has been a concerted effort to build on the forests near the beach, in spite of the fact that eliminating the forest is prohibited by Costa Rican law.  The Fund for Costa Rica has been documenting the deforestation which has been occurring in the area and informing the authorities.  Due to our efforts and those of other concerned citizens on October 2, 2006 the Environmental Secretariat (SETENA) ordered the freezing of any kind of construction on the sites for "Casa de Habitacion Holdmex" and "Casa de Habitacion Investad".  We are having a devil of a time trying to figure out who exactly owns these properties: this is a universal problem when dealing in Costa Rica real estate.  So, I want to let any potential real estate investors know that the SETENA Environmental Viabilities for lots across from Villa Kristina are currently suspended until SETENA finishes their investigation.  Also, any construction on those lots is ILLEGAL.  FCR will continue our patrols in the area and prohibited activity will be reported to the proper authorities.  Matt