Over the past two years, various members of the communities and owners of farms within and surrounding Maquenque (RNVSM) have expressed their discontent with the existence of the refuge. A primary reason cited is what they see as a lack of due diligence in assessing the impact of the refuge on the economy of the area, and the lack of engagement with landowners during the process. The price of land has decreased in the RNVSM and many landowners blame this on the land use restrictions imposed by the refuge, which prevent them from developing it in certain ways. They are worried that they could be forced to abandon the land and move to the city to make a living.
Landowners have formed a group called the Defense of Inhabitants (of Maquenque) and have declared their intention to revoke the Decree that created the RNVSM, published in 2005.The refuge is administered by the Área de Conservación Arenal Huetar Norte, and not the CL-CBSS, but together these two entities have been working to form a response to the concerns.
The first response has been to clarify the process of the refuge designation which engaged stakeholders at every level prior to its formulation. In addition the CL-CBSS has traveled to the region to hold information meetings and distribute pamphlets about the refuge. The group has also been interfacing with the landowners via Don Gerardo Miranda, a landowner in the Maquenque region. Don Miranda has agreed to be the liaison between the two groups and has been attending CL-CBSS monthly meetings.
Furthermore, the CL-CBSS has been providing him with technical assistance and funds so that this group of landowners in the RNVSM can establish a formal civil society association of landowners in the RNVSM. This will help the group gain a stronger voice in the management of the refuge and to facilitate working together with the CL-CBSS on sustainable livelihood initiatives in and around the refuge.
