Environmental Permits and Approvals through SETENA in Costa Rica
We review the project's characteristics, location, development stage and environmental conditions to identify the appropriate SETENA procedure and assemble the required information, studies and mapping.
You do not need to know which SETENA form applies in advance
The appropriate environmental procedure depends on the proposed activity, its location and dimensions, the project's current stage, and the site's environmental conditions.
I Want to Develop a Project
We review the proposed activity, dimensions and location to determine whether D1, D1-C or another specific procedure applies.
My Project Is Already Operating
We analyze its background and start date to determine whether an Environmental Diagnostic Assessment (EDA) may be applicable.
I Need Environmental Compliance Monitoring
We can review the resolution and provide follow-up through the Environmental Manager, Environmental Logbook and periodic reports.
SETENA Has Requested a Specific Action
We review the resolution, request for additional information or official communication to identify exactly what documentation or action is required.
First we classify the project; then we prepare the form
An initial review helps avoid preparing studies or documents for a procedure that ultimately does not match the project's actual characteristics.
D1 and D1-C apply to different project conditions
Project size alone does not determine the form. The activity, regulatory thresholds, location and environmental conditions of the Project Area must be considered together.
Environmental Assessment for Projects
The D1 integrates project information, site conditions, environmental impacts, mapping and any specialized studies that may be necessary.
Depending on the project characteristics, it may involve a Sworn Declaration of Environmental Commitments, an Environmental Management Forecast and Plan (P-PGA), or an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Category C Projects in Environmentally Fragile Areas
This procedure applies when the regulatory conditions for low impact, the category C threshold and location within an Environmentally Fragile Area are met together.
We first verify all these conditions before assembling the application file.
Some activities have their own environmental assessment procedures
Telecommunications towers, certain forestry operations, projects within urban blocks and other activities are subject to specific procedures within SETENA's system.
Telecommunications Towers
A specific assessment procedure for tower installation, incorporating location, technical studies, photographic records and other applicable components.
Timber Harvesting Under Specific Conditions
A specialized environmental procedure for certain timber harvesting operations in forests within Protected Wild Areas, where legally applicable.
Projects in Urban Blocks
A procedure for certain residential, commercial and service activities located within officially recognized urban blocks.
Mariculture, Desalination and Government Projects
We bring together D5 mariculture procedures, environmental procedures for desalination and the D3 priority procedure for certain government projects on one page.
We also assist operating activities and projects that already have a SETENA file
Some enquiries arise well after the initial stage: existing operations needing an assessment, projects requiring environmental follow-up, or cases in which SETENA has requested specific measures.
Environmental Diagnostic Assessment (EDA)
An on-site environmental diagnosis for existing activities, works or projects that meet the legal conditions established for this procedure.
Environmental Compliance Monitoring and Environmental Manager
Monitoring of environmental commitments through site visits, technical documentation, the Digital Environmental Logbook and periodic reports.
Environmental Compensation Plan
Design of compensation measures for impacts, adverse effects or noncompliance requiring a proportionate, verifiable environmental response.
The form is only one part of the environmental application
Depending on the activity and site, technical studies may be needed to understand site conditions, evaluate impacts and substantiate proposed environmental measures.
First we understand the project, then we organize the environmental procedure
We Review the Project
We analyze the activity, location, dimensions, development stage and available background information.
We Identify the Procedure
We determine which environmental procedure applies.
We Assess the Site
We identify environmental conditions, restrictions and needs for additional information.
We Integrate Technical Studies
We prepare or coordinate the technical components required for the application.
We Prepare the Submission
We organize information, mapping, documents and environmental measures.
We Support the Process
We provide technical assistance throughout the procedure within the agreed scope of services.
The project, site, studies and maps must tell the same story
A key part of our work is helping ensure that the technical components are consistent with one another and accurately represent the project actually proposed for development.
National Environmental Technical Secretariat · SETENA
SETENA administers Environmental Assessment, Control and Monitoring procedures and determines the conditions applicable to each case through its official resolutions.
National Environmental Technical Secretariat
SETENA
Geo Costa Rica provides technical preparation and coordination of the application file
Our role is to review the project, prepare environmental and territorial information, conduct or coordinate the necessary studies, and organize the procedure within the agreed scope of services.
The institutional assessment, requests for additional information and final administrative decision remain the responsibility of SETENA.
Common Questions About SETENA Procedures
How do I know which form my project needs?
The activity, dimensions, location, thresholds and environmental conditions must be reviewed. Clients do not need to determine the correct form beforehand.
Do all projects use the D1 Form?
No. Different procedures apply depending on the activity and the specific project conditions.
What is the difference between D1 and D1-C?
D1-C applies to specific category C conditions and projects located within an Environmentally Fragile Area. D1 covers other assessment routes depending on the project.
Can an activity already in operation be processed through SETENA?
Procedures such as EDA may apply in certain circumstances, but the operating activity's background and legal conditions must be reviewed first.
Can Geo Costa Rica coordinate the technical studies?
Yes. We integrate studies within our service portfolio and coordinate the professional disciplines needed for the specific application.
What information do you need to get started?
We can generally begin with the location, cadastral plan, project description, preliminary dimensions and any available designs, resolutions or background documents.
Unsure Which Environmental Procedure Your Project Needs?
We can begin by reviewing what you intend to develop, where it is located, its dimensions and current stage to identify the appropriate environmental procedure.
Let Us Review Your Project
Send us the location, cadastral plan, activity description and any available designs or background documents.