Former President of Costa Rica highlights accountability failures following a significant fire at urban park.
On March 27, 2025, a substantial fire broke out at Parque Lorne Ross in Santa Ana, resulting in the destruction of five hectares of vegetation.
The fire reportedly began in an area characterized by dry grassland.
Former President of
Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla, took to social media to express her views on the incident and to call for accountability regarding environmental management in the country.
Chinchilla's remarks specifically targeted the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), suggesting a failure in their responsibilities related to forest and land management.
Additionally, she criticized Deputy Pilar Cisneros, alleging that the fire was partly the result of her disregard for natural heritage in the area.
Chinchilla accused Cisneros of attempting to appropriate the park for personal interests.
The former president articulated her views in a post on Twitter, stating that the incident should prompt reflection and action regarding environmental stewardship in
Costa Rica.
Chinchilla described the fire as a metaphor for broader issues within the country, suggesting that neglect and incendiary rhetoric lead to significant consequences for the environment.
As the aftermath of the incident is being assessed, discussions around accountability and the management of natural resources in
Costa Rica are expected to intensify.
The historical context of environmental preservation and legislative responsibility in the region may also play a pivotal role in shaping the upcoming dialogues among policymakers and the public.