Regional Climate Innovation Hub
Innovative climate actions
The Green Avenue
Monteverde is a mountainous area located on the border between the provinces of Puntarenas, Guanacaste and Alajuela. Thanks to its climate and location, it has a wide biodiversity, making it one of the main sites for ecotourism in the country.
Despite having large tracts of protected areas for conservation, Monteverde's urban center has been developed without planning that takes into account the increased demand for tourism-related services, as well as the impact that this productive activity negatively influences the quality of life of the people who live in the canton.
A clear example of the limitations in urban infrastructure is found on Santa Elena's main avenue, where road congestion has a serious impact on noise pollution, air quality and insecurity for those who travel on foot or by bicycle. This situation is compounded by the low availability of green spaces and communal recreational areas, which limits coexistence and the strengthening of the community's social fabric.
In response to this problem, the local government of Monteverde developed a project proposal to design and build a “Green Avenue”, an initiative that aims to close one of the main streets of Santa Elena to vehicular traffic, turning it into a boulevard to improve conditions for pedestrians, and thus contribute to an improvement in the quality of life of the entire community, including visitors and tourists.
This innovative project incorporates ecological urban planning criteria, seeking to increase green coverage and areas with permeable soils to 60%. To this end, it proposes tree planting for shade and the incorporation of native vegetation, the creation of rain gardens and the design of green walls and roofs, as well as the installation of refuges for insects and birds. In addition, the use of materials that improve soil permeability and the installation of accessible and multifunctional urban furniture that promotes the regeneration of the urban ecosystem are also proposed.
Finally, the project is characterized by working with a gender approach, ensuring the design of safe, multifunctional and accessible spaces that promote equity, looking after the interests of women and the most vulnerable populations.
- Transform part of the urban infrastructure of Santa Elena so that it is at the service of the community, facilitating the appropriation of space for coexistence and the development of recreational, sports and cultural activities.
- Develop a new, sustainable urban area that facilitates the local economic and social development of the canton of Monteverde.
- The road decongestion in the urban center of Santa Elena will have a positive impact on the health and quality of life of the community.
- Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by decongesting the urban traffic center, prioritizing active and sustainable mobility.
- Improved community adaptation to climate change by integrating nature-based solutions and green urbanism criteria, such as improved soil permeability, creation of rain gardens, green roofs, tree planting for shade, and the development of a new urban area free of vehicular air pollution.
- The installation of refuges for insects and birds, as well as the planting of endemic and fauna-attracting vegetation, are restorative practices that generate ecosystem services that strengthen biodiversity.
- The strengthening of biodiversity and biological connectivity is also manifested in the improvement of biological connectivity between two streams.
- The Green Avenue project is aligned with the Monteverde Adaptation Plan (2022-2024).
- It promotes citizen participation and the implementation of community education and awareness actions.
- The regeneration of the urban ecosystem will provide ecosystem benefits that will increase well-being and improve the quality of life in the canton.
- To implement a project of this type, it is recommended that a diagnosis be prepared with the participation of the community, where the needs and expectations of the inhabitants of Santa Elena and the canton are identified. This participatory process should ensure the participation of the most vulnerable populations.
- It is recommended to accompany the process with the development of an agenda of cultural and recreational activities that encourage the appropriation of public space.
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Thematic approach:
Water and adaptation, Biodiversity and nature based solutions, Planificación, Transporte
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Institution/implementing organization:
- Municipality of Monteverde
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Contact:
Catalina Molina Bustamante
Coordinadora del programa "Munis Disruptivas"
GIZ
- Relevant information:
