REQUEST FOR THE INDICATION OF NEW PROVISIONAL MEASURES
A. INTRODUCTION
1. I have the honour to refer to the Application submitted to the Court on
18November 2010 by which proceedings were instituted on behalf of the Republic of Costa
Rica (Costa Rica) against the Republic of Nicaragua (Nicaragua) in Certain Activities Carried
Out by Nicaragua in the Border Area (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua) and to the Court's Order on
1
provisional measures of 8 March 2011.
2. This Request for the indication of new provisional measures is prompted by:
(i) Nicaragua's continued presence on Costa Rica's territory;
(ii) the recent and ongoing construction of two artificial channels; and
(iii) related dredging and dumping activities affecting that territory and detrimentally
impacting upon its ecology.
3. Costa Rica respectfully files this Request in accordance with Article 41 of the Statute of
the Court and Articles 73, 74 and 75 of the Rules of Court. It is accompanied by
Attachments PM-1 to PM-18.
4. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not a request for modification of the Court's Order on
provisional measures of 8 March 2011. Itis an independent request based on new facts. This
Request concerns two distinct and new artificial channels, or canos, which Nicaragua is
2
constructing and which Costa Rica has only just become aware of. These are separate and
distinct from the first artificial cano that Nicaragua began constructing in 2010, between the San
Juan River and Laguna Los Portillos. Nevertheless, these two new artificial canos are located in
the "disputed territory" which is the subject of the Court's Order of 8 March 2011. In its Order,
the Court defined the "disputed territory" as:
Certain Activities Carried out by Nicaragua in the Border Area (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua), Application for
Provisional Measures, Order of 8 March 2011, I.C.J. Repp. 6.
2 Costa Rica first became aware of potential activity in the disputed territory at the end of AItust.
immediately requested a satellite provider to obtain satellite images. Those images, which are at Attachment PM-8,
were taken on 5 September 2013 and were provided to Costa Rica on 13 September 2013.
1 "... the northem part of Isla Portillos, that is to say, the area of wetland of sorne 3 square
kilometres between the right bank of the disputed cano, the right bank of the San Juan
River up to its mouth at the Caribbean Sea and the Harbor Head Lagoon (hereinafter the
'disputed territory')"?
The disputed territory to which the Order refers is indicated on the satellite image attached to this
Request as Attachment PM-9 and reproduced here for convenience:
Location of Nicaraguan lents, pile
of felled trees and lookout tower.
All three caiios are indicated on this image: the first, on which construction began in 2010, and
the second and third, on which construction commenced between June and September 2013. The
4
precise coordinates of the two new artificial caiios are indicated on Attachment PM-10.
Certain Activities Carried out by Nicaragua in the Border Area (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua), Application for
Provisional Measures, Order of8 March 2011, I.C.J. Reports, p. 6, p. 19 (para. 55).
4 Satellite image indicating the coordinates of the two new artificial canas, Attachment PM-10.
2 B. JURISDICTION OF THE COURT
5. The Court has jurisdiction over the present dispute pursuant to Article XXXI of the
American Treaty on Pacifie Settlement of Disputes, Bogota, 30 April 1948 (the Pact of Bogota')
and in accordance with the declarations of acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction
pursuant to Article 36(2) of the Statute of the Court made respectively by Costa Rica on
20 February 1973 and by Nicaragua on 24 September 1929 (as modified 23 October 2001).
Nicaragua has not challenged the jurisdiction of the Court in the present case. In its Order of
8 March 2011, the Court already concluded that the instruments invoked by Costa Rica "appear,
prima facie, to afford a basis on which the Court might have jurisdiction to rule on the merits,
enabling it to indicate provisional measuresf it considers that the circumstances so require".
C. THE FACTS RELEVANT TO THIS REQUEST
6. The Court is acquainted with the background of this dispute; the specifie facts are set out
in Costa Rica's Application of 18November 2010, in its Request for provisional measures
submitted to the Court on 18November 2010 and in its Memorial of 5 December 2011. As the
Court will recall, Costa Rica's Request for Provisional Measures dated 18 November 2010 was
prompted by the ongoing occupation and construction of an artificial cano on Costa Rican
territory by Nicaragua and the related dredging activities affecting that territory and its ecology.
7. In its Order on provisional measures of 8 March 2011, the Court indicated the following
provisional measures:
"(1) ... Bach Party shall refrain from sending to, or maintaining in the disputed territory,
including the cano, any personnel, whether civilian, police or security;
(2) ... Notwithstanding point (1) above, Costa Rica may dispatch civilian personnel
charged with the protection of the environment to the disputed territory, including the
cano, but only in so far as it is necessary to avoid irreparable prejudice being caused to
the part of the wetland where that territory is situated; Costa Rica shall consult with the
Secretariatof the Ramsar Convention in regard to these actions, give Nicaragua prior
notice of them and use its best endeavours to find common solutions with Nicaragua in
this respect;
(3) ... Bach Party shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the
dispute before the Court or make it more difficult to resolve;
Certain Activities Carried out by Nicaragua in the Border Area (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua), Application for
Provisional Measures, Order of8 March 2011, I.C.J. Reports, p. 6, p. 18 (para. 52).
3 (4) ... Each Party shall inform the Court asto its compliance with the above provisional
measures."
8. Insofar as the dispatching of Costa Rican civilian personnel to the disputed territory is
concemed, the Court expressly noted that "Costa Rica must be in a position to avoid ilreparable
prejudice being caused to the part of that wetland where [the disputed] territory is situated", and
that "for that pm-poseCosta Rica must be able to dispatch civilian personnel charged with the
protection of the environment to the said territory, including the cano, but only in so far as it is
6
necessary to ensure that no such prejudice be caused".
9. In its Order on the requests for the modification of the Order on provisional measures of
16 July 2013, the Court declined both Parties' requests for modification of the Court's Order of
8 March 2011. In relation to Costa Rica's request, however, the Court found that the presence of
large numbers of Nicaraguan nationals in the disputed territory "carries the risk of incidents
which might aggravate the dispute", a situation that "is exacerbated by the limited size of the
7
area and the nurnbers ofNicaraguan nationals who are regularly present there". Because of this
8
the Court noted that it "wishes to express its concems in this regard". Furthermore, because of
the presence of Nicaraguan nationals in the disputed territory the Court "thus consider[ed] it
necessary to reaffirm the measures that it indicated in its Order of 8 March 2011, in particular the
requirement that the Parties 'shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the
dispute before the Court or make it more difficult to resolve"'. 9
1O. The Court considered that it had not been sufficiently demonstrated at that time that there
was a risk of irreparable prejudice to the rights claimed by Costa Rica or that there was urgency
that wouldjustify the indication of further provisional measures. On that basis, the Court rejected
Costa Rica's request for modification of the Order. 10
Ibid, pp. 25-26 (para. 80).
Certain Activities Carried ouby Nicaragua in the Border Area (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua), Requests for
the Modification of the Order of8 March 2011 Indicating Provisional Measures, Order of 16July 201para. 37.
Ibid, para. 37.
9
Ibid, para. 38.
JO Ibid, para. 35.
411. Since the date of the Court's Order of 16 July 2013, Costa Rica has found out about new
and grave activities by Nicaragua in the disputed territory, through the receipt of satellite
imagery of that area. It now appears that between 30 June and 5 September 2013, Nicaragua
commenced construction of two new artificial canas in the disputed territory. In so doing, it has
felled trees, destroyed undergrowth and excavated and dumped sail and sediment in a protected
Ramsar wetland. The clearing of vegetation effected by Nicaragua to commence construction of
the corridor for the new canas, together with the initial excavations to eut the canas, have
already caused significant environmental harm to the surrounding area. The continuing work to
construct and deepen the canas risks causing irreversible harm to the environment and ecology
of the disputed territory. Furthermore, if the work continues, it is increasingly likely to change
the course of the San Juan River, including the geographicallocation and the configuration of its
exit to the Caribbean Sea. That appears to be the intent of Nicaragua in carrying out this work.
The work is therefore risking serious and irreparable prejudice to Costa Rica, as sovereign of the
right bank of the San Juan River, and to Costa Rica's rights in the present case pending a final
Judgment on the merits.
12. On 13 September 2013, Costa Rica received satellite images which confirmed that
Nicaragua is constructing two new artificial canos in the disputed territory. The contrast between
the position at the end of June and in September is well-illustrated by the satellite images at
Attachments PM-7 and PM-8. The first set of images, dated 30 June 2013, depict untouched
wetland.JJ The later set of images, dated 5 September 2013, show the two new artificial canas,
and ongoing construction activities. 12These new artificial canas are located on the disputed
territory which is the subject of the Court's Order of 8 March 2011, as described in paragraph 4
above and are depicted on Attachment PM-9 (reproduced in paragraph 4 above), which also
indicates the disputed territory.13
11 Satellite images of part of the disputed territory, Digital Globe Inc., supplied to Costa Rica by
GeoSolutions Consulting Inc, 30 June 2013, Attachment PM-7.
12 Satellite images of part of the disputed territory, Digital Globe Inc., supplied to Costa Rica by
GeoSolutions Consulting Inc, 5 September 2013, Attachment PM-8.
13
Satellite image showing the disputed territory, indicating the locations of three artificial caiios,
Artachment PM-9.
5 13. Itis clear that work on these two new artificial cafios commenced after June this year. 14
14. Following Costa Rica's discovery of these two new canos, and given the fact that their
construction has caused and will likely continue to cause irreparable prejudice to Costa Rica's
sovereignrights, Costa Rica imrnediatelyprotested to Nicaragua and requested that it:
(i) irnrnediatelycease all construction activities in the disputed territory;
(ii) provide an explanation of its activities and the presence ofNicaraguan equiprnent
and personnel in the disputed territory; and
(iii) keep the disputed territory clear of any persans emanating from its territory. 15
Costa Rica's letter to Nicaragua of 16 September 2013 stated as follows:
"Sir,
I write to you on this occasion to refer to a serious incident which my country has learned
of in recent days. The Republic of Nicaragua has unlawfully entered the Costa Rican
territory of Isla Portillos, which moreover is subject to provisional measures indicated by
the International Court of Justice in its Order of 8 March 2011, and it is constructing new
artificialcafios thereon through use of one or more dredgers.
The evidence obtained by Costa Rica shows the opening of at least two new cafios in the
area. The larger of the two cafios is located at georeferenced coordinates
1056 13.9919N, and 83 41 25.7513 W. The dredger is pictured as carrying out works on
this larger cano on 5 Septernber 2013. The corresponding satellite image is annexed to
this note, together with a satellite image of the same location taken three months ago, in
which neither of these two new canos can be seen to have existed.
The construction of these two new canos is not only a serious infringement of Costa
Rica's territorial integrity, but (i)is causing significant environmental harrn and has the
potential to cause further harrn in what is a wetland of international importance that
enjoys the protection of the Ramsar Convention, and (ii) will, if continued, imminently
impact on the course of the San Juan river and the configuration of its exit to the
Caribbean Sea, thereby risking serious and irreparable prejudice to Costa Rica.
My country and my Govemment regret that whilst the President of Nicaragua has made
speeches calling for dialogue between our two countries and has affirrned Nicaragua's
purported cornpliance with the decisions of the International Court of Justice, your
country has nevertheless carried out acts in the area indicated by International Court of
14
The evidence submitted by Nicaragua in its Counter-Memorial in this case shows that these two cai'iosdid
not exist at the time that pleading was submitted, on 6 August2. See NCM (Certain Activities), Annex 135
(2007 Satellite Image) and Annex 136 (2010 Satellite Image). See also NCM (Certain Activities), Figure 6.8
(January 2011 image), p. 330.
15 Diplomatie Note sent by Enrique Castillo Barrantes, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Costa Rica,
to Samuel Santos L6pez, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nicaragua, 16 September 2013, Reference DM-AM-536-13
(Spanish original and English translation),hment PM-1.
6 Justice, which are overt breaches of Costa Rica's territorial sovereignty as well as the
said Order of 8 March 2011.
Additionally, last Monday, 9 September 2013, a Nicaraguan media outlet with close
connections to the Nicaraguan Government, 19 Digital, boasted that more than 10,000
Nicaraguans have made their way to the northern sector of Isla Portillos, renamed by
your country as Harbour Head, despite the multiple protests that my country has made,
and in open defiance of the Order of the International Court of Justice, when it noted that
the presence of large numbers of Nicaraguans in the area carries the risk of incidents
which might aggravate the present dispute, and is of concern to the Court, as stated in its
Order of 16 June 2013.
Therefore, my Government presents its strongest protest and demands that Nicaragua
respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Costa Rica, and that it fully complies
with the provisional measures indicated by the International Court of Justice. To this end,
Costa Rica demands:
(i) the immediate cessation of ali construction activities on the two canos and any
other construction activities in the area, alongside an immediate assurance from
Nicaragua that such construction activities have ceased and will not be
recommenced;
(ii) that Nicaragua immediately provide to Costa Rica explanations for the
construction activities and for the presence of Nicaraguan personnel and
equipment in Isla Portillos, part of the Northeast Caribbean Wetland;
(iii) that Nicaragua keep the area clear from any person emanating from Nicaraguan
territory.
I take this opportunity to reiterate assurances of my highest consideration." 16
15. On 17 September 2013, Costa Rica informed the Court, Ramsar 17 18 and Nicaragua 19 ofits
intention to carry out a site visit with its environmental personnel, pursuant to paragraph 86(2) of
the Court's Order of8 March 2011. 20
)6 Ibid, Attachment PM-1.
J7 Note sent by Ambassador Jorge Urbina, Co-Agent of Costa Rica, to His Excellency Mr. Philippe Couvreur,
Registrar of the International Court of Justice, 17 September 2013, Reference ECRPB-059-13, Attachment PM-3.
18
Note sent by Ambassador Manuel B. Dengo, Pennanent Representative of the Republic of Costa Rica to
the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, to Mr. Christopher Briggs, Secretary
General to the Ramsar Convention, 17 September 2013, Reference MPCR-ONUG/2013-407 (Spanish original and
English translation), Attachment PM-4.
)9
Diplomatie Note sent by Enrique Castille Barrantes, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Costa Rica,
to Samuel Santos L6pez, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nicaragua, 17 September 2013, Reference DM-AM-537-13
(Spanish original and English translation), Attachment PM-2.
7 16. Nicaragua responded to Costa Rica's note on 18September 2013, stating:
"Honourable Minister:
I am addressing you in reference to your note DM-AM-537-13 DATED September 17of
this year, and your note DM-AM-536-13 of the same date, both related to the process
joined by the International Court of Justice, namely 'Certain activities carried out by
Nicaragua in the border area (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua)' and 'Construction of a road in
Costa Rica along the San Juan River (Nicaragua v. Costa Rica).
In your note DM-AM-537-13, the Government of Costa Rica indicates that 'during this
week... Costa Rica will be sending personnel for environmental protection to assess the
wetland's situation' in the disputed areaof Harbour Head.
In this regard, the Govemment of Reconciliation and National Unity of the Republic of
Nicaragua reiterates what has been expressed on multiple occasions in previous notes, in
relation to the capricious interpretation of the measures issued by the International Court
of Justice in its Order of 8 March 2011. As in previous occasions, Costa Rica insists on
performing last minute notifications to Nicaragua in a superficial attempt to disguise its
noncompliance with the Order of the Court, which clearly indicates in paragraph 86
subsection 2 that it may dispatch civilian personnel charged with the protection of the
environment to the disputed teiTitory, but only insofar as there is a need to avoid
irreparable prejudice to the disputed area, and it shall consult RAMSAR and give
Nicaragua prior notice so as to work jointly and thus find solutions. Costa Rica has
decided once again to disŒgardwhat was indicated in the Order.
Itis quite surprising that the Govemment of Costa Rica still intends to claim a need to
'assess the situation' of the disputed area subject to the provisional measures due to
'importantchanges in its nature,' in view of the recent decision by the Court to reject the
request for modification of the provisional measures filed by Costa Rica. In its Order of
16 July 2013 the Court highlighted that 'in the light of the evidence before it, the Court
considers that, as matters stand, it has not been demonstrated sufficiently that there is a
risk of irreparable prejudice to the rights claimed by Costa Rica' and that the evidence
'does not ... establish the existence of a proven risk of irreparable damage to the
environment.' Similarly, the Court expressed that this request lacked urgency, contrary to
that claimed by your Government. Based on the foregoing, Costa Rica's intention to send
personnel to the disputed area puts in question the real intention of your government in
performing this field visit.
On the other band, in relation to the use of a 'boat for the transfer [of personnel] by
water,' the Government of Reconciliation and National Unity of the Republic of
Nicaragua, in strict compliance with the decisions of the International Court of Justice,
wishes to remind you once again that your request goes beyond that granted by the
International Court of Justice to Costa Rica, which in the judgment of 13 July 2009 in
relation to the case 'Dispute concerning Navigational and Related Rights (Costa Rica v.
20 Certain Activities CarriedbyNicaragua in the Border Area (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua), Application for
Provisional Measures, Order of 8 March 2011, l.C.J. Reports, p. 6, p. 27 (para. 86(2)) (quoted in paragraph 7
above).
8 Nicaragua)' limits Costa Rica's right of navigation exclusively to 'navigation for
purposes of commerce.'
In this regard, the Costa Rican government's intention to navigate the San Juan River
with the aforementioned goal represents a violation of that established by the Court, in
conformity with the Jerez-Canas Treaty ofLimits.
Similarly, on repeated occasions the Government of Nicaragua has objected to the
numerous violations of the air space committed by the Government of Costa Rica, and in
this regard I reiterate that the international regulations require your government to use the
corresponding mechanisms to request due authorization of the flyover in Nicaraguan
territory.
Regarding your note DM-A-AM-536-13, the Govemment of Nicaragua reminds the
Government of Costa Rica that Harbour Head is a swamp area connected by a number of
historical channels that have been recognized since the Alexander era, both by RAMSAR
and widely addressed and demonstrated by Nicaragua in its counter-memorial in the case
'Certain activities by Nicaragua in the border area (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua).'
In addition, as you are fully aware, we are in the heavy rain season, which normally alters
the water levels in the entire area. Consequently, it would not be abnormal for the aspect
of some channels to have changed in the last few months. In any case, the Government of
Nicaragua has not authorized any type of work in the disputed area and has not sent
personnel there.
In view of the foregoing, I cannot help but notice that this new verbal escalation by your
Government seems to have the purpose of joining the campaign by other countries in the
region against Nicaragua.
Finally, I wish to reaffirm that the Govemment of Nicaragua has complied with and will
continue to fully comply with the provisional measures issued by the Court in its Order of
8 March 2011, and it calls toits sister nation of Costa Rica to do the same and avoid 'any
action which might aggravate or extend the dispute.'
I take this opportunity to express the assurances of my highest consideration." 21
17. As is clear from Nicaragua's response, Nicaragua refused to immediately cease its
construction activities on the two new canos in the disputed territory and even went so far as to
claim that "the aspect of some channels" may have changed due to "the heavy rain season". The
suggestion that these new canas may have been naturally formed are squarely contradicted by
the evidence of dredgers, which can be seen in Attachments PM-6, PM-8, PM-10, PM-13,
PM-14, PM-16 and PM-17. Moreover, Nicaragua's assertion that it has not authorized the work
is directly contradicted by Mr. EdénPastora, the "Contra" commander, now in the service of the
21 Diplomatie Note senby Samuel Santos Lopez, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nicaragua, to Enrique Castillo
Barrantes, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Costa Rica, 18 September 2013,
Reference MRE/DM/521/09/13 (Spanish original and English translation), Attachment PM-5.
9Sandinista Government, who has publicly stated that he is responsible for the dredging works on
the San Juan River and that he is conducting works in the area where the two new canos are
being constructed. 22
18. In accordance with Costa Rica's notification to the Court, Ramsar and Nicaragua, Costa
Rican personnel attempted to access the disputed territory on 18 September 2013 by paying a
boatman and navigating on the San Juan River. Nicaragua detained the personnel attempting to
access the disputed territory by boat at the "Delta Nicaragua" border post for more than an hour
and a half Following their detention, Nicaragua refused to allow the personnel to navigate on the
San Juan River, preventing those personnel from navigating on the River in accordance with
Costa Rica's right of navigation established in the 1858 Treaty of Limits and the Cleveland
Award, and recognized by the Court in its 2009 Judgment in the Navigational Rights case. 23
19. Despite Nicaragua's deliberate obstruction of Costa Rican personnel accessing the
disputed territory, Costa Rica was able to conduct an overflight of the disputed territory by
helicopter that same day. Their inspection and photographie and video materials revealed that:
(i) the work undertaken by Nicaragua to create the new canos, including significant
clearing of vegetation, has caused and, if it does not immediately cease, will
continue to cause significant harm to the disputed territory;
(ii) there is a dredger in the new cano to the east, which is presently working to
deepen and enlarge the already wide cano. The use of a dredger to deepen and
enlarge this cano is causing and will continue to cause more serious
environmental and ecological damage than would be caused if the work is
effectedby manuallabour;
(iii) the new cano to the east is particularly wide at its upstream end close to the San
Juan River, and its dimensions and funnel shape appear to be intended to attract as
22
Video interview of Mr. EdénPastora, 18 September 2013, available online from Nicaraguan media outlet
"Noticias Nicaragua" at <<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6YV0598vqE&featurebe&t=2ml8s>> (Spanish
transcription and English translation), Attachment PM-18. Electronic copies of this video are submitted with this
Request.
23
Dispute regarding Navigational and Related Rights (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua), Judgment, I.C.J. Reports
2009, p. 213, p269 (para. 156). See also Report of Costa Rican Ministry ofEnvironment and Energy (MINAE) and
the NationalSystem of Conservation Areas (SINAC), 18 September 2013 (Spanish original and English translation),
Attachment PM-6.
10 much water as possible from the River and divertit away from the natural course
of the San Juan and through the cafw to the Caribbean Sea; and
(iv) for the same cano, to the east, Nicaragua is also digging a trench with a wide
mouth leading to a narrower channel which extends from the shore of the small
natural lagoon at the northem end of the new cano sorne way across the beach to
the north east towards the Caribbean Sea. The purpose of this trench appears to be
artificially to breach the beach, connecting the new cano through the lagoon and
to the Caribbean Sea, and so to create a new course for the San Juan River.
The aerial observations of Costa Rica's environmental personnel are recorded in photographs
which are included as Attachments PM-11 to PM-16, 24 and in a video which is
Attachment PM-17. 25 The report of the environmental personnel is also attached as
Attachment PM-6. 26
20. The construction of these two new canas is not on1y a serious infringement of Costa
Rica's territorial integrity,but-
(i) the clearing of vegetation to construct the new canas has caused significant
environmental harm to the surrounding area;
(ii) the continuing work to construct and deepen the new canas risks causing
irreversible harm to the environment and ecology of the disputed territory, which
is a wetland of international importance under the protection of the Ramsar
Convention; and
24 Photograph of the disputed territory showing one of thecanas with tree stumps, and the lagoon visible,
18 September 2013, Attachment PM-11; Photograph of the disputed territory showing one of the necafioswith
tree stumps, the lagoon, the trench dug in beach adjacent to lagoon visible, 18 September 2013,
Attachment PM-12; Photograph of disputed territory showing Nicaraguan dredger in one of the new caFws,
18 September2013, Attachment PM-13; Photograph of the disputed territory showing Nicaraguan dredger in the
one of the new cafios,lagoon adjacent to Caribbean Sea, and Nicaraguan tents, 18 September 2013,
Attachment PM-14; Photograph of the disputed territory showing a close-up of the Nicaraguan camp of four tents,
the pile of felled trees next to the camp, a further tent-like structure, and a lookout tower adjacent to the Caribbean
Sea, 18 September 2013, Attachment PM-15; and Photograph of the disputed territory showing a close-up of the
Nicaraguan dredger undertaking works in one of the ncafios18 September 2013, Attachment PM-16.
25 Video of onsite visit undertaken by Costa Rica in a civilian helicopter, 18 September 2013 (extract),
Attachment PM-17. Electronic copies of this video are submitted with this Request.
26
Report of Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and the National System of
Conservation Areas (SINAC), 18 September 2013 (Spanish original and English translation), Attachment PM-6.
11 (iii) if it continues, this work is increasingly likely to change the course of the San
Juan River and the location and configuration of its exit to the Caribbean Sea,
thereby risking serious and irreparable prejudice to Costa Rica, as sovereign of
the right bank of the San Juan River, and to Costa Rica's rights in the present
case, pending a finaljudgment on the merits.
In these circumstances, including where Costa Rica has asked Nicaragua to cease these works
and Nicaragua has refused to do so (going so far as to deny the existence of the new artificial
canas in the face of inconvertible evidence in satellite images), Costa Rica makes this Request
for the indication of new provisional measures.
D. THE RIGHTS COSTA RICA IS SEEKING TO PROTECT
21. The object of provisional measures pursuant to Article 41 of the Court's Statute is to
preserve the respective rights ofthe parties pending the Court'sjudgment on the merits. 27Costa
Rica's rights that are the subject of the dispute are set out in its Application of
18November 2010, in its Request for provisional measures submitted to the Court on
18November 2010 and in its Memorial of 5 December 2011. Costa Rica's rights which are the
subject of this Request for new provisional measures are the same as those for which the Court
indicated provisional measures in its Order of 8 March 2011, i.e. its rights to sovereignty, to
territorial integrity and to non-interference with its lands and environmentally protected areas.
These rights are the subject of Costa Rica's Application in the present case. In relation to these
rights, the Court has already held that "the title to sovereignty claimed by Costa Rica over the
entirety oflsla Portillos is plausible".8
22. By constructing two further canas in the disputed territory, Nicaragua has caused and is
continuing to cause irreparable harm to Costa Rican rights at issue in the present proceedings.
Nicaragua's course of conduct demonstrates complete disregard for the rights of Costa Rica
27 See e.g., Armed Activities on the territory of the Congo (Democratie Republic of the Congo v. Uganda,
Provisional Measures,Order of 1 July 2000, J.C.J. Reports 2001, p. 111, p. 127 (para. 39); and Land and Maritime
Boundary between Cameroon and Nigeria, Provisional Measures, Order of 15 March 1996, 1.C.J. Reports 1996,
p. 13, p. 21 (para. 35).
28 Certain Activities Carried out by Nicaragua in the Border Area (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua), Application for
Provisional Measures, Order of8 March 2011, I.C.J. Reports, p. 6, p. 19 (para. 58).
12pending the Court's final Judgment in this case. Additional provisional measures are required in
these circumstances, notably to prevent further irreparable prejudice to Costa Rica's rights.
E. URGENCY AND IRREPARABLE PREJUDICE
23. The present Request is of real urgency. Nicaraguan presence in the disputed territory
includes members ofNicaragua's armed forces. The construction ofthese two new canos and the
fact that Nicaragua is currently engaged in detrimental activity to the environment, including
dumping of materials, require urgent action. The urgency of this Request is demonstrated by the
continued damage inflicted by Nicaragua on Costa Rican territory which is the subject of the
present dispute, notwithstanding the Court's Order on provisional measures of 8 March 2011.
24. Moreover, through its construction and ongoing dredging of the canos, Nicaragua is
attempting unilaterally to rnodify, to its own benefit, the location and configuration of a River,
the right bank of which constitutes a valid, agreed and settled international boundary. In
particular, the new artificial cano to the east has been and is continuing to be constructed with a
very wide mouth on its upstream end on the San Juan River, indicating that it is intended to
divert as rnuch water as possible from the River and convey it to the Caribbean Sea. At the
Caribbean end, the new artificial cano to the east has a wide mouth leading to a narrower channel
which is intended artificially to breach the beach, connecting the new cano to the Caribbean Sea,
in an attempt to create a new course for the San Juan River.
25. However, as matters stand at the date of this Request, the beach has not yet been
breached. Furthermore, the work in both new caftos is incomplete and ongoing. In a period of
just over two months, Nicaragua has already made substantial progress on construction of the
cai1osand its work is continuing. There is a real risk that Nicaragua's continued activities in the
disputed territory will cause further irreparable prejudice to Costa Rica's rights which are the
subject of the present case. In the circumstances, the indication of provisional measures under
Article 41 of the Court's Statute is warranted.
13 F. CONSEQUENCES IF THE COURT DOES NOT INDICATE THE REQUESTED
PROVISIONAL MEASURES
26. There is a real risk that without the indication of further provisional measures, Nicaragua
will continue to take further action prejudicial to the rights of Costa Rica before the Court has the
opportunity to render its final Judgment on the merits. This is even more likely in light of
Nicaragua's letter dated 18 September 2013, set out inparagraph 16above. Nicaragua has shown
complete disregard for Costa Rica's rights while this case is pending. Nicaragua considers that it
is free to modify the natural configuration of the disputed territory and is taking action to do so,
even after the Court indicatedprovisional measures. If the Court does not take, with urgency, the
requested provisional measures, Costa Rica, which is unable to exercise its territorial sovereignty
over the disputed territory (a protected wetland) pending the resolution of this dispute, will only
be able to receive in the final judgment an area geographically altered and seriously damaged. In
short, there is a real risk that action prejudicial to Costa Rica's rights which are more than
plausible will continue and significantly alter the factual situation on the ground before the Court
has an opportunity to render its final decision on the questions for determination set out in Costa
Rica's Application. 29
G. THE MEASURES REQUESTED
27. For these reasons, Costa Rica respectfully requests the Court as a matter of urgency to
order the following provisional measures so as to prevent further breaches of Costa Rica's
territorial integrity and further irreparable harm to the territory in question, pending the
determination of this case on the merits:
(1) the immediate and unconditional suspension of any work by way of dredging or
otherwise in the disputed territory, and specifically the cessation of work of any
kind on the two further artificial caiïos in the disputed territory, as shown in the
satellite images attached as Attachment PM-8;
29
C.f.Passage through the Great Belt (Fin/and v. Denmark), Provisional Measures, Order of 29 July 1991,
I.C.J. Reports 1991,p.12, p. 19 (para.23); Certain Criminal Proceedings in France (Republic of the Congo v.
France), Provisional Measure, Order of 17June 2003, I.C.J. Reports 20p.,102,p.107 (para. 22); and Pulp Mills
on the River Uruguay (Argentina v. Uruguay), Provisional Measures, Order of 23 January 2007, I.C.J. Reports
2007, p.3,p. 11 (para. 32).
14 (2) that Nicaragua immediately withdraw any personnel, infrastructure (including
lodging tents) and equipment (including dredgers) introduced by it, or by any
persons under its jurisdiction or coming from its territory, from the disputed
territory;
(3) that Costa Rica be permitted to undertake remediation works in the disputed
territory on the two new artificial canas and the surrounding areas, to the extent
necessary to prevent irreparable prejudice being caused to the disputed territory;
and
(4) that each Party shall immediately inform the Court as to its compliance with the
above provisional measures not later than one week of the issuance of the Order.
28. Costa Rica reserves its right to amend this Request and the measures sought in light of
further information which may be received asto Nicaragua's unilateral plans and actions.
Ambassador Jorge Urbina
Co-Agent of the Government of Costa Rica
23 September 2013
15I have the honour to certizy that the documents annexed to this Request are true copies and
conform to the original documents and that the translations into English made by Costa Rica are
accurate translations. Together with this Request, electronic copies of the video footage
(Attachments PM-17 and PM-18 listed below) are being provided to the Registry.
Ambassador Jorge Urbina
Co-Agent of the Govemment of Costa Rica
23 September 2013
16 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
Diplomatie and other correspondence
Attachment PM-1. Diplomatie Note sent by Enrique Castillo Barrantes, Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Worship, Costa Rica, to Samuel Santos L6pez, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Nicaragua, 16 September 2013, Reference DM-AM-536-13 (Spanish original and English
translation)
Attachment PM-2. Diplomatie Note sent by Enrique Castillo Barrantes, Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Worship, Costa Rica, to Samuel Santos Lapez, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Nicaragua, 17 September 2013, Reference DM-AM-537-13 (Spanish original and English
translation)
Attachment PM-3. Note sent by Ambassador Jorge Urbina, Co-Agent of Costa Rica, to His
Excellency Mr. Philippe Couvreur, Registrar of the International Court of Justice,
17 September 2013, Reference ECRPB-059-13
Attachment PM-4. Note sent by Ambassador Manuel B. Dengo, Permanent Representative of
the Republic of Costa Rica to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in
Geneva, to Mr. Christopher Briggs, Secretary General to the Ramsar Convention,
17 September 2013, Reference MPCR-ONUG/2013-407 (Spanish original and English
translation)
Attachment PM-5. Diplomatie Note sent by Samuel Santos L6pez, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Nicaragua, to Enrique Castillo Barrantes, Minister Foreign Affairs and Worship, Costa Rica,
18 September 2013, Reference MRE/DM/521/09/13 (Spanish original and English translation)
Attachment PM-6. Report of Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and
the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), 18 September 2013 (Spanish original and
English translation)
Satellite Images
Attachment PM-7. Satellite images of part ofthe disputed territory, Digital Globe Inc., supplied
to Costa Rica by GeoSolutions Consulting Inc, 30 June 2013
17Attachment PM-8. Satellite images of part of the disputed territory, Digital Globe Inc., supplied
to Costa Rica by GeoSolutions Consulting Inc, 5 September 2013
Attachment PM-9. Satellite image showing the disputed territory, indicating the locations of the
three artificial cafios
Attachment PM-10. Satellite image indicating the coordinates of the two new artificial canos
Photographs
Attachment PM-11. Photograph of the disputed territory showing one of the new canos with
tree stumps, and the lagoon visible, 18 September 2013
Attachment PM-12. Photograph of the disputed territory showing one of the new canos with
tree stumps, the lagoon, the trench dug in beach adjacent to lagoon visible, 18 September 2013
Attachment PM-13. Photograph of the disputed territory showing Nicaraguan dredger in one of
the new canos, 18 September 2013
Attachment PM-14. Photograph of the disputed territory showing Nicaraguan dredger in the
one of the new canos, lagoon adjacent to Caribbean Sea, and Nicaraguan tents,
18 September 2013
Attachment PM-15. Photograph of the disputed territory showing a close-up of the Nicaraguan
camp of four tents, the pile of felled trees next to the camp, a further tent-like structure, and a
lookout tower adjacent to the Caribbean Sea, 18 September 2013
Attachment PM-16. Photograph of the disputed territory showing a c1ose-upof the Nicaraguan
dredger undertaking works in one of the new canos, 18 September 2013
Videos
Attachment PM-17. Video of onsite visit undertaken by Costa Rica in a civilian helicopter,
18 September 2013 (Extract)
Attachment PM-18. Video interview ofMr. EdénPastora, 18 September 2013, available online
from Nicaraguan media outlet "Noticias Nicaragua" at
<<http://www. youtube.corn/watch?v= J6YV0598vqE&featurebe&t=2m 18s>> (Extract, Spanish
transcription and English translation)
18 Attachment PM-1
Diplomatie Note sent by Enrique Castillo Barrantes, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship,
Costa Rica, to Samuel Santos L6pez, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nicaragua
16 September 2013, Reference DM-AM-536-13
Spanish original and English translation 16 de septiembre de 2013
DM-AM-536-13
Sei'iorMinistro:
Me dirijo a usted en ocasi6n de referirme a un grave hecho del que ha tomado
conocimiento mi pafs en dfas recientes. La Republica de Nicaragua ha penetrado ilegalmente en
el territorio costarricense de Isla Portillos, que ademâs fuera objeto de las medidas provisionales
indicadas por la Corte Internacional de Justicia en su Providencia del 8 de marzo de 2011, y
construye nuevos cai'iosartificialeahf, para lo cual se ha hecho valer de una o mâs dragas.
La evidencia obtenida por Costa Rica muestra la apertura de al menas dos nuevos cafios
en el ârea. El mâs grande de los dos cafios se ubica en las coordenadas georeferenciadas 10 56
13.9919 N, y 83 41 25.7513 W. Una draga se muestra ejecutando trabajos en este cano mas
grande, el 5 de septiembre de 2013. La imagen satelital anexa a la presente nota, en conjunto con
otra de la misma zona tomada tres meses antes, demuestra que ninguno de esos dos nuevos cafios
existîan.
La construcci6n de estos dos nuevos cafios no solo es una grave violaci6n de la integridad
territorial de Costa Rica, pero ademas (i) esta causando dafio an1biental significativo y tiene el
potencial de causar un dafio mayor sobre un humedal de importancia internacional que gaza de
protecci6n por medio de la Convenci6n de Ramsar, y (ii) en casa de continuar tendra un impacta
inminente sobre el curso del rfo San Juan y la configuraci6n de su salida al Mar Caribe,
arriesgando con ello un perjuicio grave e irreparable a Costa Rica.
Mi pafs y mi Gobierno deploran que, rnientras el Presidente de Nicaragua bada discursos
llamando al dialogo entre nuestros dos paises y afirmaba el supuesto cumplimiento por parte de
Nicaragua de las decisiones de la Corte Internacional de Justicia, su pafs, sin embargo,
perpetraba actos en el area indicada por la Corte Internacional de Justicia, que entrafian una
abierta violaci6n de la soberanfa territorial de Costa Rica, lo mismo que de la referida
Providencia delS de marzo de 2011.
Asimismo, el pasado lunes 9 de septiembre, el media nicaragüense afin al Gobierno, e119
Digital,hacîa alarde de que ya mas de 10,000 nicaragüenses han hecho su paso por el sector
norte de Isla Portillos, rebautizado por su pafs como Harbour Head. Esta a pesar de las multiplesprotestas que mi pais ha hecho, y en abierto desafio a lo dispuesto por parte de la Corte
Internacional de Justicia, cuando seîialô que la presencia de gran cantidad de nicaragüenses en
ese sector acarrea el riesgo de incidentes que pueden agravar la presente disputa,otiva de
preocupaciôn para la Corte,egun lo indicô en su resoluciôn del pasado 16 de junio de 2013.
En consecuencia, mi Gobierno presenta su mâs enérgicaprotesta y exige que Nicaragua
respete la soberania e integridad territorial de Costa Riyaque cumpla a cabalidad con las
medidas provisionales indicadas por la Corte Internacional de Justicia. Con este fin, Costa Rica
demanda:
i) La inmediata cesaciôn de toda actividad de construcciôn de los dos cafioy de
cualquier otra actividad de construcci6n en el ârea, conjuntamente con
seguridades inmediatas de Nicaragua que tales actividades de construcci6n han
cesado y que no se reiniciarân;
ii) Que Nicaragua brinde a Costa Rica explicaciones satisfactorias inmediatas sobre
las actividades de construcciôn y por la presencia de persona! y equipo
nicaragüense en Isla Portillos, parte del Humedal Caribe Noreste.
iii) Que Nicaragua mantenga el ârea libre de cualquier persona proveniente del
territorio de Nicaragua.
Aprovecho la ocasiôn para reiterar las seguridadesmie consideraciôn.
. A/
Eru{queCastillo Batrantes
~·
Ministro ~~ 1 :J;-z..;:.?
\c : 3J J!)...,,
Excelentfsimo sefior
Samuel Santos L6pez
Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores
Republica de Nicaragua Translation
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship
16 September 2013
DM-AM-536-13
Sir,
I write to you on this occasion to refer to a serions incident which my country bas learned of in recent
days. The Republic of Nicaragua bas unlawfully entered the Costa Rican territory of Isla Portillos, which
moreover is subject to provisional measures indicated by the International Court of Justice in its Order of
8 March 2011, and it is constructing new artificial canos thereon through use of one or more dredgers.
The evidence obtained by Costa Rica shows the opening of at !east two new caiios in the area. The larger
of the two canos is located at georeferenced coordinates 10 56 13.9919 N, and 83 41 25.7513 W. The
dredger is pictured as carrying out works on this larger cano on 5 September 2013. The corresponding
satellite image is annexed to this note, together with a satellite image of the same location taken three
months ago, in which neither ofthese two new canas can be seen to have existed.
The construction of these two new canos is not only a serions infringement of Costa Rica's territorial
integrity, but (i) is causing significant environmental harm and has the potential to cause further harm in
what is a wetland of international importance that enjoys the protection of the Ramsar Convention, and
(ii) will, if continued, imminently impact on the course of the San Juan river and the configuration of its
exit to the Caribbean Sea, thereby risking serions and irreparable prejudice to Costa Rica.
My country and my Govemment regret that whilst the President of Nicaragua has made speeches calling
for dialogue between our two countries and has affirmed Nicaragua's purported compliance with the
decisions of the International Court of Justice, your country has nevertheless carried out acts in the area
indicated by International Court of Justice, which are overt breaches of Costa Rica's territorial
sovereignty as weil as the said Order of 8 March 2011.
Additionally, last Monday, 9 September 2013, a Nicaraguan media outlet with close connections to the
Nicaraguan Government, 19 Digital, boasted that more than 10,000 Nicaraguans have made their way to
the northern sector of Isla Portillos, renamed by your country as Harbour Head, despite the multiple
protests thatmy country has made, and in open defiance of the Order of the International Court of Justice,
when it noted that the presence of large numbers of Nicaraguans in the area carries the risk of incidents
which might aggravate the present dispute, and is of concem to the Court, as stated in its Order of 16 June
2013.
Therefore, my Government presents its strongest protest and demands that Nicaragua respects the
sovereignty and territorial integrityf Costa Rica, and that it fully complies with the provisional measures
indicated by the International Court of Justice. To this end, Costa Rica demands: (i) the immediate cessation of ali construction activities on the two canos and any other
construction activities in the area, alongside an immediate assurance from Nicaragua that
such construction activities have ceased and will not be recommenced;
(ii) that Nicaragua immediately provide to Costa Rica explanations for the construction activities
and for the presence of Nicaraguan personnel and equipment in Isla Portillos, part of the
Northeast Caribbean Wetland;
(iii). that Nicaragua keep the area clear from any person emanating from Nicaraguan territory.
I take this opportunity to reiterate assurances of my highest consideration
Enrique Castillo Barrantes
His Excellency
Samuel Santos L6pez
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic ofNicaragua Artachment PM-2
Diplomatie Note sent by Enrique Castillo Barrantes, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship,
Costa Rica, to Samuel Santos Lopez, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nicaragua
17 September 2013, Reference DM-AM-537-13
Spanish original and English translation 17de septiembre de 2013
DM-AM- 537 -13
SefiorMinistro:
Me dirijo a usted en ocasi6n de referirme al caso "Ciertas Actividades de Nicaragua en la zona
fronteriza (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua)" ante la Corte Internacional de Justicia.
En raz6n de graves actividades que se han detectado en el ârea sujeta a la orden indicando
Medidas Provisionales, emitida por la Corte Internacional de Justicia el 8 de marzo de 2011, y que
han producido importantes cambios en su naturaleza,y con el objeto de evitar de que se produzca
un dafio irreparable al Humedal Caribe Noreste, de conformidad con la citada providencia de la
Corte, le informa que en el curso de esta semana, sujeto a las condiciones meteoro16gicas,Costa
Rica estara enviando personal para la protecci6n ambiental a fin de evaluar la situaci6n del
humedal.
Para facilitar el acceso y las acciones que debe conducir el referido persona!, es posible que el
acceso al ârea se haga pagando una embarcaci6n para su traslado por agua, se haga por tierra y/o
por aire, para lo cual ese persona! utilizarfa una aeronave civil, segûn sea necesario.
Habida cuenta de la presencia nicaragüense en el area, mi gobierno hace un firme llarnado al de
Nicaragua de abstenerse de toda acci6n que impida que el personal ambiental pueda cumplir con
su misi6n, o que ponga en riesgo la integridad ffsica del persona! costarricense, a fin de que tome
todas las medidas necesarias a fin de evitar tales acciones.
Aprovecho la ocasi6n para reiterar las seguridades de mi consideraci6n.
_.,.._,·__".'\
_,.____.., Q,_(..('z..()Lb
Enrfque Castillo Barrantes "_#:=;;f.·
.·.-·
\'? jot::1zo • 3
Excelentisimo sefior
Samuel Santos L6pez \0'..3b \-;'1.
Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores
Repûblica de Nicaragua Translation
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship
September 17,2013
DM-AM-537-13
Honourable Minister:
I write to you in relation to the case "Certain Activities carried out by Nicaragua in the border area
(Costa Rica v. Nicaragua)" before the International Court of Justice.
Due to grave activities detected in the area subject to the Provisional Measures ordered by the
International Court of Justice on 8 March 2011, which have caused important changes in its nature,
and to prevent irreparable damage to the Northeast Caribbean Wetland, in conformity with the
aforementioned Court's Order, Ihereby inform you that during this week, subject to the weather
conditions, Costa Rica will be sending enviromnental protection personnel to assess the wetland's
situation.
To facilitate access and the actions to be carried out by said personnel, their transport to the area
may be carried out by means of a paid boat for transport by water, or by land or air, for which they
wou1duse a civilian aircraft, as necessary.
Considering the Nicaraguan presence in the area, my govermnent urgently calls to Nicaragua to
abstain from any action that would prevent the environmental personnel from complying with their
mission, or that would put at risk the physical integrity of the Costa Rican personnel, so that it may
take all measures necessary to prevent said actions.
I hereby express the assurance of my highest consideration.
Enrique Castillo Barrantes
Minister
Honourable Minister Received
Samuel Santos L6pez 17/9/2013
Minister of Foreign Affairs 10:36a.m.
Republic ofNicaragua Attachment PM-3
Note sent by Ambassador Jorge Urbina, Co-Agent of Costa Rica, to His Excellency Mr. Philippe
Couvreur, Registrarof the International Court of Justice
17 September 2013, Reference ECRPB-059-13 '
i
1
1
r
i Attachment PM-4
Note sent by Ambassador Manuel B. Dengo, Permanent Representative ofthe Republic of Costa
Rica to the United NationsOffice and other international organizationsin Geneva, to Mr.
Christopher Briggs, Secretary General to the Ramsar Convention
17 September 2013, Reference MPCR-ONUG/2013-407
Spanish original and English translation REF.MPCR-ONUG/2013-407
l
Ginebra, 17de Septien:bre del20B
Sr.ChristopherBriggs
SecŒtario General
ConvenciônsobreHumedalesde1mJ)ortancia lnternacional(Ramsar)
Gland,Suiza
Esthnado senorSecretario-General,
Escriboennombredel Ministrede RelacionesExterioresdeCostaRicay letrasmito,con
sumoagrado)lasfelicitacionesdel Gobie.rnode CostaRicaai asumirUstedese importante
cargoestemesdeseptiembre de 2013.
Comoustedsabra,Ramsaracompafiatécnicamente desde 20l0 laevoluciôndel dru1o
ambientalcausadoHumedalCaribeNoreste,mmde lossitiosRamsardeCostaRica,que
motivaranuna acd6n demi pafs antelaCorteIntemacionaide Justicia yIaindicaci6npor
éstademedidasprovisionales)en lasqueRamsarjuega unpapelimportante.
I. El o~jet irncipal de esta nota, es informarle a la Secretada a su cargo que se han
detectado nuevas nuevas actividades en el iireast~j actaa MediclasProvisionaies
dictadas por Ia Corte lntemacional de Justicia. Estas actividades incypueden no
solo Hmitarse a, la constmcciôn de dos nuevos cafios conforme lo muestran las
imagenes de satéliteadjuntas..
2. En lasimâgenes deJ 30 de junio de 2013no se aprecia ning(mnuevo cano, mientras
que en las imagenes del 5 de septiembre de 2013 se observan dos caftas artificiales
recientementeabiertos; ascomo el cquipo de dragado en acci6n dentro de ude e.stos
canos.
3. Como resultado de esta acci6n, Costa Rienviarâpersona! deprotccciôndelambiente
para hacer una evaluad6n grado de dafto provocado al Humedal Cadbe Noreste y
su irreversibilidad.
Esta ·visita técnica aHtnnedal Caribe Norest.e se han'! estasemana; Costa Rica
mante.ndrainformadaa la Secretariade Ramsarsobre los rcsultadosde esta misi6nasi
como de cualquierotra informaci6nadicional que sconsiderepertinente.
Tel.(4122)73!2587 Fax(4!22) 7312069
21202Œnebr11-Suiza
rnission.cusl~·ricat[l]tles.itu.int lasmuestrasdemi
ManuelB.
Embq_jador
RepresentantePermanente
Anexos:
1)lmagenverdaderoJunio30 2013
2)Imagen colorfalsoJunio302013
3) Imagencolor verdaderoSeptiembre5 2013
4) Imagencolor falsoSeptiembre2013
5) Imagenindicandocoordenadasde cafiosrecientementeconstruidos.
Tcl.(4l22) 73! 2587 Fax {41.22)73!1069
23,AvenuedeFrance.
121)GincbraSttÎlll
missî·Otl.c~sta-riea@ties,itu.hn9/!JtN fl&:manel/te
riC(&.u(?R?M
fijtnetm
Anexo I
Imagen color verdadero Junio 30 2013
2013-06-30 AMPLIACION2.JPG
Tel. (4!22) 731 2587 Fttx(4122) 7312069
23,AvenuedeFrance
!202 Ginebra- Suiza
[email protected].int9!1iJitf}b'r.mm1ente
ci'tà:.va!l{}ea
ff)m/Jm
Anexo II
Imagen color falso Junio 30 2013
2013-06-30 AMPLIACION2 IR.JPG
TeL(4122)7312587 Fax{4122)7312069
23,AvenuedeFrance
[email protected].int9!11)(fl{;r.manente
cieYBc@<1J~/ a
flkuebr-a
Anexo III
Imagen color ve1·dadero Septientb1·e5 2013
2013-09-05 ACERCAMIENT02.JPG
Tel. {4122)7312587 Fax(4122)7312069
23, Avenuede France
1202Ginebra- Suiza
mission.cos![email protected] Anexo III
Imagen color verdadero Septiembre 513
2013-09-05 ACERCAMIENT02.JPG9fli1t~manenle
ciYlJM §J{}f'a
fj};·nefim,
Anexo IV
Imagen color falso Septiembre 2013
2013-09-05 ACERCAMIENT02- IR.JPG
Tel.{4122)73l 2587 Fa.(4122)7312069
23,AvenuedeFrance
1202Ginebra- Suiza
[email protected] Anexo IV
Imagen color falso Septiembre 2013
2013-09-05 ACERCAMIENT02-IR.JPG,9/Jf2((Jl[{jlg,maneNie
[email protected]
(j}ùu:6m-
Anexo V
lmagen indicando coordenadas de cafios recientemente
construidos
NUEVOS CANALES ISLA PORTILLOS.JPG
Tel.{4122)7312587 Fax(4122)7312069
1202Ginebra- Suiza
[email protected] Anexo V
Imagen indicando coordenadas de canes recientemente construidos
NUEVOS CANALES ISLA PORTILLOS.JPG
.,-~ -.:.:.;
1·... ~~~~N;~ I4s: .rv 1~~~29~
·i(~'.;:
f.,1\:.:
..
',-:w::
10 56 9.6392 N, Permanent Mission of Costa Ricain Geneva
REF.MPCR-ONUG/2013-407
14.4.1
Geneva, 17 September 2013
Mr. Christopher Briggs
Secretary General
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar)
Gland, Switzerland
Honourable Secretary General,
1am writing to you on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, and 1 convey
congratulations from the Government of Costa Rica regarding the position which you assumed in
September 2013.
As you are aware, Ramsar has been providing technical assistance since 2010 as regards to the
environmental damage caused to the Northeast Caribbean Wetland, one of the Ramsar sites of
Costa Rica, which originated a complaint by my country before the International Court of Justice,
and the latter ruled provisional measures in which Ramsar hasan important role.
1. The main goal of this note is to report to the Secretariat that new activities have been
identified in the area subject to the Provisional Measures ordered by the International
Court of Justice. These activities include, but are not limited to, the construction of two
new channels, asshown in the attached satellite images.
2. ln the images from 30 June 2013 no new artificial channel is visible, while in the images
from 5 September 2013 two new recently opened artificial channels can be seen, as weil
asthe dredging equipment at work within one of these channels.
3. As a result of this action, Costa Rica will send personnel for the protection of the
environment to perform an assessment of the extent of the damage caused to the
Northeast Caribbean Wetland and its irreversibility.
4. This technical visito the Northeast Caribbean Wetland will be performed this week; Costa
Rica will maintain the Ramsar Secretariat updated on the results of this mission and any
other additional information deemed pertinent.
Pleasereceive the assurancesof my highest consideration,
Signed- Manuel B. Dengo
Ambassador, Permanent Representative Stamped- Permanent Mission of Costa Ricain Geneva
Appendixes:
1) True colour image from 30 June 2013
2) Infrared image from 30 June 2013
3) True colour image from 5 September 2013
4) lnfrared image from 5 September 2013
5) Image indicating coordinates of recently built channels Attachment PM-5
Diplomatie Note sent by Samuel Santos Lôpez, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nicaragua, to
Enrique Castillo Barrantes, Minister ofForeign Affairs and Worship, Costa Rica
18 September 2013, Reference MRE/DM/521109/13
Spanish original and English translation W/l~cle~ $'~
Managua, 18 de septiembre del 2013
MREIDM/521/09/13
Seiïor Ministro:
Me dirijo a Usted en ocasiôn de hacer referencia a su notOM-AM-53 7-
13 de fecha 17 de septiembre del aiïo en curso y su nota DM-AM-536-13 de la
misma fecha, ambas relacionados a los proceso unificados por la Corte
lnternacionaJ de justicia, a sabCiertas actividades de Nicaragua en la Zona
Fronteriza (Costa Ricav. Nicaragua) yConstrucci6n de una carretera enCosta
Rica a Jolargo del Rfo San juan (Nicaraguv. Costa Rica).
En su nota DM-AM-537-13, el Gobierno de Costa Rica indica que "en el
curso de esta semana...estara enviando persona/ para la protecci6n ambiental a
fin de evaluarla situaci6n del humedalde la zona en disputa Harbour Head.
Al respecte, el Gobierno de Reconciliaciôn y Unidad Nacional de la
Republica de Nicaragua reitera [o expresado innumerables veces en notas
anteriores, en relaciôn a la antojadiza interpretaciôn de las medias establecidas
por la Corte lnternacional de justicia mediante su Ordenanza del 8 de Marzo de
2011. Tai y como ha sucedido anteriormente, Costa Rica insiste en realizar
notificaciones de ultimo momento a Nicaragua, en un intento superficia) de
disfrazarsu incumplimiento a la Ordenanza de la Corte, la cual es clara al
indicar en su parrafo 86, numeral segundo, que puede enviar persona! civil
encargado de la protecciôn del medio ambiente unica y exclusivamente ante la
necesidad de evitar una daiïo irreparable en la zona en disputa, lo cual ademas
debe de ser consultado de forma previa con RAMSARy notificado a Nicaragua
para trabajar en conjunto y de esta forma encontrar soluciones. Costa Rica ha
decidido unavez masno cumplir con lo indicado por clicha Ordenanza. Pag.#2
MREIDM/521109/13
Ordenanza del 16 de julio de 2013 la Corte remarc6 que "en vista de la
evidencia presentadala Corte considera que, segûn la presente situaci6n, no
ha sido demostrado sufidentemente quehaya un riesgo de perjuicio irreparable
a los derechos reclamados por Costa Rica" y la evidencia "tampoco [...]
establece la existencia de un comprobado riesgo de dano irreparable al medio
ambiente". De igual forma, la Corte manifestéque tai solicitud careda de toda
urgencia, contrario a lo alegado por su Gobierno. En raz6n de lo anterior, la
intenci6n de Costa Rica de enviar persona! al ârea en disputa pone en
entredicho la verdadera intenci6n de su gobiemo al realizar esta visita de
campo.
Por otro lado, en relaci6n al uso de una "embarcaci6n para su traslado
[del persona/]or agua'' el Gobierno de Reconciliaci6n y Unidad Nacional de la
Republica de Nicaragua, como fiel cumplidor de las dedsiones de ta Corte
lnternacional de justicia, desea recordarle una vez mas que su solicitud va mas
alla de lo otorgado por la Corte lnternacional de justicia a CostaRica,el cual en
su sentencia del 13 de julio 2009, en relaci6n al caso "Dispute regarding
Navigational and Related Rights(Costa Rica v. Nicaragua)", limita el derecho
de navegaci6n de CostaRica (mica y exdusivamente a navegaci6n "con fines de
comercio".
Enesesentido, la intenci6n del Gobierno de Costa Rica de navegarel Rio
Sanjuan de Nicaragua con los fines anteriores, representaun desconocîmiento a
lo dispuesto por la Corte en concordancia con lo establecido en el Tratado de
Umites jérez-Cafias.
Asf mismo, en reiteradas ocasiones el Gobierno de Nicaragua/ ha
objetado las numerosas violaciones del espacio aéreo perpetradas por el
gobierno de Costa Rica, y en ese sentido le reitero que las normativas
internacionales obligan a gobierno a uti\izar los mecanismes pertinentes para
solidtar la debida autorizaci6n de sobrevuelo en territorio nicaragüense.
En relaci6n a su nota DM-A-AM-536-13, el Gobierno de Nicaragua, tiene
a bien recordarle al Gobierno de Costa Rica, que Harbour Head es un area
pantanosa interconectada por una seria de cafios hist6ricos que han sido
reconocidos desde la épocade Alexander, como por RAMSARy ampliamente
abordado y demostrado por Nicaragua en su Contra-Memoria del casoCiertas~.·-
actividades de Nicaragua en la Zona Fronteriza (Costa Rica v. Nicaragu.,.i.o.<.e:::;-2J
~
«,._ . '1>1
-;:\t ;o.
•~ ...,~ C/
' ·ifanagll?'>
~ Pag.tt3
MRE/DM/521/09/13
Ademas, camo es de su pleno conocimiento, estamos en época de lluvias
intensas que normalmente alteran el nivel de aguas en toda esa zona. Por
consiguiente, no seria de extranar que el aspectade algunos canas pueda haber
variado en los ultimos meses.En todo caso, el Gobierno de Nicaragua no ha
autorizado que se efectuen trabajos de cualquier tipo en el area en disputa, ni
ha enviado persona!a esazona.
En vista de fo anterior, no puedo dejar de notar que éstanueva escalada
verbal de su Gobierno pareciera tener por prop6sito insertarseen la campana
orquestadapor otros pafsesde la region en contra de Nicaragua.
Finalmente, deseoreafirmarle que el Gobierno de Nicaragua ha cumplido
y continuara cumpliendo a cabalidad las medidas provisionales dictadas por la
Corte en su Ordenanza del 8 de Marzo de 2011, y !lama a la hermana naci6n
costarricensea hacer lo mismo y evitar "cualquier acci6n que pueda agravar o
extender la disputa ante la Corte o dificultar su resoluci6n''.
Sin otro particular, aprovecho la ocasi6n, para reiterarle las muestrasde
mi estima y consideraci6n.
Excelentfsimo Senor
Enrique Castillo Barrantes
Ministro de RelacionesExteriores
Republica de Costa Rica Translation into English
{Republic of Nicaragua, Central America}
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Managua, September 18, 2013
MRE/DM/521/09/13
Honourable Minister:
1 am addressing you in reference to your note DM-AM-537-13 DATEDSeptember 17 of this year,
and your note DM-AM-536-13 of the same date, both related to the process joined by the
International Court of Justice, namely "Certain activities carried out by Nicaragua in the border
area {Costa Ricav. Nicaragua}" and "Construction of a raad in Costa Ricaalong the SanJuan River
{Nicaragua v. Costa Rica)".
ln your note DM-AM-537-13, the Government of Costa Rica indicates that "during this week...
Costa Rica will be sending personnel for environmental protection to assess the wetland's
situation" in the disputed area of Harbour Head.
ln this regard, the Government of Reconciliation and National Unity of the Republic of Nicaragua
reiterates what has been expressed on multiple occasions in previous notes, in relation to the
capricious interpretation of the measures issued by the International Court of Justice in its Order
of 8 March 2011. As in previous occasions, Costa Rica insists on performing last minute
notificationsto Nicaragua in a superficial attempt to disguise its noncompliance with the Order of
the Court, which clearly indicates in paragraph 86 subsection 2 that it may dispatch civilian
personnel charged with the protection of the environment to the disputed territory, but only
insofar as there is a need to avoid irreparable prejudice to the disputed area, and it shall consult
RAMSARand give Nicaragua prior notice so as to work jointly and thus find solutions. Costa Rica
has decided once again to disregard what was indicated in the Order.
lt is quite surprising that the Government of Costa Ricastill intends to daim a need to "assessthe
situation" of the disputed area subject to the provisional measures due to "important changes in
its nature," in view of the recent decision by the Court to reject the request for modification of the
provisional measures filed by Costa Rica. ln its Order of 16 July 2013 the Court highlighted that "in
the light of the evidence before it, the Court considers that, as matters stand, it has not been
demonstrated sufficiently that there is a risk of irreparable prejudice to the rights claimed by Costa
Rica" and that the evidence "does not ... establish the existence of a proven risk of irreparable
damage to the environment." Similarly, the Court expressed that this request lacked urgency,
contrary to that claimed by your Government. Based on the foregoing, Costa Rica's intention to
send personnel to the disputed area puts in question the real intention of your government in
performing this field visit. Translation into Engfish
On the other hand, in relation to the use of a "boat for the transfer [of personnel] by water," the
Government of Reconciliation and National Unity of the Republic of Nicaragua, in strict compliance
with the decisions of the International Court of Justice, wishes to remind you once again that your
request goes beyond that granted by the International Court of Justice to Costa Rica,which in the
judgment of 13 July 2009 in relation to the case "Dispute concerning Navigational and Related
Rights {Costa Rica v. Nicaragua)" limits Costa Rica's right of navigation exclusively to "navigation
for purposes of commerce."
ln this regard, the Costa Rican government's intention to navigate the San Juan River with the
aforementioned goal represents a violation of that established by the Court, in conformity with
the Jerez-CanasTreaty of Limits.
Similarly, on repeated occasions the Government of Nicaragua has objected to the numerous
violations of the air space committed by the Government of Costa Rica, and in this regard 1
reiterate that the international regulations require your government to use the corresponding
mechanisms to request due authorization of the flyover in Nicaraguan territory.
Regarding your note DM-A-AM-536-13, the Government of Nicaragua reminds the Government of
Costa Ricathat Harbour Head is a swamp area connected by a number of historical channels that
have been recognized since the Alexander era, both by RAMSAR and widely addressed and
demonstrated by Nicaragua in its counter-memorial in the case "Certain activities by Nicaragua in
the border area {Costa Ricav. Nicaragua)."
ln addition, as you are tully aware, we are in the heavy rain season, which normally alters the
water levels in the entire area. Consequently, it would not be abnormal for the aspect of some
channels to have changed in the last few months. ln any case, the Government of Nicaragua has
not authorized any type of work in the disputed area and has not sent personnel there.
ln view of the foregoing, 1 cannot help but notice that this new verbal escalation by your
Government seems to have the purpose of joining the campaign by other countries in the region
against Nicaragua.
Finally,1wish to reaffirm that the Government of Nicaragua has complied with and will continue
to fully comply with the provisional measures issued by the Court in its Order of 8 March 2011,
and it calls to its sister nation of Costa Rica to do the same and avoid "any action which might
aggravate or extend the dispute."
1take this opportunity to express the assurances of my highest consideration.
(Signed)Samuel Santos L6pez
(Stamped) Ministry of Foreign Affairs- Nicaragua
Honourable Minister
Enrique Castille Barrantes, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Costa Rica Attachment PM-6
Report of Costa Rican Ministry ofEnvironment and Energy (MINAE) and the National System
ofConservation Areas (SINAC)
18 September 2013
Spanish original and English translation SISTEMANACIONAL DEÀREASDECONSERVACION
AREA DECONSERVACION TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADEMANEJO DELOSRECURSOS NATURALES
PROGRAMA DEMANEJO FORESA TL
Oficio: 1ACTo-GMRN-EPMF-293·2013
INFORME DE GIRA
Fecha: 18 de Setiembre de
2013
A: lng. Ana Lorena Guevara Oficina/ASP: Viceministra de Ambiente
Msc. Rafael Gutiérrez Director EjecutivoSINAC
-Dragado de
Codigo Codigo Tipo humedales
(construccion -Corredor Fronterizo
Tipo de Forestal de Delito de canales CodigoASP: (estatai)_V14
Ley: Ambiental:
artificiales)
TIPO DE ACCION REAUZADA: Atencion a queja ( ) Control Tenencia V. Silvestre ( )
Patrullajes reconocimiento exploracion ( ) Presencia institucional ( )upervision de torneos de
caza ( ) Operativos en carretera ( ) Seguimientos Procesos conciliatorios ( ) Valoracion Dafio
Ambiental ( ) Prevencion, control incendie ( ) Asistencia a Juicio o declaraciones ( ) Asistencia
inspecciones oculares judiciales ( ) Control actividades de Contaminacion ( ) Puestos fijos ( )
lnspeccion a ferias del agricultor ( ) lnspeccion a establecimientos comerciales ( ) Otro(.lÇ)
Detalle:
1- Sobrevuelo en area afectada por la construccion de nuevos canales artificiales dentro de Isla
Portillos, dentro de los limites del Refugio Corredor Fronterizo y del Humedal Caribe Noreste.
2- lnspeccion via acuatica ala zona afectada por la construccion de nuevos canales artificiales
descritos anteriormente
Fecha de gira: 18-09-2013 Hora inicio:--~.:.._.:c__ Hora final:__.:...::.___::._::_
Lugar visitado
Provincia: Limon y Canton Pococi y Distrito: Colorado Caserio: Isla Portillos
Heredia Sarapiqui y Delta
Llanuras
del
Gaspar
Codigo Ubicacion Administrativa: 706 y Direccion exacta: Isla Calero
404
Hoja Cartografica: Punta Castilla
-----------------------------------------------
Coordenadas Este: Ver cuadro Norte: Ver cuadro
CRTM 05 anexo anexo
1/8 SISTEMANACIONAL DEÀREASDECONSERVACI6N
ÀREADECONSERVACI6N TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADEMANEJO DELOSRECURSOSNATURALES
PROGRAMA DEMANEJO FORESA TL
RE.SULTADOS: Hubo imputados ( ) Decomisos ) lnfracciones ( Contactas
Sospechosos ( ) Vehiculas revisados ( ) Otros (~)
Detalle:
Localizacién y georeferenciacién con receptor GPS de anomallas ambientales mediante
coordenadas
Registra fotografico con 5 tomas del nuevo canal artificial principal
E.VIDE.NCIADE.:Caza diurna ( ) Nocturna ( ) Tapezcos ( ) Pesca ( ) Picadas ( } Rancho ( )
Casa de aves ( ) lngresos extranos ( ) Huella de perros ( ) Restas animales ( ) Aserrio ( )
Tala() Rastro palmiteros ( ) Extracciénbejuco ( ) Extracciénmusgo o plantas ( ) Otros (X)
Detalle:
1Construcciénde nuevos canales artificiales y afectaciénde humedales
Descripcion de Resultados:
Con relaciénal sobrevuelo, se obtuvieron los siguientes resultados:
- Se documentéla existencia de un nuevo canal artificial construido dentro de areas de humedal
en la Isla Portillos. Dentro del canal se observéla presencia de una draga y tuberia de descarga
de sedimentos. El canal artificial esta orientado con direcciénsur-norte y ubicado entre el Rio
San Juan y una laguna natural préxima a la linea de costa. Se estima que el canal tiene
aproximadamente de 15 a 20 metros de ancho y unos 200 metros de longitud, ademas de
aparentes diferencias de profundidad. Debido a las restricciones y los peligros potenciales, el
pilato realizéun ûnico rodeo sobre el canal artificial, lo que limitéla toma de material fotografico
y de video. Es importante destacar que cerca de este canal hay un campamento en el sector de
playa, hacia el extrema norte. Se observéla corta de ârboles y de palmas de Yolillo (Raphia
taedigera). El helicépteroempleado para el sobrevuelo corresponde con la matricula TI-AZM de
la empresa Aerodiva S.A
Con respecta a la lnspecciénvia acuatica, se indica lo siguiente:
- Se arribéal sitio conocido camo Delta Costa Rica a las 8:05 am segûn se habla programado.
Se dio un lapso para la coordinacién respectiva y se inicié el desplazamiento hacia Delta
Nicaragua aproximadamente a las 10:45 am. Esta con la intenciénde informar a las autoridades
nicaragüenses sobre el desplazamiento de persona! del Sistema Nacional de Areas de
Conservacién,voluntarios que apoyan la gestiénde las âreas silvestres protegidas, y de varias
medios de prensa de Costa Rica hasta Isla Portillos a travésdel Rio San Juan. Una vez en el
lugar, los presentes permanecieron dentro de las embarcaciones a excepciénde los Asesores
Juridicos tanta del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores camo del Sistema Nacional de Areas de
Conservacién. Se establecié un diâlogo entre estos y las autoridades nicaragüenses (que
correspond lan a dos funcionarios de Migracién y cuatro del Ejército Nicaragüense). Se les
presenté tanta los listados de las personas que viajaban en las lanchas camo las
identificaciones de cada uno para su respectiva revisién. Luego dichas autoridades
nicaragüenses dijeron que previo a la autorizaciénpara transitar sobre el rio debian consultarlo
con las autoridades superiores, lo cual hizo demorar aproximadamente 2 haras. Al final de ese
tiempo llegé una embarcaciéndel ejército nicaragüense con 9 militares, dentro de los cuales
venia uno de mayor rango. A éste se le explicéla razénde la presencia de las embarcaciones
costarricenses y élse negérotundamente a permitir el transita sobre el rio San Juan hacia el
2/8
tu,,.::I~l!
~~"!11:.,:cr11~·(\ SISTEMANACIONAL DEÂREAS DECONSERVACI6N
ÂREA DECONSERVACI6N TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADEMANEJO DELOSRECURSOSNATURALES
PROGRAMA DEMANEJO FORESA TL
sector de Isla Portillos, aduciendo que el conflicto entre ambos paises (el cual se ventila en la
Corte lnternacional de Justicia) no ha sido resuelto. Situacién que motivo el retorno de las dos
embarcaciones de costarricenses hacia Delta Costa Rica y sin lograr el objetivo descrito en un
principio.
Conclusiones y 1o Recomendaciones:
1- Existe un nuevo canal artificial dentro de territorio costarricense y dentro de un Area
Silvestre Protegida de Costa Rica (Refugie Nacional Corredor Fronterizo) que atraviesa
un area de humedal, que es parte del Humedal Ramsar Caribe Noreste.
2- Se recomienda trasladar el caso a la Convencién lnternacional de Humedales RAMSAR
para su debida valoracién
Nombre del presunto infractor: En investigacién Cédula: NA
------------~--------
Personas contactadas
Nombre: ~~-------------------------- Cargo: _N._.A_____ _
Nombre de funcionario Firma:
Miguel Aguilar Badilla
Miguel Araya Montero
Sebastian Bonilla Sanchez
Olman Mena Valverde
Luis Rojas Bolaiïos
Renato Sanchez Gonzales
3/8 SISTEMANACIONAL DE ÂREAS DE CONSERV ACION
ÂREA DE CONSERVACION TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADEMANEJO DELOSRECURSOS NATURALES
PROGRAMA DEMANEJO FORESA TL
Cuadro 1. Coordenadas de ubicaci6n del nuevo canal artificial tomadas a partir del sobrevuelo
realizado. Colorado, Pococi. Se incluyen las coordenadas de ubicaci6n del puesto de control de
Delta Nicaragua.
Punto Coordenadas CRTM Descripci6n Ubicaci6n segun ASP
05
x y
Punto medio de nuevo Dentro de Refugia Corredor Fronterizo y de
1 533799 1209308 canal artificial Humedal Caribe Noreste
2 525609 1191355 Puesto de Delta Nicaragua Nicaragua
Se adjuntan las fotografias mencionadas.
Foto 1. Vegetaci6n que cubre el canal artificial en sentido sureste-noroeste
4 / 8
L ü~1P.! M ü 5
\! I'IJ:: [ rIÎl• lo' SISTEMANACIONAL DE ÂREAS DE CONSERVACION
ÂREA DE CONSERV ACION TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADEMANEJO DELOSRECURSOSNATURALES
PROGRAMA DEMANEJO FORESA TL
Foto 2. Vista parcial del nuevo canal artificial. N6tese la draga en medio del canal. En el extrema superior
derecho se observa una secci6n del rfo San Juan.
5 /8
l:Gi~~Vr.!l!~iïi
~!"PAIS::C't~t(~Foto 3. Vista del extrema sur del canal artificial en el rio San Juan.
6 / 8
i"U ï.:~'U!'!P!.~ i'ii
!11\J PAf::; : ( "ittlo',) SISTEMANACIONAL DE ÂREAS DE CONSERVAC ION
ÂREA DE CONSERVACION TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADEMANEJO DELOSRECURSOS NATURALES
PROGRAMA DEMANEJO FORESA TL
Foto 4. Vista parcial del canal artificial. En la esquina superior izquierda se observa parte de la laguna
natural cercana a la linea de costa.
7 / 8 SISTEMANACIONAL DE ÀREAS DE CONSERV ACION
ÀREA DE CONSERV ACION TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADEMANEJO DELOSRECURSOSNATURALES
PROGRAMA DEMANEJO FORESA TL
Foto 5. Vista parcial del canal artificial en sentido sur-norte. Se puede observar en la parte superior tanto
la laguna como el campamento.
cc. Rafael GutiérrezRojas, Director del SINAC
Persona! ACTo
Archivo
8 / 8
L .i~~UP.!!!~ lf 5
li "PA {:, :; [ 'ltlt SISTEMANACIONAL DE ÀREASDE CONSERVACIÔN
ÀREA DE CONSERVACIÔN TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADEMANEJODELOSRECURSOSNATURALES
PROGRAMADEMANEJOFOREST AL
Note: 1ACTo-GMRN-EPMF-293-2013
INSPECTION REPORT
Date: September 18, 2013
To: Ana Lorena Guevara, Eng. Office/ASP: Vice-Minister of the Environment
-Dredging of
Code Code- wetlands
Type of (construction -Border corridor
Type of Forestry environmental of artificial ASP Code: (state)_V14
Law:
crime: channels)
TYPE OF ACTION PERFORMED: Address complaint ( ) Control Landholding v. Wildlife { )
Patrolling for examination, exploration ( ) lnstitutional presence ( ) Supervision of hunting
tournaments ( ) Road operations ( ) Follow-up on reconciliation processes ( ) Valuation of
Environmental Damage ( ) Prevention, fire control ( ) Assistance to trial or statements ( )
Assistance judicial visual inspections ( ) Control contamination activities ( ) Permanent stations
( ) Farmers' market inspections ( ) Inspection of commercial establishments ( ) Other (~)
Details:
1- Flyover of the area affected by the construction of new artificial channels in Isla Portillos,
within the limits of the Border Corridor Refuge and the Northeast Caribbean Wetland
2- Aquatic inspection of the area affected by the construction of the new artificial channels
described above.
Inspection 18-09-2013 Beginning 08:00 Ended 13:00
date: at: at:
------ ------ ------
Place visited
Province: Limon Canton: Pococi and District: Colorado Village: Isla Portillos
and
Sarapiqui and Delta
Heredia Llanuras
del
Gaspar
Administrative location code: 706 and Exact address: Isla Calero
404
Quadrangle map: Punta Castilla
------------------------------------------
i /8
1
~Gobiemode CostaRiŒ.UIMOS
Ul'~AfSSEGUf?O SISTEMANACIONAL DE ÂREAS DE CONSERVACION
ÂREA DE CONSERVACION TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADE MANEJODELOSRECURSOSNATURALES
PROGRAMADEMANEJOFOREST AL
Coordinates CRTM East: See attached North: See attached
05 table table
RESUL TS: There were accused parties ( ) Confiscation ( ) Infractions ( ) Contacts (
Suspects ( ) Vehicles checked ( ) Other (~)
Details:
Location and georeferencing with GPS receiver of environmental anomalies through
coordinates
Photographie records with 5 pictures of new main artificial channel
EVIDENCE OF: Daylight hunting ( ) Night-time hunting ( ) Tapezcos ( ) Fishing ( ) Picadas ( )
Ranch ( ) Bird hunting ( ) Strange entries ( ) Dog tracks ( ) Animal remains
( ) Logging ( ) Felling () Traces of Palm cutting ( } Reed extraction ( ) Extraction of moss or
plants ( ) Other ( X )
Details:
1Construction of new artificial channels and damage to wetlands.
Description of Results:
ln relation to the flyover, the results obtained were the following:
- The existence of a new artificial channel was documented, within the area of the wetland in Isla
Portillos.A dredger was observed within the channel, as weil as piping for sediment discharge.
The artificial channel's orientation is south-north, located between San Juan River and a natural
lageon near the coastline. The channel's estimated width is 15 to 20 meters and length 200
meters, with apparent differences in depth. Due to the restrictions and potential danger, the pilot
circled around the artificial channel only once, which limited the ability to take pictures and video.
lt is worth noting that near this channel there is camp on the beach, toward the north side. The
cutting of trees and raffia palm (Raphia taedigera) was observed. The helicopter used for the
flyover corresponds to registration TI-AZM of the company Aerodiva S.A.
Regarding the aquatic inspection, we indicate the following:
- We arrived at the site known as Delta Costa Rica at 8:05 am, as programmed. Sorne time was
given for the corresponding coordination, and the transport toward Nicaragua Delta began at
approximately 10:45 am. This was in order to inform the Nicaraguan authorities of the
transportation of personnel from Sistema Nacional de Areas de Conservaci6n (National System
of Conservation Areas), protected area volunteers and severa! Costa Rican media to Isla
Portillos through San Juan River. Once there, the individuals present remained within the beats,
except for the Legal Advisors of beth the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sistema Nacional de
Areas de Conservaci6n, who engaged in a dialogue with the Nicaraguan authorities (two
Immigration officers and four soldiers of the Nicaraguan Army). They were given the lists of
persons traveling in the beats as weil as IDs of each for their corresponding review. The
Nicaraguan authorities then stated that before granting authorization to enter the River they had
to clear this with higher authorities, which caused a delay of approximately two hours. After this
time elapsed a Nicaraguan boat arrived with 9 military personnel, including one of a higher rank.
The latter was given an explanation of the presence of Costa Rican vessels, and he rejected
2/8
1
~Gobiernode coUNaPAISSEGURO SISTEMANACIONAL DE ÂREAS DE CONSERVACION
ÂREA DE CONSERVACION TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADEMANEJODE LOSRECURSOSNATURALES
PROGRAMADEMANEJOFOREST AL
outright allowing transit on San Juan River toward the sector of Isla Portillos, claiming that the
conflict between both countries (which is at the International Court of Justice) has not been
resolved. Consequently, both Costa Rican vessels returned to the Delta Costa Rica without
achieving the previously described objective.
Conclusions and/or Recommendations:
1- There is a new artificial channel in Costa Rican territory, and within a protected wildlife
area (Border Corridor Refuge) that crosses a wetland, which is part of the North East
Caribbean Wetland.
2- We recommend transferring the case to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of
International Importance, for its adequate assessment.
Name of the alleged offender: Under investigation ID NA
number:
------
Persans contacted
Name: NA Position: NA
------------------
Name of the employee Date:
Miguel Aguilar Badilla
Miguel Araya Montera
Sebastian Bonilla Sanchez
Olman Mena Valverde
Luis Rojas Bolanos
Renato Sanchez Gonzales
3/8
rGobierCostaRicaNS1RUIMOS
UNPAiS SEGURO SISTEMANACIONAL DE AREAS DE CONSERVACION
ÂREA DE CONSERVACION TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADE MANEJODE LOSRECURSOSNATURALES
PROGRAMADEMANEJOFOREST AL
Table 1. Coordinates of the location of the new artificial channel taken during the flyover
performed. Colorado, Pococi. lncludes the location coordinates of the control station of Delta
Nicaragua.
Coordinates
Point CRTM 05 Description Location according tASP
x y
Within the Border Corridor Refuge (Refugio Corredor
1 533799 1209308 Midpoint of new Fronterizo) and Northeast Caribbean Wetland (Humedal
artificial channel Caribe Noreste)
Delta Nicaragua
2 525609 1191355 Nicaragua
station
The aforementioned pictures are attached below:
Picture . Vegetation that covers the artificial channel, direction southeast-northeast
4 / 8 SISTEMANACIONAL DE ÂREAS DE CONSERVACION
ÂREA DE CONSERVACION TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADE MANEJODE LOSRECURSOSNATURALES
PROGRAMADE MANEJOFOREST AL
Picture 2. Partial view of the new artificial channel. Note the dredger in the middle of the channel. A
section of the San Juan River can be seen in the upper right corner.
5 / 8
1Gobiernode CostaRicaRUIMOS
UN PA i S SEGURO SISTEMANACIONAL DE AREAS DE CONSERVACION
ÂREA DE CONSERVACION TORTUGUERO
GERENCIA DE MANEJO DE LOS RECURSOS NATURALES
PROGRAMA DE MANEJO FORESTAL
Picture 3. View from southern end of the artificial channel in the San Juan River.
6/8
1Gobiernode CostaRicaRUIMOS
UN PA i S SEGUROSISTEMANACIONAL DE ÂREAS DE CONSERVACION
AREA DE CONSERVACION TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADE MANEJO DE LOSRECURSOSNATURALES
PROGRAMADEMANEJOFOREST AL
7 / 8
1
Gobiemode CostaRUN>PA i S SEGURO SISTEMANACIONAL DE AREAS DE CONSERVACION
AREA DE CONSERVACION TORTUGUERO
GERENCIADE MANEJODELOS RECURSOSNATURALES
PROGRAMADEMANEJOFORESTAL
Picture 5. Partial view of the artificial channel, south-north. 8oth the lagoon and the camp can be seen on
the top part.
OMV/Report flyover new channel*21.09.2013
cc. Rafael GutiérrezRojas, SINAC Director
Persona! ACTo
File
8/8
1GobiernodeCostaRUNaPA i S SEGURO Attachment PM-7
Satellite images of part ofthe disputed territory, Digital Globe Inc., supplied to Costa Rica by
GeoSolutions Consulting Inc
30 June 2013 Attachment PM-8
Satellite images of part of the disputed territory, Digital Globe Inc., supplied to Costa Rica by
GeoSolutions Consulting Inc
5 September 2013 Attachment PM-9
Satellite image showing the disputed territory, indicating the locations ofthe three artificial
cafwsLocation of Nicaraguan tents, pile
of felled trees and lookout tower. Attachment PM-10
Satellite image indicating the coordinates of the two new arcm1osial0>
co
LO
0
-r- Attachment PM-11
Photograph ofthe disputed territory showing one of the new canas, with tree stumps, and the
lagoon visible
18 September 2013 Attachment PM-12
Photograph of the disputed territory showing one of the necanas, with tree stumps, the
lagoon, the trench dug in beach adjacent to lagoon visible
18 September 2013 Attachment PM-13
Photograph of disputed territory showing Nicaraguan dredger in one of the new canos
18 September 2013 Attachment PM-14
Photograph of the disputed territory showing Nicaraguan dredger in one of the new
canas,lagoon adjacent to Caribbean Sea, and Nicaraguan tents
18 September 2013 Attachment PM-15
Photograph of the disputed territory showing a close-up of the Nicaraguan camp of four
tents, the pilef felied trees nexttothe camp, a further tent-like structure, and a lookout
tower adjacent to the Caribbean Sea
18 September 2013 Attachment PM-16
Photograph of the disputed territory showing a close-up ofthe Nicaraguan dredger
undertaking works in one of the new cafios
18 September 2013 Attachment PM-17
Video of onsite visit undertaken by Costa Rica in a civilian helicopter
18 September 2013
Extract
Electronic file submitted to Registry Attachment PM-18
Video interview ofMr. EdénPastora, 18 September 2013, available online from Nicaraguan
media outlet "Noticias Nicaragua" at
<<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6YV0598vqE&featurebe&t=2m18s>>
Extract, Spanish transcription and English translation
Electronic file submitted to RegistryTranscripci6n del video
Noticia: "Nicaragua Costa Rica insertada en campana orquestada en contra de nuestro pals"
Media de Comunicacién:Canal15, Nicaragua
Publicado: 18 de septiembre del 2013
Direcciénelectrénica: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6YV0598vqE
00:02:20. EdénPastora: "Aqul esta Harbour Head"
00:02:21 Periodista: "Mapas en mano, el comandante EdénPastora, encargado delas labores de
dragado en el Rio SanJuan, desmiente al Gobierno de Costa Rica y advierte que Nicaragua esta en su
derecho de limpiar la salida del afluente al mar."
00:02:34 EdénPastora: "No he hecho cano, he limpiado el Delta de la desembocadura del RioSan
Juan, estoy limpiado y voy a limpiar toda esto, pero de aqui a aqul son 150 metros y todo esta son, pero
todo esto es gamalote, lirio, vamos a ver in situ, a menas que me digan que ese gamalote es de Costa
Rica, que ese lirio es de Costa Rica, que esa yuca marina es de Costa Rica, son plantas acuaticas que
nacieron alli"
00:03:05 Periodista: "y los surcos que elias mencionan comandante? ...
00:03:06 EdénPastora: "No existen, mentiras aqui esta el cano que ellos ensenan y este cano es
mentira, no es cano"
00:03:16 Periodista:"Es reciente esta fotografia?"
00:03:18 EdénPastora:"esta fotografia es de ayer.
00:03:20 EdénPastora:"La Corte lnternacional de Justicia dijo que prohibia que llegaran
funcionarios publicos, que llegaran militares o polidas, y los que llegan ahf a reforestar es una ONG,de
ambientalistas de Guardabarranco, se liama Guardabarranco son muchachos y muchachas que llegan a
reforestar esa zona..." Translation into English
Transcription of the video
News: "Nicaragua Costa Rica part of campaign orchestrated against our country"
Media: Canal15, Nicaragua
Published: September 18, 2013
Web address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6YV0598vqE
00:02:20. EdénPastora: "Here is Harbour Head"
00:02:21 Journalist: "Maps in hand, Commander EdénPastora, in charge of the dredging works in
the SanJuan River, refutes the Government of Costa Ricaand notes that Nicaragua hasthe right to dean
the river's mouth into the sea."
00:02:34 EdénPastora: "1have not made a channel, 1have deaned the Delta in the mouth of the
SanJuan River, 1am deaning and will dean ali of this; but from here to there there's 150 metres, and ali
of this is arrowgrass (gama/ote), water hyacinth, we should go see in situ, so unless they tell me that this
arrowgrass belongs to Costa Rica,that this water hyacinth belongs to Costa Rica,that this water manioc
(yuca marina) belongs to Costa Rica...these are aquatic plants that grew there."
00:03:05 Journalist: "and the grooves that they mention, Commander?..."
00:03:06 EdénPastora: "They don't exist... not true,here isthe channel that they show, and this
channel, it's alie, it's not a channel."
00:03:16 Journalist: "ls this picture recent?"
00:03:18 EdénPastora: "This picture is from yesterday.
00:03:20 Edén Pastora: "The International Court of Justice said that it prohibited the arrivai of
public employees, military or police, and those who arrive there to reforest is an NGO, of
Guardabarranco environmentalists; it's called Guardabarranco and these are boys and girls that go to
reforest the area..."
Request by Costa Rica for the Indication of new Provisional Measures