Isla Plata, located in Flamingo Santa Cruz de Guanacaste, only requires approval from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (Minae) before becoming a national heritage site. According to Yolanda Acuna, Member of Citizen Action Party (PAC), national heritage would prevent the granting of concessions on the island.
In, 2008 a family connected with then Minister of Tourism attempted to secure a concession and develop the land.