( CNN ) -- Costa Rica and Nicaragua both must refrain from sending or maintaining civilians , security forces or police in a disputed border area , the International Court of Justice ordered Tuesday , offering each side something it could claim as a victory . Tensions between the two countries have flared over Calero Island , a parcel of land on the Atlantic coast , since last year . In November , Costa Rica 's foreign ministry said the country had filed a lawsuit in the court to end a situation that `` threatens imminent and irreparable harm '' to Costa Rica . The suit asked the court to stop `` the construction of a canal on Costa Rican soil , '' the ministry said then . Nicaragua has claimed it has never entered Costa Rican territory and has only worked on its land . The court 's order was a provisional measure while the case is before the judges . It may be several years before a final ruling is made . The barring of any persons from the disputed area was a unanimous decision . The court did not order Nicaragua to refrain from dredging . By a 13-4 vote , the justices said that Costa Rica could send personnel to the area to protect the environment , but only in a manner that wo n't escalate tensions . The judges also ordered Nicaragua and Costa Rica to `` refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the court or make it more difficult to resolve . '' Finally , all the judges agreed that both countries will inform the court of their compliance with the order . The International Court of Justice is the United Nation 's high court , based in The Hague . Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla praised the court 's ruling , calling the decision `` just . '' `` First , because it sends a clear message that borders can not be redefined in a unilateral manner , or through force , and second , because it creates the conditions ... that allow for two friendly nations to return to dialogue , '' she told CNN en Espanol .
NEW : The court allows Nicaragua to continue dredging . The court order bars both sides from sending civilians or military forces there . It allows Costa Rica to protect the area 's waters . The two countries have disputed the territory since last year .