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Costa Rica
OECD Environmental Performance Reviews: Costa Rica 2023
A megadiverse county, Costa Rica is known globally for its success in reversing deforestation
and pursuing a growth model based on the sustainable use of its environmental resources.
However, energy use and related greenhouse gas emissions increased in the last decade.
Private cars are a major and growing source of emissions affecting climate and air
quality. Waste disposal still relies on landfills, and much wastewater is untreated.
Costa Rica’s extensive protected area network and pioneering programme of payments
for ecosystem services have helped reduce biodiversity loss and extend forests’ carbon
sequestration capacity. However, more should be done to tackle pressures on biodiversity
from development of infrastructure and settlements, tourism, farming and fishing.
The sheer scale of investment needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
calls for improving the efficiency of public spending, mobilising private finance,
strictly enforcing regulations and providing adequate incentives.
This is the first OECD Environmental Performance Review of Costa Rica. It evaluates
the country’s progress towards sustainable development, with a special chapter focusing
on biodiversity, and provides 52 recommendations.
Published on October 06, 2023Also available in: French
In series:OECD Environmental Performance Reviewsview more titles
The launch of the first Environmental Performance Review of Costa Rica took place on 6 October in San Jose. It was opened by OECD Environment Director Jo Tyndall, followed by a presentation of the Review’s findings and recommendations by OECD Environment Deputy Director Mathilde Mesnard who took questions alongside Costa Rica’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Franz Tattenbach Capra.
Part I - Launch of the Environmental Performance Review
Part II - Seminar on "Biodiversity and conservation and sustainable use in Costa Rica"