The country is preparing for a new WEEE-TON that includes workshops, talks and special awareness campaigns in educational centers in the country.Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) contains high-risk toxic components, especially heavy metals and brominated flame retardant substances.  Each year, approximately 10,000 tons of toxic substances are generated in this type of waste and the harmful effects on health and the environment have been demonstrated when it is disassembled by unauthorized people and exposed, affecting the central nervous system of children, and being carcinogenic even in small doses.

 It is crucial to identify, separate, decontaminate and treat these compounds at the national and international level in a professional manner and based on a knowledge base stipulated in the best available technologies and environmental practices of International Conventions such as Stockholm and Basel.

 After carrying out an analysis of facilities and infrastructure in 2022, the Ministry of Health identified facilities that required improvements in the management of WEEE, particularly in the management of hazardous fractions.  To address this challenge, a strategic collaboration was forged with eight authorized WEEE managers in the country, with whom pilot projects were implemented.

Quantum Lifecycle Partners SRL, Valu Shred Costa Rica, the Materials Transfer and Technology Center of the Costa Rica Institute of Technology, Solirsa, Fortech, ZERO Waste, Green Costa Rica and HC Recycle have collaborated on actions.  Efforts have led to concrete achievements and advances in capacity development, for example, with plastic parts with additives, often brominated chemicals (BFRs), regulated by the Stockholm Convention as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). high risk. 

Some results of this process:

The country defined procedures to identify, as well as separate and eliminate plastic because it contains POPs, and managers are applying it.140 tons of WEEE plastic with POPs have been identified and separated, highlighting in the Latin American region.

 More than 100 tons have been destroyed by co-processing in the cement kiln of CementosProgreso Costa Rica (CEMPRO), another key participant, since the beginning of the pilots.

 Research on types of WEEE in Costa Rica and its POP content has allowed the study of 11 types, with the analysis of more than 50 devices from sampling batches of nearly 30 devices.

Coordination achieved

 Coordination has been achieved with the National University and the University of Costa Rica, which link managers and academia on WEEE plastics.The completion of the Confirmatory Protocol for the Destruction of BFR COPs in the CEMPRO furnace is planned for this month.

 The country has made progress in fulfilling its obligations with the Stockholm and Basel Conventions.Adequate business models have been promoted to ensure long-term sustainability.

Collaborating with the environment

 “With the separation diagram we have managed to identify more than 5-6 tons of brominated material, which has been removed from circulation, collaborating with the environment.  A second step comes, which consists of making a separation by type of plastic that will make the types of materials obtained more specific and can be placed in different markets worldwide, promoting the circular economy,” comments Mr. George Faeth, general manager. by Quantum Lifecycle Partners S.R.L.

 These achievements are achieved within the framework of the work of the WEEE Forum Technical Team, with the leadership of the Executive Committee for the Comprehensive Management of Electronic Waste (CEGIRE), and the support of the Electronic Waste Project in Latin America (PREAL) in Costa Rica .  The Directorate of Environmental Quality (DIGECA) of MINAE, the Chamber of the Plastics Industry (ACIPLAST) and the School of Chemical Engineering of the University of Costa Rica (UCR) also participate, along with the Polymer Laboratory of the National University (POLIUNA). ) who has supported us for two years now.

Also, with the expectation of maximizing the use of WEEE materials and raising public awareness on this issue, during this month of October the last WEEE-TON of 2023 is being developed. The campaign has the support of Municipalities, Compliance Units, marketing companies , importers, institutions and above all consumers.

The post Costa Rica Improves Its Capabilities to Treat Dangerous Components of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Many advances have been made in Costa Rica towards the goal of a more sustainable country, with renewable energy and demand for electric vehicles.

Last year 2022, the Central American country reached the highest market share in the Americas for the electric car segment.

One of the masterminds behind the big actions is the Costa Rican Electricity Institute, better known as ICE Group (its acronym), which is chaired by Marco Acuña.

When talking exclusively with Acuña, he referred to the fact that everything has remained focused on the active route for more than 70 years, in the sense of where we want to go, which is the point of view of electricity generation and clean energy.

For Acuña, more than 99% of annual electricity generation is through renewable generation or renewable sources. “We are working on the incorporation of technologies that allow us to take more advantage of renewable energy, such as energy storage and also aspects related to the use of that energy so that when demand is a little low, have other uses such as decarbonization of industrial processes or electromobility,” he said.

In recent days, it was learned through the company Red Motors, that BMW and MINI electric vehicles will be delivered with the ICE’s Es Eléctrico! card, another alliance of the Institute so that customers can make greater use of chargers throughout the country without the need for additional procedures.

Red Motors is the first vehicle distributor in the country to offer this service, focused on promoting clean energy, and renewable generation, increasing the traffic of electric cars, and through them further expanding the charging network throughout the country, all this as a major purpose of ICE.

We are on the road to sustainable mobility in Costa Rica in which Costa Rican citizens can drive without worries.

In the fast charging network “Es Eléctrico”, after subscribing to the platform, Ticos can self-manage the charging of their vehicle, in the network of 38 fast chargers that are available in the concession area of ICE’s power grid. They must also activate the GPS on their cell phone so that they can locate on the map the distance between where they are at the moment and where the nearest chargers are. 

Each driver can additionally block their Es eléctrico! card in case of loss and request a new or additional card.

Strengthening the electromobility market

ICE Group has made other contributions to promote a more sustainable transportation model in the country.

Among these efforts, we would like to emphasize the Interinstitutional Cooperation Agreement signed with Banco de Costa Rica, which seeks to promote business models based on renewable electrification, with a priority on reducing polluting gases and encouraging the energy transition in different sectors, including transportation.

It is all part of a corporate plan that includes strategic investment: ICE has allocated approximately $2 million for the implementation of electric chargers. 

The plan also includes infrastructure works, both ICE and Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz are pioneers in the implementation of fast chargers, forming a network that is aligned with the mobility demands projected by the national legislation.

They are increasingly working on freight facilitation and leadership for electrifying public transportation, which has been progressing since last year.

According to ICE Group, represented by Marco Acuña, progress in the electrification of transport depends on the conditions and legislation in force.

In 2022, the purchase of electric vehicles increased by 7%, with 24 brands and 45 electric models available, which evidences the dynamization of the market.

Other encouraging figures on electric mobility 

According to the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica, more than 1,800 electric vehicles were registered last year before the Property Registry, which meant an increase of more than 40% compared to 2021.

Finally, the National Energy Control Center also reported that the year 2022 reached 99% of clean energy production, how will 2023 close? We do not know, what we do know is how evident has been the commitment between institutions and consumers to achieve the goals in the country. Bravo!.

The post Growing Agreements for Increased Electric Vehicle Traffic in Costa Rica appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Hiking to the highest peak in Costa Rica is a thrilling and rewarding adventure that offers spectacular views and a chance to connect with nature in a unique way. Standing at an impressive height of 3,820 meters (12,532 feet), Cerro Chirripó is the pinnacle of hiking experiences in this Central American paradise.

Embarking on the journey to summit Cerro Chirripó requires careful planning and preparation. The hike typically takes several days, as it involves navigating through various ecosystems and terrains. The trail begins at the base of the mountain in San Gerardo de Rivas, a small town nestled in the Talamanca mountain range. From there, hikers make their way through dense cloud forests, crossing rivers, and ascending steep slopes.

The diverse flora and fauna encountered along the trail are a major highlight of this adventure. Hikers have the opportunity to witness the remarkable biodiversity for which Costa Rica is famous. As you ascend, the vegetation changes dramatically, transitioning from lush rainforests to pine groves and eventually to subalpine paramo.

Breathtaking sunrise

One of the most captivating aspects of hiking Cerro Chirripó is the breathtaking sunrise from the summit. On clear mornings, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, mountains, and even the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The sight of the first rays of sunlight breaking through the clouds is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The hike to Cerro Chirripó requires physical stamina and mental strength due to its challenging nature. Hikers need to be adequately prepared with appropriate gear, food, and water. However, the effort is well worth it, as reaching the summit is an accomplishment that provides an immense sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth

The ascent to Cerro Chirripó is also an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. The serenity found in the mountains allows hikers to disconnect from the distractions of everyday life and connect with their surroundings on a deeper level. The sounds of rustling leaves, the scent of pine, and the gentle breeze sweeping across the landscape create a peaceful and meditative atmosphere.

Hiking to the highest peak in Costa Rica is not only a physical challenge but also a chance to appreciate the natural wonders of this extraordinary country. It is an experience that immerses hikers in the beauty of the Costa Rican wilderness, offering a profound connection with nature and the opportunity to create lasting memories.

Whether you are an experienced hiker seeking a new adventure or a nature enthusiast looking to explore the stunning landscapes of Costa Rica, summiting Cerro Chirripó is an unforgettable journey that will leave you in awe of the natural wonders of this remarkable country.

The post Breathtaking Hike Up Cerro Chirripò, the Highest Peak in Costa Rica appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

 The Borinquen I Geothermal Project continues with the execution of works that will provide 55 megawatts of renewable energy to meet the national electricity demand. Currently, Borinquen I has 40.8% construction progress.  The plant will take advantage of the resource of a deposit located on the slopes of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano.

 Among the completed works are the access roads, the production and reinjection platforms, the working water storage lagoon and the drilling of seven production wells and five reinjection wells.

 Leonardo Solís, director of the Project, explained that “we have made progress in drilling wells, internal roads, construction of reinjection lagoons, excavation for the Powerhouse and the waste dumps.  Production tests are also continuing, as part of the field evaluation work.”

 In addition, the works to bring energy to the Borinquen I sector will benefit 300 families from CañasDulces and Buenavista, in Liberia, through the construction of a 27-kilometer, 20-megawatt distribution line.

Eighth ICE plant that uses volcanic steam

Borinquen I will be the eighth ICE plant that uses volcanic steam.  Costa Rica is the third country on the continent in geothermal capacity to generate electricity, only surpassed by the United States and Mexico, nations with extensive experience in oil drilling.

Facts in brief:

• Borinquen I Geothermal Project
• Location:Cañas Dulces, Liberia, Guanacaste.
• Installed capacity: 55 megawatts.
• Effective power delivered: 52 megawatts.
• Average annual production: 410 gigawatt hours.

     — Entry into operation:2027.

The post The Borinquen I Geothermal Project Exceeds 40% Construction Progress appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

 The scarlet macaw (Aramacao) is one of the most emblematic birds of Costa Rica.  Its importance lies not only in its great beauty but also in its ability to coexist with humans, its importance as an umbrella species (by ensuring its protection and survival, the conservation of many other species is also ensured), and for being a source of ecotourism.

 Although this species has become an iconic symbol of Costa Rican fauna, various threats, such as illegal trade and the destruction of its habitat, have reduced its populations in the wild.  To counteract this worrying trend, numerous conservation projects have emerged in the Costa Rican Pacific region, where one of the only two viable populations of scarlet macaws in Costa Rica is maintained and is considered one of the most important populations in Mesoamerica.

As part of the initiatives of the La Cangreja National Park Research Program, the richness of the birdlife present in this Area has been monitored

Protected Wilderness and its buffer zones, through annual bird counts, which have already been carried out on five occasions thanks to the support of collaborators and experts from many parts of the country, including local ones.  These counts have allowed us to document the presence and movements of the Scarlet Macaw, analyzing particular studies of the information to determine an average number of individuals in this sector of the Central Pacific.

Conservation programs have quadrupled the population of this species in the Central Pacific

For this year (2023) and as part of the actions reflected in the La Cangreja National Park Management Plan and Specific Research Plan, the decision was made to articulate efforts in monitoring and research with other non-governmental organizations related to Conservation and Protection of the Scarlet Macaw as a focal management element and emblematic species.

 In this way, the citizen science process called “Participatory Biological Monitoring of the Red Macaw” had the valuable support and involvement of institutions, organizations and companies such as: MINAE, MAG, UNDP, SINAC, ACC, La Cangreja National Park, Paso de Las Lapas Biological Corridor and Punta Leona Hotel.

 Likewise, ten educational centers were involved in the participatory monitoring process of the LapaRoja for 2023: Liceo Rural La Palma, Liceo Rural Lanas.  Güetar de Zapatón Indigenous Rural High School, Mastatal Rural High School, La Gloria Professional Technical School, San Antonio de Tulín Rural High School, Coronel Manuel Arguello- BijagualTurrubares High School, Turrubares Professional Technical School, Tárcoles Professional Technical School and El Llano Turrubares Rural High School.

 Finally, the results of the 2023 count showed that 2,121 individuals were identified, with 1,765 individuals during hours and 365 outside of hours.  This figure represents a 180% increase compared to 2022, in which 1,177 individuals were identified.  Prior to this, in 2020, the total was 978 and 1,501 in 2019.

 These results demonstrate that the scarlet macaw has responded positively to the conservation strategies implemented in the region, such as environmental education, construction of artificial nests and control and protection efforts, which is why its population is considered to have increased and its distribution in the Central Pacific has quadrupled, its genetic diversity remains high.

Punta Leona Hotel’s Scarlet Macaw Conservation Program

 One of these conservation programs, which today is one of the most important that exists in the area, is the Punta Leona Hotel’s Scarlet Macaw Conservation Program, through which the free reproduction of scarlet macaws is promoted through the construction and placement of artificial nests, monitoring with video cameras and reforestation with related species.

 «Punta Leona is proud to be one of the founders of the Central Pacific Scarlet Macaw Conservation Program.  When we started 30 years ago together with educators, universities and scientist Christopher Vaughan, we believed that the project could help save this threatened species and we committed to the placement of artificial nests, environmental education programs, tree planting and scientific studies.  Currently, the number of sightings and the territory covered by the species are an indicator that the program has been a fundamental part of the recovery of the species,” commented César Vargas, Corporate Relations Manager of the Hotel Punta Leona.

 This program began in 1994 in the Tárcoles district of the Puntarenas canton of Garabito led by the Hotel Punta Leona in coordination with Dr. Christopher Vaughan from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  During this year, scarlet macaws were identified as concentrated in the lower part of the Tárcoles River around Carara National Park and the Guacalillo Mangrove Reserve, but their populations were in rapid decline.

For this reason, in-situ management actions began to be applied, such as: the protection of the habitat and chicks in their nests, environmental education about the scarlet macaw in rural schools and towns, the planting of trees used by the scarlet macaw and the construction and placement of artificial nests.  As well as the monitoring of nests with 24/7 cameras, which can be seen on the web in real time at lapasrojaspuntaleona.com

 Subsequently, organizations and institutions such as the MEP, local farmers, SINAC, ecotourism groups, local communities and donors were involved.  Likewise, scientists from the University of Texas have been in charge of weighing, measuring and analyzing biological data from the limpet chicks.  Today, the bird is often seen in Puntarenas, Esparza, Orotina, San Mateo, Jacó, Bijagual, Acosta, Puriscal, La Cangreja National Park, and Parrita.

 The Hotel Punta Leona’s Scarlet Macaw Conservation Program is part of the Regenerative Tourism concept promoted by the hotel, in which it creates tourist experiences that activate deep connections between visitors, the local community and ecosystems, creating shared value and restoring the natural and sociocultural capital.

The post Annual Count Identified Population of More than 2 Thousand Scarlet Macaws in the Costa Rican Central Pacific appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Foams, internal components and parts of the packaging of refrigerators, washing machines and other appliances arrive daily at different beaches through the mouths of the main rivers.

This waste represents up to 20% of what is collected in the different beach cleanups carried out, especially those in the Central Pacific and the Gulf of Nicoya, according to estimates by the Mareblu organization.

Closing the cycle

In the midst of this reality and as a way to care for the environment, Mabe launched the Green Cycle program in Costa Rica with the objective of of household appliances, supported by the principle of extended producer responsibility.

Furthermore, within the framework of the presentation of this initiative, a group of Mabe collaborators participated in volunteering to clean a sector of Playa Guacalillo.

“Unfortunately, in less than 20 minutes of cleaning we managed to identify a large number of parts of household appliances such as washing machine tanks, sections of refrigerator doors and foams that are located inside these appliances, which is why we call to reverse this reality assuming co-responsibility as consumers, to prevent them from reaching these types of ecosystems and generating environmental impacts,” said Andrés Santana, Mabe’s Environmental Sustainability Manager.

During the volunteer day, 80 bags of waste were extracted, equivalent to 630 kilos.100% of what was collected received treatment according to the process that corresponds to each waste, ensuring important traceability, with the aim that nothing reaches a landfill.

In other parts of the country

In addition to this initiative and as part of Green Cycle, collection days for this type of appliances have been held in different areas of the country.Currently the work is concentrated in Poás de Alajuela in conjunction with the municipality and in Guanacaste, where a campaign will be carried out on November 17 at the Coopeguanacaste branch in Santa Cruz.

“As far as we are concerned as importers, through Green Cycle we are promoting and facilitating the correct management of waste electrical and electronic equipment, especially a culture of correct disposal of this equipment to guarantee proper handling once they have been disposed of.” completed its life cycle,” Santana added.

Green Cycle is an initiative that is part of Mabe’s corporate sustainability model that addresses the three dimensions of Governance, Social Wellbeing and Environmental Performance, seeking balance under a principle of competitive adaptation that reflects its effect on a new social, environmental and economical, beyond its products.

Recommendations

Consumers who wish to participate in these initiatives are recommended not to remove parts and components from household appliances, as some could pose problems to the environment and health due to improper handling.

Likewise, they must ensure that this waste is managed through environmental managers that guarantee comprehensive management covered by the environmental license for the correct recycling, treatment and final disposal of the components that make up these devices.

The life cycle of these products can range between 10 and 13 years according to estimates by manufacturers and importers of household appliances, although there is a probability that this period will be shorter due to a failure that occurs for different reasons or that is extended due to the behavior of extend its use.

The post Up to 20% Of Waste That Ends up on Beaches in Costa Rica is From Household Appliances appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

The cold front season in Costa Rica will be less frequent and intense than usual in 2023.This is what experts from the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) predict, mainly influenced by the El Niño phenomenon.

“During El Niño, that is more or less the characteristic and for this year, the amount of front will be less. Perhaps only one extreme event will occur in the province of Limón,” said Luis Alvarado, from the Climatology Unit.This season begins in November and lasts until February.

Extreme event

“When we talk about an extreme event, it is because there can be winds with speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour in the mountains and excessive rain in the Caribbean,” explained Eladio Solano, from the IMN.“Rain may also occur in the Central Valley. Despite being in the dry season, it does not mean that some isolated ones cannot occur,” he added.

High Waves

The start of the dry season in the national territory is expected for November as usual.On the other hand, the increase in winds brought by cold fronts generates high waves in the Caribbean.

“From November to January, the condition of high waves occurs mainly in the Caribbean area, influenced by northerly winds,” commented Omar Lizano, from the Center for Research in Marine Sciences and Limnology (Cimar-UCR).

This year, waves of up to 1.8 meters may occur, which together with an increase in sea level (due to the impact of El Niño) can generate flooding and erosion in some sectors.

“Erosions are caused to a greater extent by waves, but for example, the Caribbean has not had very high waves, so because there is erosion, due to the increase in sea level generated by El Niño and global warming,” emphasized the specialist.

Erosion is the wear and tear suffered by the earth’s surface by the action of natural forces. It is a series of processes, of a physical or chemical nature, that wear down and destroy soils and rocks.During 1997-1998, under El Niño, sea level reached up to 60 centimeters higher, which generated flooding in coastal sectors.

The post Experts Predict a Decrease in the Cold Front Season for Costa Rica appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

This year, 719 agricultural farms throughout the country receive the award in the Agricultural Category of the Ecological Blue Flag Program, in recognition of the effort in the application of practices for the sustainable management of natural resources in agricultural production, a process in which They have had the support and technical assistance of the Extension Agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG).

 This recognition in the Agricultural category, which the MAG awards for the eleventh consecutive year, presents a significant increase since its inception in 2012. It went from 11 to 719 agricultural companies, which make important contributions to the sustainability of food systems.

Good agricultural and livestock practices

The companies that receive this award are located in the 8 regions of the country and carry out various activities, such as dairy and meat farming, poultry and pork production, vegetables, coffee and fruits, among others.  They are characterized by carrying out good agricultural and livestock practices that opt ​​for the Agricultural Blue Flag (BAA) category, in the responsible management of waste, responsible and rational use of agrochemicals, reduction in the consumption of fossil fuels, saving of electrical energy, projection social, business to the community and animal welfare, all in order to achieve a balance between the environment, production and social well-being.

 It should be noted that the Agricultural Category promotes the conservation of natural resources present in productive systems and stimulates the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as greater adaptation of productive systems to the effects of climate change.

Benefiting the environment and the health of the community

 The Ecological Blue Flag Program was created in December 1995 as an initiative of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) and rewards the voluntary effort, teamwork and organization of civil society in its different areas, for the benefit of the environment and the health of the community. population.  Currently, the program includes recognition in 20 categories.

The post 42 Guanacaste Agricultural Farms Receive the Ecological Blue Flag Award appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

 Students, families and schools positively impacted the environment by taking on one eco-challenge at a timeWithin the framework of My Guardian Challenge 2023, participants planted 1,763 native trees, promoted 86 orchards and 81 gardens for pollinators in schools and homes.  They also collected 1,836 kilograms of recoverable waste.The winners were awarded computers, compost bins and desks, among others.

 Santiago Mena Arce lives in Heredia and at just 12 years old, he has a firm conviction about the reason for participating in the My Guardian Challenge 2023 contest: “I love being a Guardian of Nature.”

 In its fourth edition, the My Guardian Challenge 2023 contest sought to add new guardians of nature like Mena, thus contributing to the strengthening of a movement aimed at promoting a culture friendly to our planet.  This movement begins in homes and extends to educational centers.

 My Guardian Challenge 2023 was organized by the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), the Nature Guardians Movement and the Dos Pinos Milk Producers Cooperative.  In addition, it was sponsored by Tetra Pak and co-sponsored by MilenioTres, Dorada de La Bajura, ESPH, Florex, Accenture, HuertoOrgánico and the Transition towards an Urban Green Economy (TEVU) project of the Organization for Tropical Studies (OET). and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

 For three months, participants could select one or several eco challenges from a list of 10 options, which they had to execute and support with evidence.  This is how some turned to art to raise awareness, others dedicated themselves to waste management and composting, they also took on the task of creating an orchard or pollinator garden, as well as organizing community cleaning days or planting trees, among other actions. .

 Thanks to these efforts, and during that period of time, 1,763 native trees were planted.  86 orchards and 81 gardens for pollinators in schools and homes were also promoted.  One of the greatest impacts of the contest was on the issue of waste: 1,836 kilograms of recoverable waste were collected in homes and educational centers, as well as 396 kilograms during community cleanups.

 Although children and young people are the most enthusiastic about participating, the truth is that the entire family ends up involved in the eco challenges.  “All contributions, no matter how small they may be in the regeneration of the planet, mean a great change that positively impacts the environment and, therefore, nature, which is why we must be guardians of nature and that is what I am.  That inspired me to participate in this challenge,” commented SheilynArce Moreira, who participated in My Guardian Challenge 2023 in the family category.

 In fact, 85% of participants expressed that the contest significantly influenced their perception of the environment, and 84% stated that it strengthened their values ​​related to sustainable development.  Additionally, 42% admitted to adopting new green habits, behaviors or actions, while 37% attributed them directly to the contest.

 Now, the winners!

The jury was made up of eight people representing the MEP, Dos Pinos, Tetra Pak, Guardianes de la Naturaleza, UNDP-OET, Accenture and ESPH, as well as the child AnyendallChavarría who is an ambassador for the Guardians of Nature Movement.

 Among other prizes, schools will receive desks made with Tetra material, donated by Dos Pinos.  “It is a pleasure to be able to collaborate with this type of activities every year, which allow us to raise awareness about the importance of the environment and education,” said Luis Mastroeni, Director of Corporate Relations at Dos Pinos.

 In the individual category, the jury recognized José Alfaro (11 years old, San Ramón), Brianna Carvajal (9 years old, Pérez Zeledón) and Axel Valdez (7 years old, San Carlos);  while in the family category the Sánchez Mata from Sarapiquí, the Cordero Ureña and the Calderón Vargas, both from Pérez Zeledón, were the winners.

Thanks to the sale of cocoa, the Chinchilla Pérez family (Buenos Aires de Puntarenas) was one of the winners in the entrepreneurship category together with the Corredores Professional Technical College, which was dedicated to the sale of vegetables free of agrochemicals.

 In the category of educational centers, the winners were the La Joya School in Desamparados, the Rafael Vargas Quirós School in Tibás and the La Boca del Monte Ecological Educational Center in San Rafael de Heredia.

 Other notable educational centers were the Zapotal Indigenous School (Buenos Aires, Puntarenas), Nueva Esperanza Bilingual Educational Complex (Santa Bárbara, Heredia), Portalón School (Quepos), Leonidas BriceñoBaltodano School (Nicoya), Barroeta School (Athens), Lanas School of Puriscal (Puriscal), Ramón Aguilar Fernández School (Oreamuno) and the Carrillos de Poás High School (Poás, Alajuela).  All of these educational centers, in addition to the winners, will receive desks created with recycled sheets of Tetra Pak packaging from the ReciclaDos program.

 Likewise, the organization of the contest awarded four additional prizes to the Sulayon Indigenous School (Talamanca), the Braulio Carrillo Educational Eco Center (Moravia), the Republic of Haiti School (San José) and the Santa María de Guadalupe School (Santo Domingo).

 “My Guardian Challenge is an innovative strategy to unite the government, private companies and civil society in a common vision of transforming Costa Rica into a land of nature guardians,” said Jessica Sheffield Zamora, executive director of Guardianes de la Naturaleza.

My Guardian Challenge 2023 in numbers:

• Participation of 71 educational centers, for a total of 31,299 students.
•  A total of 165 homes that added up to 425 people.
• People from 54 cantons participated, with the cantons of San Carlos, Buenos Aires de Puntarenas and Pérez Zeledón being the ones that registered the highest participation.
• The participants carried out a total of 705 eco challenges: 103 were on the topic of waste, 98 on artistic, 86 on composting, 81 on pollinator garden, 69 on tree planting, 69 on orchard, 60 on water saving, 60 on connection with nature, 46 in savings and clean energy and 33 in community cleaning.

The post My Guardian Challenge 2023 Contest Already Has Winners in Costa Rica appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

 Achieving “net zero” emissions in the private sector is possible with a roadmap and business strategy.  The NDC Action Project works in both areas, which has the support of the Business Alliance for Development (AED), which brings together more than 100 Costa Rican companies, in liaison with allies to promote changes towards sustainability.

 The NDC Action Project seeks to design concrete sectoral strategies and actions that can be financed and implemented quickly, in order to increase the ambition of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).  It is a project financed by the IKI initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection (BMWK) and is implemented in Costa Rica by the United Nations Environment Program with the support of AED.

 After the work that began in 2021, and will end in September 2024, today we have a methodology for the creation of roadmaps for the decarbonization and adaptation of companies that has been validated with technical experts and has been piloted with organizations from the food and commerce sectors.

 Furthermore, through coordinated work with the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and other cooperators such as the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and the World Bank, studies have been supported and developed to identify decarbonization options for sectors such as tourist maritime transport, energy consumption in industry, use of refrigerants and air conditioners, fishing, wood products and sugar cane.

Identifying barriers and enabling conditions

 We have also identified barriers and enabling conditions to accelerate the technological transition of the private sector and have contributed to the development of the international ISO 14068 Standard to demonstrate Carbon Neutrality.

Efforts to develop roadmaps for the adaptation and decarbonization of companies will be complemented by the creation of a strategy between the financial sector, insurance sector and private sector for the identification and strengthening of financing instruments and the development of investments that accelerate technological transition and business resilience.

Vital commitments

Costa Rica launched its Decarbonization Plan in 2019, it did so with the commitment to have zero carbon emissions by 2050. In the last 30 years, our country almost doubled its emissions (42% are contributed by transportation).  Our forests capture 20% of them.

 The decarbonization plan includes 10 axes of work.  AED’s contribution lies in axis 6: modernization of the industrial sector through the application of electric, efficient and sustainable low and zero emissions processes and technologies.

 The roadmaps must have specific emissions reduction goals resulting from greater energy efficiency, with the elimination of energy from fossil fuels and the use of renewable electricity and bioenergy generated from biomass or waste.

 The State must contribute to technological substitution through mechanisms that encourage and facilitate the purchase of equipment. It must also promote and have model examples of a circular economy, this is making efficient use of assets and products to use them as much as possible through actions such as repair, reuse, recycling, among others.  Precisely, last June, the country launched the National Circular Economy Strategy.  The decarbonization plan also promotes the consumption of products and services with the smallest possible footprint and environmental impact.

 Costa Rica’s commitment is no less: supporting the evolution of the economic models of its productive sectors to more efficient, low or zero emissions, circular, resilient and sustainable models.

Survival on Earth

 For AED it is possible to achieve these goals and that is why we work to facilitate the implementation of climate resilient development with low carbon emissions.  Our planet and our survival on Earth require it.

The post Zero Carbon in the Costa Rica Private Sector: Yes It Is Possible appeared first on The Costa Rica News.