Advances in Local Climate Action in Costa Rica

 

August 8, 2024; San José (Costa Rica) – Costa Rica continues to strengthen its commitment to local climate action through the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), supported by the European Union in the Americas. This year, the country has reached several important milestones, including the inclusion of new key stakeholders and the selection of cantons for the development of climate projects, further consolidating its leadership in the region.

 

New Members in the National Advisory Committee (CCN)

One of the most significant advances of 2024 has been the addition of new members to Costa Rica’s National Advisory Committee (CCN), expanding its multisectoral representation. The new members include GIZ Acción Clima, the Youth and Climate Change Network, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). They join a diverse group of representatives that includes government institutions, civil society, academia, and international cooperation, such as the EU Delegation in Costa Rica, Climate Change Directorate (DCC – MINAE), Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy (MIDEPLAN), Institute for Municipal Promotion and Assistance (IFAM), Costa Rica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Union of Local Governments (UNGL), National Association of Mayors and Intendants (ANAI), National University (UNA), Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MIVAH), National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Response (CNE), and as representatives of Costa Rican local governments on the Mayors Forum and this Committee, the Municipality of Oreamuno and the Municipality of Belén.

 

Selection of Cantons for Climate Project Development

Another key milestone is the selection of nine cantons that will receive support from GCoM Americas for structuring climate project profiles. The selected cantons are Alajuela, Belén, Cañas, Desamparados, La Unión, Oreamuno, Paraíso, San José, and Zarcero. These cantons will be accompanied in the creation of climate action projects, aiming to apply for climate finance funds at both national and international levels. This activity seeks to contribute to one of the main local challenges for the implementation of Climate Action Plans. This process is based on the Project Structuring Guide, developed as part of the National Covenant Strategy, which will capture the learning with this group of supported cantons.

 

Implementation of CHAMP in Costa Rica

In line with its commitment to leading local climate action, the Committee valued Costa Rica’s signing of CHAMP (Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships for Climate Action), a new international commitment launched at COP 28, and its potential impacts on local climate action in the country. CHAMP aims to include subnational governments in national climate plans, such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies, and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). This approach reinforces the importance of local action in the fight against climate change. More information on the CHAMP initiative here.

 

Celebration of Covenant Achievements in September

Finally, an event is expected to be held in September to recognize the advances achieved under the National Strategy in Costa Rica. This event will be an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and lessons learned, strengthening the commitment of all involved stakeholders to continue driving climate action in the country.

Costa Rica continues to demonstrate its leadership in Climate Action in Latin America, moving forward with determination in the implementation of local climate actions and consolidating key partnerships to address the global challenges of climate change.

 

About the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy is the largest global alliance of municipalities and cities committed to leading the fight against climate change and promoting sustainable energy. In Latin America, more than 700 municipalities are committed to the alliance. Our mission is to foster the development of resilience to climate challenges, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure equitable access to sustainable and affordable energy. The support of the European Union, through the project to support the Global Covenant of Mayors in the Americas, is another example of the importance of this joint effort to address climate challenges at the local and global levels.