Costa Rica: Champion of the Earth 2019

In 2019, Costa Rica received an internationally prestigious recognition, the title of "Champion of the Earth" awarded by the United Nations Organization. This award represents the highest honor given for efforts in environmental protection and the fight against climate change. It is significant to note that, for the first time, the award was not awarded to a single person or organization, but to an entire nation, underlining the collective commitment and innovative policies implemented by Costa Rica. The UN has defined Costa Rica as a "world leader in sustainability", recognizing the importance of environmental policies integrated into the political and economic fabric of the country. This distinction highlights how sustainability is not only achievable, but also advantageous from an economic point of view.

Among the initiatives praised by the United Nations is the decarbonisation plan, which has transformed the country's energy matrix, allowing 98% of energy to be produced from renewable sources. This step forward has laid the foundations for a sustainable energy strategy with low environmental impact.

Further efforts include the electrification of public transport, the adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture and livestock, and industrial modernization, including that of the refining sector, with the aim of further reducing carbon emissions.

On the conservation front, Costa Rica stands out for the protection of its biodiversity: over half of the national territory is covered by forests, which are actively preserved. This forest cover not only contributes to the fight against climate change through the absorption of CO2, but also protects an immense variety of plant and animal species, consolidating the country as a global benchmark for biodiversity conservation.

In conclusion, the recognition of "Champion of the Earth" awarded to Costa Rica celebrates the success of a country that has been able to integrate environmental sustainability into its policies, demonstrating to the world that it is possible to combine economic development and environmental protection.