catalogue of the technical offer of costa rica on...

Catalogue of the Technical Offer of Costa Rica on

Environment and Climate Change

San José, Costa Rica, 2015.

Catalogue of the Technical Offer of Costa Rica on Environment and Climate Change

3

Table of Contents

List of Acronyms ................................................................................................... 5

Acknowledgments: ............................................................................................... 7

Credits: ................................................................................................................... 8

Presentation ........................................................................................................... 9

Catalogue of the Technical Offer of Costa Rica on Environment and Climate

Change ................................................................................................................. 12

File N°1 .............................................................................................................. 12

File N°2 .............................................................................................................. 14

File N°3 .............................................................................................................. 18

File N°4 .............................................................................................................. 20

File N°5 .............................................................................................................. 22

File N°6 .............................................................................................................. 24

File N°7 .............................................................................................................. 28

File N°8 .............................................................................................................. 33

File N°9 .............................................................................................................. 39

File N°10 ............................................................................................................ 41

File N°11 ............................................................................................................ 45

File N°12 ............................................................................................................ 48

File N°13 ............................................................................................................ 50


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File N°14 ............................................................................................................ 53

File N°15 ............................................................................................................ 56


5

List of Acronyms ACI Area of International Cooperation MIDEPLAN

ASP Protected Areas

AyA Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers

ASADA Administrator of Rural Water Association

CADETI Advisory Commission on Land Degradation

CCSS Costa Rican Institute of Social Security

CST Certification for Sustainable Tourism

IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

C-Neutrality Carbon neutrality

DCC Department of Climate Change

DCI International Cooperation Department of MRREEC

DIGECA Environmental Quality Management Division

DSE Energy Division

ECA Costa Rican Accreditation Entity

FODESAF Fund for Social Development and Family Allowances

FONAFIFO National Forestry Financing Fund

GEF Global Environmental Facility

GHG Greenhouse Gas

Grupo ICE National Power and Light Company

IAAC Inter American Accreditation Cooperation

IAF International Accreditation Forum

ICE Costa Rican Institute of Electricity

ICT Costa Rican Tourism Institute

INBio National Biodiversity Institute

INCAE Central American Institute of Business Administration

INTA National Institute of Innovation and Transfer of Agricultural Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock

MAG Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock

MIDEPLAN Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy

MINAE Ministry of Environment and Energy

MINSALUD Ministry of Health

MLA Multi-lateral Recognition Arrangement

MRREEC Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship


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MRV Measurement, Reporting and Verification

NAMAs Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions


7

Acknowledgments:

This document was made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Spanish

Agency for International Cooperation for Development (AECID), the United Nations

Program for Development (UNDP), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on

Agriculture (IICA), the Department of International Cooperation and Climate

Change of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the Area of

International Cooperation of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy

(MIDEPLAN-ACI), and the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry

of Foreign Affairs and Worship (DCI-MRREEC).


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Credits:

Area of International Cooperation of the Ministry of National Planning and

Economic Policy (MIDEPLAN-ACI)

Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and

Worship (DCI-MRREEC)

September 2015


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Presentation

Nearly a decade ago, Costa Rica began a process of "conversion" of the

management of international cooperation for development (CID), from being a net

recipient of international cooperation to being a "dual" actor, as a receiver and

provider of technical cooperation through the identification, systematization and

promotion of good practices accumulated and tested.

The concept of "best practices" refers to any experience guided by principles,

objectives and appropriate procedures or advisable guidelines, adjusted to a given

regulatory perspective or a consensus set by national institutions. It also refers to

any experience that has produced positive results, demonstrating its effectiveness

and usefulness in a specific context. Systematized good practices, allow learning

from the experiences of others, and applying them broadly. They can promote new

ideas or suggest adaptations and provide effective guidance to visualize the impact

of an intervention in institutions and communities.

It is precisely the existence of these good national practices, which enable the

development of offer catalogs of technical cooperation as a useful tool to show the

strengths of countries in a systematic form. In this sense, the catalog presented

below is part of a process and a national effort to organize and the management of

South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation in Costa Rica.

Among the criteria used to detect good practices identified in this catalog, the

following stand out:


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I. Careful evaluation of a characteristic in an institution becomes

necessary to modify and improve and therefore has a defined,

relevant and realistic goal,

II. Development of evidence-based strategies, which are innovative

in their application

III. Basic principles and values that reflect a vision or perspective of

the problem it serves,

IV. Alignment with the mission and vision of the institutions as well as

the current National Development Plan and Policy for International

Cooperation, Costa Rica 2014-2022,

V. Qualified and specialized human resources that implement the

initiative,

VI. The establishment of a rigorous system of monitoring processes

and results of the actions undertaken while allowing feedback and

redirection of actions,

VII. Incorporating sustainability strategies of the initiative, which

promotes its institutionalization,

VIII. The systematization of processes and results,

IX. The ability to adapt according to circumstances and the

environment,

X. The possibility to replicate the successful experience

This catalog aims to make visible the work done by Costa Rican institutions on

issues of particular importance to communities, the country, the region and the

international community, to facilitate mutual learning through continuous exchange

of experiences with other countries of similar level of development; develop a

culture of quality in the public sector, improve the external and internal image of the

public sector and its importance in development management.


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This instrument is structured around four strategic areas: a) climate change, b) risk

management, c) territorial planning d) management.

The development of the catalog, has led to the realization of a comprehensive

process that includes workshops with institutions that have direct or indirect

competition on environmental issues and climate change. We appreciate the active

and valuable participation of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) of

Climate Change (DCC), the National Forestry Financing Fund (FONAFIFO), the

National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), the Ministry of Health

(MINSALUD), the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), the Costa Rican

Electricity Institute (ICE), the National Power and Light Company, the Ministry of

Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), the National Institute of Innovation and Transfer

Agricultural Technology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (INTA), the

Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), and of the Municipality of Escazú.


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File N°1

International Cooperation Technical Bid for Costa Rica

1. Name of Costa Rican Institution

Name: ICE Group (Costa Rican Electrical Institute and National Power and

Light Company)

Pillar: Environment, Land Management and Risk

Management

2. Name of Proposed Institutional Strengths

Costa Rican Electric Energy Development Model

3. Institutional Department or Office Executing Proposed Strength

Electric Energy Department

4. Name, telephone and Email of contact for the proposed Institutional Strength and of the International Cooperation Office in the institute that supports the strength.

Name of Technical Contact: Javier Orozco Canossa Telephone: 20007275 Email: [email protected]

International Cooperation Contact in the Institution Mrs. Elizabeth Umaña Solano Telephone: 20007966 Email: [email protected]

5. Description of the proposed Institutional Strength

The Costa Rican energy model has a renewable energy

matrix of about 95%. They have wide-ranging experience in

hydroelectric, geothermal, wind and humid biomass projects.

This model can be offered to other countries to improve their

energy matrix and quality of life.

It is a sustainable model that provides access to electric

power in 99.5% of the country.

It is developed through a structured systematic planning

process comprising several stages and finalizing with the

incorporation of projects within the generation expansion

plan.

The model includes analysis of Greenhouse Gas (GHG)

emissions.

It considers the lowest environmental impact and corporate

social responsibility.


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Through the plan, it establishes a future vision of renewable,

non-conventional sources.

6. Summary of procedure followed

to develop strength.

One of strengths of the model is that it has the support of the

ICE Electric Energy Department and the Ministry of the

Environment and Energy.

The model constitutes a vision of planning taken into account

in national development and energy plans; and is a tool for

institutionalized planning with a history of several decades of

continuous improvement.

There are ongoing publications that systematize the model

through the electric energy plan to expand generation,

reviewed and updated approximately every two years.

There are other model systematization tools, including all the

studies conducted during the pre-investment stage, the plan

for nonconventional renewable sources, and the greenhouse

gas emissions report.

10. Cooperation Modality Offered.

1. INTERNSHIPS ( x ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( x ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( x ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( x ) 5. TRAINING ( x ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( x ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( x ) 8. CONSULTING ( x ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate): Although not an international

cooperation modality, also offer sale of services.

11. Resources Offered by the Institution for Transfer

For the development of this technical bid, there are

specialized human resources in the field of renewable energy

and existing project and plant infrastructure in the different

renewable energy technologies and technological support

(info-communication equipment, facilities) for courses,

practice, training and internships in renewable energy. There

is a group specializing in coordinating trips abroad and the

international cooperation office to coordinate liaison and

activities with similar institutions outside the country.


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File N°2



Name: ICE Group (Costa Rican Electrical Institute and National Power and Light Company)

Pillar: Environment, Land Management and Risk Management.


Assessment of electrical energy teams conformity - Energy

Efficiency Laboratory


Energy Efficiency Laboratory, ICE Rincon Grande de Pavas Plan


Name of Technical Contact: Virgilio Jiménez Valverde Telephone:2000 4131 Email: [email protected]



In 1994 Costa Rica enacted the Law on Rational Use of

Energy (Law URR 7447), that establishes guidelines for

labeling (information labels on energy consumption and

product characteristics) for electrical equipment identified as

high consuming, such as fluorescent lights, refrigerators,

electric motors, etc.

Accordingly, since 1998 ICE has been committed to the task

of developing and implementing a laboratory to run energy

efficiency and conformity assessment tests.

The Energy Efficiency Laboratory (EEL) has been accredited

since 2008 (Refer to scope at HYPERLINK

"http://www.eca.or.cr) for more than 12 tests, including energy

efficiency and performance tests on different lighting systems

technologies for residential, commercial, industrial and public

lighting uses, to determine electrical, chromatic and

photometric parameters, in addition to energy efficiency tests

for household refrigerators.


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It has also implemented another range of tests, beyond the

accreditation scope or in process of accreditation, such as:

Energy efficiency tests for squirrel cage type electrical

motors.

Determination of photometric lighting curves using a

goniophotometer.

Dust and water Leak Tests (IP rating)

Impact tests (IK rating)

Solar collector performance tests for heating water,

using a solar simulator and outdoor tests.

Energy efficiency tests for electric stoves.

Energy efficiency tests for electric ovens.

Energy efficiency tests for water heater tanks,

tankless heaters and electrical showerheads.

Energy efficiency tests for household washing

machines.

Calibration of electrical variables

Calibration of photometric variables using a

photometric bench.

Working on expanding other testing areas, such as

photovoltaic panels using a flash chamber. Over the years,

EEL has played an important role in the assessment of

conformity of lighting products for the residential sector and

public lighting, both for the import process and for public and

private tenders.



Throughout these 20-years, there has been ongoing

investment in infrastructure, equipment and personnel training.

Have developed personnel competence in testing, conformity

assessment processes and knowledge of technology at the


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main international institutions specializing in the different

areas, including:

CENAM – Mexico

ANCE – Mexico

Electrical Research Institute - Mexico

IPT – Brazil

PTB - Germany

ISE Fraunhofer - Germany

CSA – Canada

Hydro Quebec – Canada

NIST – United States of America

INTI – Argentina

IRAM – Argentina

Sapphire Technical Solutions – United States of

America

In addition, have received technical cooperation for the

following organizations:

BUNCA – United Nations

PRACAMS – European Union

CONUE – Mexico

JICA – Japan

SIDA – Sweden

GIZ – Germany

Actively participate in international forums and regional

projects on energy efficiency and conformity assessment.

Since 2008 have developed and maintained laboratory

accreditation supported by a Quality Assurance System based


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on INTE-ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 standards “General

Requirements for Testing Laboratory Competence and

Calibration." Actively participate in National Technical Energy

Efficiency Committees for development of national standards:

CTN 28 – Energy Efficiency

CTN 31– Occupational Safety

CTN 176 – Quality Assurance System

10. Cooperation Modality Offered

1. INTERNSHIPS ( ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( x ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( x ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( x ) 5. TRAINING ( ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( x ) 8. CONSULTING ( x ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate) ______________________


There are specialized field and laboratory human resources to

develop this technical bid. Note: The Availability of Resources

to be offered will depend on ICE Senior Management’s

approval and current policies on spending restrictions.


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File N°3




Pillar: Environment, Land Management and Risk Management.


Sustainability of Energy Efficiency in Productive Sectors

following ISO50-001 standards.


Área de conservación de la energía Negocio de Distribución y Comercialización (NDC), Gerencia

de Electricidad.


Name of Technical Contact: Jerney Alvarado Mena Telephone:2000 5673 Email: [email protected]


5. Description of the proposed Institutional Strength.

The Distribution and Commercialization Business (DCB) as

part of value added services for and towards macro

consuming ICE customers, has been developing different

methods to make energy efficiency a sustainable tool, through

the integration of a philosophy within the customers corporate

management system. This strategy is supported by ISO 5001

standard “Energy Management Systems (EMS)”, which is the

basis for its structure.



To integrate energy efficiency into its customer corporate

management system, it is recommended that companies be

ISO 9.001 and/or ISO 14.000 standard certified. However, it

is applicable to any type of organization that wants to increase

productivity and that has these management systems.

The ICE Group can perform this work in several stages: First,

it had senior management support through implementing a

strategy of an energy policy, energy management indicators,

personnel training and awareness, supplying equipment and

services, operational control and design focusing on energy


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efficiency.


1. INTERNSHIPS ( ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( ) 5. TRAINING ( x ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( x ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( x ) 8. CONSULTING ( x ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate) ________________________


There are trained human resources and availability of

resources to be offered, this will depend on ICE Senior

Management’s approval and current policies on spending

restrictions.


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File N°4




Pillar: Environment, Land Management and Risk Management


Renewable Energy Sources for Small Scale Electrical Energy Production


Área de conservación de la energía Negocio de Distribución y Comercialización (NDC), Gerencia de

Electricidad.


Name of Technical Contact: Mr. Luis Diego Ramirez Rodríguez

Telephone:2000 6954 Email: [email protected]

International Cooperation Contact in the Institution

Mrs. Elizabeth Umaña Solano Telephone: 20007966

Email: [email protected]


The country goal of the Costa Rican Electrical Institute through the

DCB is to achieve 100% rural electrification using renewable energy

sources that has made it possible to install photovoltaic systems in

communities where access to the conventional energy network cannot

be developed because of the dispersion of families, land topography or

lack of access.

The program performs an evaluation and characterization of the

communities, identifying the renewable energy potential (hydro, wind,

biomass, photovoltaic), in order to implement the most viable option.

Developed a generation pilot plan distributed for self-consumption for

the areas covered by the network to obtain sources of work and drive

the potential of renewable energy connected to the network. This plan

connected 6.75 MW in photovoltaic facilities for residential, commercial

use and 4.5 MW generated using biomass in the industry.

Depending on the complexity and variables to be developed or

identifies, the pilot projects have a duration of 1 to 2 years, depending

on whether the project requires additional equipment purchases for

implementation.


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6. Summary of procedure

followed to develop

strength.

DCB has begun working through pilot programs that allow the

assessment of the barriers and strengths for each initiative. After the

assessment of each project, the successes and failures are evaluated,

correcting procedures and methodologies to continue with the formal

DCB activities.

10. Modalidad de cooperación ofrecida.

1. INTERNSHIPS ( ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( x ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( x ) 5. TRAINING ( x ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( x ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( x ) 8. CONSULTING ( x ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate) _____________________________

11. Resources Offered by the Institution for Transfer.

There are trained human resources and availability of resources to be offered; this will depend on ICE Senior Management’s approval and current policies on spending restrictions.


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File N°5

International Cooperation Technical Bid for Costa Rica 1. Name of Costa Rican

Institution Name: Ministry of Health


2. Name of Proposed

Institutional Strengths

Creation of comprehensive waste management standards considering

international guidelines included in Agreements and topics of

international interest, such as climate change within an inter-

institutional coordination framework.

3. Institutional Department

or Office Executing

Proposed Strength

Department for the Protection of the Human Environment.


Name of Technical Contact: Eugenio Androvetto Villalobos

Telephone: 2221 6058 Email: [email protected]

International Cooperation Contact in the Institution Adriana Salazar

González Telephone: +(506) 2221-8712



Executed under the German Technical Cooperation (GIZ), Competition

and the Environment (CYMA Spanish acronym) Project with the

objective of improving comprehensive waste management in Costa

Rica. This involved work for the development and publication of a

public policy, a law and a national plan. Likewise, they worked with 10

Municipalities to develop their respective municipal plans.

The main beneficiary was the national population together with the

institutional, municipal, private, NGO, academic and other sectors.

Once the project was concluded, the institutional strength achieved by

the project led the Ministry of Health to continuing to develop and

implement the different tools developed.

All of the experience acquired and the technical knowledge developed

can be shared with other regions and countries for its implementation.


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followed to develop

strength.

Strengths were developed within a context of national interest, which

was and currently involves implementation of comprehensive waste

management.

Likewise, an important success factor was the participation of citizens

informed and aware of their decisions and participations. Academia,

institutionality and the private sector participated in the development of

the different tools.

Today this issue is included in the National Development Plan, and is

therefore it is a well-positioned, priority plan for the State of Costa

Rica.


1. INTERNSHIPS ( x ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( x ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( ) 5. TRAINING ( ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( x ) 8. CONSULTING ( x ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate) ____________________________


There are Human Resources and Technicians specialized on these

issues. There are also general services in place, including

infrastructure, meeting rooms, internal transportation and computer

equipment.


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File N°6


Institution Name: National Forest Financing Fund (FONAFIFO Spanish acronym)


2. Name of Proposed


Forest related loans for different activities.

Compensation Mechanisms (Payment for Environmental

Services)

Alternative forest projects

Development of a Biodiversity Conservation Equity Fund.

Development of Strategies and Action Plans for the Reduction

of Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation of the

forests (REDD), Reference Levels, and System for

Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV)

Design REDD Safeguard Information System proposals.

Design and management of carbon credit commercialization

projects

Develop fund raising mechanisms in the private sector.


or Office Executing

Proposed Strength

Forest Loans for different activities - Development Department

Compensation Mechanisms (Payment for Environmental

Services) - Environmental Services Department

Alternative Forest Projects - Development Department

Development of an Equity Fund for Biodiversity Conservation -

General Management Department

Development of REDD Strategies and Action Plans,

Reference Levels and MRV - REDD Executive Secretary

Design proposals for REDD Safeguard Information System -

Environmental Services Development and Commercialization

Department

Design and management of projects for the commercialization

of carbon credits - Environmental Services Development and

Commercialization Department

Development of fund raising mechanisms in the private sector


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- Environmental Services Development and

Commercialization Department


Name of Technical Contact:

Telephone (506) 2545-3500

Director General, Jorge Mario Rodríguez, Director General,

[email protected]

Oscar Sánchez Chaves, Director of Environmental Services

[email protected]

Héctor Arce, Director of Development,

[email protected]

Alexandra Sáenz, REDD Executive Secretary, [email protected]

Carmen Roldán, Director Environmental Services

Development and Commercialization,

[email protected]

International Cooperation Contact in the Institution Rubén

Muñoz Robles

Director of International Cooperation Ministry of the Environment and Energy

Telephone 22-58-00-69



The National Forest Financing Fund, created in 1996 by Forestry Law

7575, has broad experience in the development and implementation

of forest incentives. Since its creation, it has implemented diverse

forest development mechanisms applicable to the forest industry,

ecotourism, production and commercialization of forest products.

It is known worldwide for its Payment for Environmental Services

Program, through which from 1997 to the present, the government of

Costa Rica has applied more than US$300 million dollars. This has

contributed to the protection and recovery of forest cover and the

financial recognition given to farm owners who protect biodiversity,

scenic beauty, water resources and sequestration or storage of

greenhouse gases.

To inject funds into the PSA Program and/or strengthen the natural

resources sector, the Law gives FONAFIFO several mechanisms.

These include obtaining loans, donations, establishing agreements

with companies that finance PSA to compensate for the environmental

footprint of their production activities, commercialization of carbon

credits and others. In addition, to those related to specific products to


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add funds, including a green debit card, green credit card, Eco-Seal,

Clean Flight Program, Living Forest Projects.

FONAFIFO is experienced in managing trusts and equity funds for

biodiversity conservation, as well in designing MDL and REDD

projects and knowledge of the different environmental standards

associated with carbon footprint.

Farm owners selected based on their geographical location, in

conformity with pre-established environmental and economic criteria,

are the direct beneficiaries of Forest Loan, Payments for

Environmental Services and Sustainable Biodiversity Fund (Trust)

Programs. The Costa Rican Society is an indirect beneficiary and all

those that use natural resources in their production processes.

FONAFIFO can transfer knowledge related to financial compensation

mechanisms for the environmental footprint and carbon footprint. In

addition to transferring knowledge of environmental trusts and

methodologies for the valuation of environmental services, as well as

methodologies on forest biomass measurement and projects for the

commercialization of carbon credits. Other knowledge refers to project

design and management, including the reduction of emissions from

deforestation and forest degradation. It can also share manuals and

procedures.


followed to develop

strength.

The process was facilitated by laws on these issues, such as Article

No. 50 of the Political Constitution of the Republic, Organizational Law

on the Environment and the General Law on Public Administration,

policies and legislation on forest incentives, Forestry Law No. 7575

and its regulations and amendments.

Law No. 8640 Approval of Loan Contract No. 7388-CR and its

Appendices between the Republic of Costa Rica and the International

Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) on the introduction

of Market-based Financial Instruments into Environmental

Management Projects, law associated with the Domestic Carbon

Market and Law associated with the National Quality System, law


27

associated with Real Property incentives.

Subsequently, within the international context and decisions were

adopted by Conferences of Parties to international Agreements; e.g.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,

Convention on Desertification and Convention on Biological Diversity,

and others decisively assumed by the country.

In Costa Rica, there is canon on Water Use and financial and

technical sustainability are currently available.


1. INTERNSHIPS ( ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( x ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( x ) 5. TRAINING ( ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( ) 8. CONSULTING ( x ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate): Although not an international

cooperation modality, also offer sale of services.


FONAFIFO, in accordance with Ministry of Finance guidelines, does

not have the financial resources for its staff or visitors, to cover the

costs of airline tickets, per diems, lodging, insurance, etc.

In Costa Rica by means of due coordination, it can organize a basic

logistical level to make visits to farms that benefit from institutional

programs.

FONAFIFO has the human capital to offer, with knowledge developed

through academic studies, diverse training received and experienced

in their professional practice.


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File N°7


Institution Name: Ministry of the Environment

and Energy (MINAE)


Management.

2. Name of Proposed


CLIMATE ACTIONS IN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE WITH A

TRANSFORMATIONAL VISION

ADJUSTMENTS AND RESPONSES THROUGH THE

CONSTRUCTION OF NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR COMPANIES

AND MEASUREMENT OF THE CARBON FOOTPRINT


Climate Change Department


Name of Technical Contact: Climate Change Department

Telephone:22-53-42-98 Email:

[email protected]

Contacto de Internacional en la Institución

Rubén Muñoz Robles Director de Cooperación

Internacional Teléfono 22-58-00-69 Correo Electrónico: [email protected]:


Costa Rica seeks more intelligent land management through climatic

actions with a transformational vision. Adaptation with the necessary

adjustments that must be made to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions

and increased Resiliency.

In July 2007, Costa Rica pledged to reach carbon neutrality in 2021.

As of that time, the Government has worked to establish the bases for

reaching this goal.

The Costa Rican National Climate Change Strategy separates the

mitigation pillar into three fundamental aspects: carbon reduction,

capture and storage and carbon markets. Accordingly, Resolution 36-

MINAE- 2012 defines the National Carbon Neutrality Program, a

governmental initiative led by MINAE’S Climate Change Department.

This resolution seeks to formalize processes related to greenhouse


29

gas inventory (GEI) reporting, application of national standard INTE-

01-06:2011 “Standard for Demonstrating Carbon Neutrality” and the

definition of rules within the carbon neutrality process.

This management framework proposes actions that consider reduction

efforts by the different sectors.

This process, together with Decree No. 37926-MINAE “Regulations for

regulating and operating the Domestic Carbon Market” published in

Gazette No. 217 on November 11, 2013 will allow compensation for

the emissions of these companies and new organizations entering the

process by buying Costa Rican Compensation Units (UCC Spanish

acronym). UCCs are carbon credits linked to forest projects, as well as

innovative emission reduction and energy efficiency projects.

6. Summary of procedure followed to develop strength.

The Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate Change, of which all Central American

countries are members, has consensus on the fact that “(…) the fight

against climate change requires a paradigm change towards the

construction of a society with low carbon emissions that offers

substantial opportunities and ensures continuous high growth and

sustainable development”1

Consequently, many entities in our Region have focused their efforts

on reducing their emissions and seeking carbon neutrality (C-

Neutrality), considering that, this aspect is important for increasing

market competition and their efforts to reduce their emissions. Being

carbon neutral normally means that net emissions associated with an

organization’s products or activities are equal to zero. For an

organization to be carbon neutral, the best practices accepted are that

the organization has taken measures in the following order:

1 (Informe Segunda parte: Medidas adoptadas por la Conferencia de las Partes,

FCCC/COP/2010/7/Add.1, I. Una visión común de la cooperación a largo plazo).


30

1- Measured its carbon footprint;

2- Reduced emissions and

3- Compensated for residual emissions.

Through this approach, investment by an organization, a sector or a

country to measure its carbon footprint could achieve multiple

objectives. The better the measurements and reports on Greenhouse

Gases, the better the management of reduction mechanisms. Best

practices also require that the organization have transparent

measurement, reporting and verification mechanisms, so that public

recognition, national or international, can be duly granted by the State.

On the other hand, and given the lack of a common definition and

recognized verification method, there have been inconsistencies on

how to recognize the C-Neutrality term. This has made it necessary to

search for a tool that will remedy this lack.

Standard INTR-01-06.2011, "Standard for Demonstrating C-Neutrality”,

although applicable nationally, may have a regional scope for the

purpose of standardizing how to demonstrate C-Neutrality. The latter

seeks to ensure that national, regional and international consumers

and other related agents can rely on carbon neutral statements being

valid and recognized by the respective Nation and that it remedies the

lack of a method for this type of recognition. The application of this

standard seeks to achieve a series of changes and benefits:

1. Enhanced consumer protection;

2. Increased actions to reduce and mitigate the effects of climate

change on the different sectors of society.

3. Exact and verifiable C-Neutrality statements that ensure

transparency.

4. Increased probability that corporations will improve their

management of products and product derivatives in response


31

to pressure from their clients or the market.

5. Reduced confusion among the different national, regional and

international stakeholders.

6. Better opportunities for the public, consumers, current and

potential buyers to make decisions using the better information

available.

7. Increased opportunities for competition on the market for

environmentally friendly goods and products.

The development of this standard and the transparency mechanism

entailed in the management of emission reduction is part of the

mitigation actions that Central America has jointly taken as a region to

contribute to stabilizing CO2 emissions globally, since the approval of

its Regional Climate Change Strategy in 2010. This standard seeks to

support actions taken individually and as a group, by the private and

public sectors, to achieve C-Neutrality and progress towards a low

emissions development model.

This effort assumes total transformation of production systems,

financial mechanisms and the structure of the country, to achieve a low

emissions development model.

This standard is a clear and concise driver of emission reduction

actions. Indeed, it seeks to promote changes in consumption and

production habits, as well as technological improvements and

optimization of the use of natural resources and raw materials, within a

clear framework understandable to all stakeholders. Therefore, this

mechanism is the sum total of the commitments assumed regionally by

Central American countries.


1. INTERNSHIPS ( x ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( x ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( x ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( x ) 5. TRAINING ( x ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( x ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( x )


32

8. CONSULTING ( x ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate)

11. Resources Offered by

the Institution for Transfer

The institution has the human, technical, technological and logistical

resources for future execution of initiatives to receive foreigners into

the country and to allow nationals to travel abroad.


33

File N°8

International Cooperation Costa Rican Technical Bid

1. Name of Costa Rican

Institution

Name: Ministry of the Environment and Energy (MINAE) through the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC Spanish acronym)


2. Name of Proposed

Institutional Strengths Management of Protected Wildlife Areas

3. Institutional

Department or Office

Executing Proposed

Strength

National System of Conservation Areas

4. Name, telephone and Email of contact for the proposed Institutional Strength and of the International Cooperation Office in the institute that supports the strength

Name of Technical Contact: Oscar Zuñiga Guzman, Manager of Conservation and Sustainable

Use Telephone: 506-25226500


International Cooperation Contact in the Institution Rubén Muñoz Robles Director of International Cooperation

Telephone 22-58-00-69 Email: [email protected]

Lesbia Sevilla Estrada Coordinator, Cooperation and

Projects Office

5. Caracterización de la Fortaleza Institucional propuesta

The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC Spanish acronym)

was created by Article 22 of Biodiversity Law No. 7788 and published in

Gazette No. 101 on May 27, 1998, receiving instrumental legal standing.

It is a de-concentrated participative management and institutional

coordination system that integrates competencies on forest, wildlife and

protected areas, as well as the protection and conservation of river

basins and water systems. Its purpose is to dictate policies, plan and

execute processes to achieve sustainability in managing Costa Rica’s

natural resources.

Its organizational structure includes the following:

The National Council on Conservation Areas: Maximum

decision-making body.

Executive Secretary: It is comprised of the Executive

Department, four Departments and functional support

offices (financial development, cooperation and projects,


34

legal, human resources, marketing and communication,

financial accounting, general services, purchasing and

internal control). It also has an Internal Auditing

Department.

The Conservation Areas comprise a Regional Director, 34

Sub-Regional Offices with a Department Head and

Operational Centers in the Protected Wildlife Areas. The

Conservation Areas are Regional Departments.

The Conservation Area Regional Councils: These are the

maximum decision-making bodies in the Conservation

Areas.

The Local Councils: Located in those Conservation Areas

where they are necessary because of their complexity and

are comprised of a Regional Council.

SINAC, pursuant to its founding law, is responsible for managing,

promoting and controlling, in coordination with other entities, the rational

use of natural resources and biodiversity, providing quality services to its

users, within and outside the Protected Wildlife Areas (PWA).

Accordingly, it is responsible for directing processes, promoting and

facilitating development of the institutional capacity necessary for

designing and implementing actions for effective PWA management,

taking into account the participation of State institutions and civil society

making use of available scientific information and the most appropriate

technical tools.

SINAC, therefore, drives the formulation of policies, guidelines and the

application of technical and legal tools that ensure the participation of

interest groups in decision-making regarding effective management of

natural and cultural resources within and around the PWA.

Based on the above, SINAC’s strengths as related to the PWA are:

Development and implementation of instruments and tools for PWA


35

planning and management including definition of PWA policy, guidelines

for the design and formulation of General PWA Management Plans and

preparation of general PWA management plans. In addition to the

design and application of tools for Assessing the Effectiveness of PWA

Management, preparation of the PWA Master Plan and design and

implementation of Costa Rican Protected Area and Biological Corridor

Ecological Monitoring Program (PROMEC-CR, Spanish acronym), and

others.

Development of sustainable tourism in the PWA, including: SINAC’s

Sustainable Tourism Strategy and sustainable tourism plans for the

PWA, planning and design of PWA infrastructure, handling visitors, PWA

tourism market intelligence, strengthening of institutional and local

capacities, community work for the tourism developments in PWA

environs, promotion and implementation of sustainable tourism in PWA,

and others.

6. Summary of procedure followed to develop strength.

Costa Rica’s experience with PWA began in 1945 with the enactment of

the Law No. 197 of August 29, 1945 that created the national parks.

Several national parks were subsequently created (volcanoes in 1955),

the Cabo Blanco Absolute National Reserve (in 1963) and the Macho

River Forest Reserve (in 1964). In 1969, several categories of protected

area management coined by the Washington Convention were

reintroduced, creating others, e.g. Wildlife Refuges, Forest and

Wetlands Reserves. There are currently other categories totaling 166

PWAs, representing more than 26% (1,340,872 hectares) of the national

continental surface area and almost 3% of the exclusive economic zone

and 17.19% of the national marine surface area, if we include only

interior waters and heritage waters. (SINAC, PWA Policies for Costa

Rica, 2011)

7. From 1945 to the present (2015)

8. Costa Rica decided to invest large amounts of resources to establish the

PWAs. Currently there are a total of 166 distributed in the different PWA


36

management categories, as follows: 28 national parks, 8 forest reserves,

31 protected zones, 71 national wildlife refuges, 2 absolute natural

reserves, 12 wetlands and 5 in other categories (including marine

reserves and marine management areas), representing 26% (1,340.872

hectares) of the national continental surface area and almost 3% of the

exclusive economic zone and 17.19% of the national marine surface

area, if we include only interior waters and heritage waters. (SINAC,

PWA Policies for Costa Rica, 2011)

The country has defined the legal and institutional framework to regulate

PWA management; the defined and implemented conservation goals to

comply with PA, CDB work plan and Aichi goals. Have worked on

identifying and handling marine, land and freshwater conservation gaps

(systems of importance for conservation). There is a scheme for

Biological Corridor and PWA Local Councils and data and information

on PWA biodiversity.

In addition, SINAC has developed and implemented a series of tools to

improve PWA management and planning. Including:

Policies for PWAs

Guidelines for the design and formulation of General PWA

Management Plans.

Tools for Assessing the Effectiveness of PWA Management

SINAC Sustainable Tourism Strategy and sustainable tourism

plans for PWAs.

General PWA Management Plans

Master Plan for the National System of Protected Wildlife Areas.

Review of PWA Management Categories

Costa Rican Protected Area and Biological Corridor Ecological

Monitoring Program (PROMEC-CR, Spanish acronym).


37

9.

Human resources specializing in PWA management.

Human resources specializing in design and implementation of

planning tools.

Human resources specializing in design and implementation of

management plans.

Human resources specializing in the application of tools for

monitoring the effectiveness of PWA management.

Human resources specializing in the design and implementation of

sustainable tourism tools and strategies for PWAs, planning and design

of PWA infrastructure, handling visitors, PWA tourism market

intelligence, strengthening of institutional and local capacities,

community work for the tourism developments in PWA environs,

promotion and implementation of sustainable tourism in PWAs.


1. INTERNSHIPS ( x ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( x ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( x ) 5. TRAINING ( x ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( x ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( x ) 8. CONSULTING ( ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate)

11. Resources Offered

by the Institution for

Transfer

SINAC, in accordance with Ministry of Finance guidelines, does not

have the financial resources to cover the costs of airline tickets, per

diems, lodging, insurance, etc.

Basically, the institution has human resources experienced in protected

area management, both for the design and preparation of technical tools

to monitor and control PWA management and from a technical

operational viewpoint to implement those tools with an integrated vision.

12.

SINAC has participated in Technical Cooperation actions between

Developing Countries with Colombia, Panama, Uruguay, Mexico,

Morocco, and Brazil. Bhutan, etc.


38

13.

Costa Rica is recognized worldwide as one of the countries in the

forefront of conservation and particularly for its protected area system.

These environmental conservation efforts have been developed for

many years. However, it was not until the first half of the twentieth

century that protected spaces were formally created under an official

law.


39

File N°9



Institution

Name: National Institute for Innovation and Transfer of

Agricultural Technology (INTA, Spanish acronym) of the Ministry of

Agriculture and Livestock.


Management

2. Name of Proposed


Planning and execution of projects for intervention in river basins,

within the framework of the United Nations Convention to Combat

Land Degradation and Desertification and Droughts

(www.unccd.org).


or Office Executing

Proposed Strength

INTA Department of Technical Services


Name of Technical Contact: Renato Jiménez Zúñiga

Telephone: (506)22780460 Email: Electrónico:

[email protected]


Guillermo González Perera Telephone: (506)22312344

Email:


The Technical Services Department has developed experience in the

different methodology to mapping soils and land use capacity and

current land use. Because of its experience in the Advisory

Commission on Land Degradation (CADETI) of the United Nations

Convention to Combat Land Degradation and Desertification and

Droughts (UNCCD), it has participated in Planning, Negotiating,

Approving and Operating Jesus Maria River Basin Intervention

Project with resources assigned by GEF to CADETI. This project

has invested % of GEF funds directly with Basin inhabitants and

producers, without assigning any funds to operational consulting. It

has been developed solely with the participation of public officials,

who are paid their salary.

In our opinion, there are clear tools, e.g. planning, motivation of

inhabitant and producer agricultural and forest organization, their

maintenance over time and the development of organizational self-

management. Important aspects, such as digital mapping of the


40

different thematic layers and the implementation of agro-conservation

practices for Sustainable Land Management, allow their adoption by

producers and the different organizations in the basin.


followed to develop

strength.

The procedure includes constant work in the basin, with two

professionals living in the basin and this makes it possible to achieve

high levels of credibility among basin inhabitants. Before this work

was done in the MAG Extension Agency in San Mateo, Alajuela by a

process to organize producers and citizens, without which the current

project would not be possible. The project began 2 years ago and it

is still being developed using Global Environmental Facility (GEF)

funds.


1. INTERNSHIPS ( x ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( x ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( x ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( x ) 5. TRAINING ( x ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( x ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( ) 8. CONSULTING ( x ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate)


Technical and Technological Human Resources

There are no funds for per diems for travel abroad or for airline tickets.


41

File N°10



Institution Name: Costa Rican Tourist Board


Management

2. Name of Proposed


Certified Tourism Sustainability Program (CST, Spanish

acronym)


or Office Executing

Proposed Strength

Department of Certifications and Tourism Social Responsibility, Tourism Management Department

4. Name, telephone and Email of contact for the proposed Institutional Strength and of the International Cooperation Office in the institute that supports the strength

Name of Technical Contact: Virgilio Espinoza.

Telephone: 22 99 58 14 Email: [email protected]

International Cooperation Contact in the Institution Víctor Quesada.

Telephone (22) 58-5787 Email: [email protected]


Sustainability, as a model for development, proposes the need to

satisfy current requirements from society, without compromising the

rights of future generations to satisfy theirs. This means that the

development of a country cannot be based on an unharnessed

exploitation of resources (natural, cultural, social, etc.) up to the point

of exhausting or destroying them to cover current population needs

(food, housing, health, employment, etc.). This is true because these

same basic resources are the only platform or potential assets that

future generations in this country will have available to satisfy their

own needs.

For tourism, sustainability means a form of developing the activity that

allows for the solution of current risk situations for the industry and

avoids growth dynamics that are generating economic, social, cultural

and ecological unbalance.

The Tourism Sustainability Certificate (CST, Spanish acronym) was

created in response to this -- a Costa Rican Tourist Board (ICT,

Spanish acronym) program designed to categorize and differentiate


42

tourism companies based on the degree to which their operations

approach a sustainability model, with regard to the management of

natural, cultural and social resources.

Specifically, the result is converting the sustainability concept into

something real, practical and necessary within the context of tourism

competition in the country. It seeks to improve how natural and social

resources are used and encourages active participation by local

communities, providing new support for business sector competition.

The process is entirely free and totally voluntary.

A detailed procedure for obtaining a CST has been established over

the years, beginning with sending a form and an affidavit to ICT. Once

these documents are submitted, the Sustainability Department

performs administrative inquires to verify compliance with certain

legislation, such as being up to date with payments to the Social

Security Administration (CCSS, Spanish acronym) and the Social

Development and Family Assignments Fund (FODESAF), taxes and

others.

If the Administrative Inquiry is negative, the company is asked to

remedy whatever error may exist. Once remedied or if there were no

problems with the Inquiry, the process continues.

There is a customized company induction process, to the number of

persons that the company designates, at ICT, to explain the evidence

it must submit for every question. After that, the company has up to

six months to begin the evidence collection process and prepare for

assessment.

All the evidence must be digital. When the company is ready to be

evaluated, it coordinates with the Sustainability Department and sets

a date mutually agreeable to both for an evaluation visit to the

company.

During the evaluation, the company leads the process and indicates

the evidence it provides for each question. The evaluators will indicate


43

whether the evidence is correct or make recommendations or

comments if any.

Four fundamental areas are evaluated:

Physical-Biological Environment

Service Facilities (for companies that offer lodging)

Service Management (for Tour Operators)

Clients

Socio-economic environment

The national program organization receives support from the highest

level Technical Committee, comprised of professionals from different

disciplines. This Committee has been commissioned to design

parameters and indicators, establish the corresponding

methodological procedures to perform assessments. Execute,

supervise and audit assessments and provide program marketing

strategies.


followed to develop

strength.

The Costa Rican Tourist Board is officially responsible for the

program. However, the program receives support from the National

Accreditation Committee formalized by Executive Decree (No. 27235-

MEIC-MINAE) where all sectors related to this matter participate.

The academic sector is represented by the University of Costa Rica

and INCAE. The private sector by the National Chamber of Tourism.

The international organizations are represented by UICN, the Land

Council, and the private sector by the Ministry of the Environment and

Energy, in addition to ICT who is responsible for coordinating

execution and implementation.

This program is associated with a structure of gradual direct

incentives that the companies can enjoy -- the higher the level the

better the benefits in differentiated national and international

promotion (specific to CST), training, support for participation at fairs


44

and other events, information and much more.


1. INTERNSHIPS ( x ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( x ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( x ) 5. TRAINING ( x ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( x ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( ) 8. CONSULTING ( ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate)


Trained technical staff from the Certification and Tourism Social Responsibility Department.


45

File N°11



Institution

Name: Municipality of Escazu

Pillar: Environment, Land

Management and Risk

Management

2. Name of Proposed


Strengthening risk management at a community and educational level

through the creation of Participative Community Risk Prevention

Plans, conducting evacuation drills and ongoing population census.


or Office Executing

Proposed Strength

Environmental Controller Process

4. Name, telephone and

Email of contact for the

proposed Institutional

Strength and of the

International Cooperation

Office in the institute that

supports the strength.

Name of Technical Contact: Mag. Gabriela Mora Matarrita

Telephone: 2228-9570 Email: [email protected]


Freddy Montero Mora Telephone 2208-7575


5. Description of the


Strength

Escazu Canton has a surface area of 34 km2 at an elevation above

sea level from 750 meters up to 2,400 meters at the highest peaks.

Because of the steep slopes of the Escazu hills, land avalanches and

landslides have occurred in the past; although because of the low

population density they did not have a big impact on persons.

However, the population of Escazu increased significantly during the

last two decades of the XX century, increasing the risk to these

persons.

In 2010, Escazu Canton was hit by Tropical Storm Thomas causing

flooding and activating unstable zones in different parts of the canton.

Lajas Road was the most affected by a landslide that cause the death

of 24 persons. This had a strong impact on the community in Escazu

that demanded an immediate sustainable response from the


46

Municipality to prevent similar events in the future.

Accordingly, in 2011 a process began to approach communities in

geological and environmental risk, public education centers and

strengthening the structure of the Municipal Emergencies Committee.

Community Emergency Committees have been started in the San

Antonio district because of its vulnerability arising from its proximity to

rivers, creeks and fragile peaks located in the southern region of the

canton.

In addition, work has been done on community level impact at public

educational centers as a strategy to address communities from the

inside of each institution, training and raising awareness of the student

population, teachers, administrators, parents with regard to issues

related to the organization and prevention of disasters.

As a result, Community Emergency Committees and Risk

Management School Committees have been organized.

Likewise, as of 2011, a geological fragility requirement was imposed,

prior to approving construction permits through coordination between

the Environmental Controller and the Land Development Department

to ensure that there is no construction in risk areas. To that end, the

Municipality has a GIS digital map of the geological and environmental

risk areas.

The Environmental Controller is also responsible for patrols with the

participation of the communities for surveillance of the Escazu Peaks

to prevent possible landslides.

In addition, there is an ongoing training program for shelter

management to train all Municipal employees.


47


followed to develop

strength.

After the events in 2010, the Municipality began to approach the

community and provide training on risk management, citizen safety

and the environment. Work has been done on preparing emergency

plans and continuous census of the population located in risk areas.

Such community organizations as Community Development

Associations and public educational centers are the basis. The above

in coordination with institutions that comprise the Municipal Emergency

Committee, as established under Law 8488 (National Law for

Emergencies and Risk Prevention).

This initiative has been institutionalized because the Municipality hired

a person with a specialization in Risk Management to be part of the

Engineering and Works Macro process. Risk management actions are

part of the Annual Operating Plan and have a regular budget adequate

for the needs found, both for handling emergencies and for prevention

work with the communities.

Internal to the Municipality there are technical sustainability actions, as

well as coordination with state institutions and universities.

10. Cooperation Modality

Offered

1. INTERNSHIPS ( x ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( x ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( x ) 5. TRAINING ( x ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( x ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( x ) 8. CONSULTING ( x ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate)



The Municipality offers its professional staff to support other

municipalities, either through internships or through training. If other

municipalities would like to find out about this experience, the

Municipality can cover lodging costs, internal transportation and food

after signing an Inter-municipal Cooperation Agreement.


48

File N°12



Institution

Name: Costa Rican Aqueduct and

Sewer Institute (AYA, Spanish

acronym)


Management and Risk

Management

2. Name of Proposed

Institutional Strengths Environmental Education Program: Ecological Blue Flag Program


or Office Executing

Proposed Strength

National Water Laboratory




Strength and of the




Name of Technical Contact: Darner Mora Alvarado Arcelio Chávez Aguilar Telephone:2278-4811


[email protected]

International Cooperation Contact in the Institution Oscar Izquierdo Sandi

Director Telephone (506) 2545-3500 Email: [email protected]



Strength

The Ecological Blue Flag is a distinguishing symbol or award granted

annually to reward voluntary efforts and work. In addition, it promotes

fair competition and community organization for the benefit of present

and future generations.


followed to develop

strength

The Ecological Blue Flag Program arose in response to the constant

danger off contamination to our coastlines that threatened public

health and the tourism industry. Accordingly, a decision was made to

establish an incentive to promote the organization of local communities

in all categories to seek conservation and development consistent with

the protection of natural resources, implementation of actions to

confront climate change, search for better hygiene and health

conditions and improve the public health of the inhabitants of Costa

Rica.


49

Executive Decree No. 25636-MINAE-S of October 31, 1996, published

in the Official Newspaper on Thursday, November 28, 1996 provided

the legal foundation for the Ecological Blue Flag Program.

Subsequently, by Executive Decree No. 27010-MINAE-S of April 21,

1998, published on Thursday, June 4, 1998 amended the original

decree to introduce grading by stars or categories A”, “AA” and “AAA”

for the Ecological Blue Flag Incentive.

On May 3, 2011, the National Commission for the Ecological Blue Flag

Program developed a Strategic Plan for the period from 2001 to 2006.

This plan amended the general objective and established new goals.

It broadened the program to include communities, and defined two

categories of participating groups: Organization of beach communities

and communities.

Consequently, Executive Decree N°31610-MINAE-SALUD-TURISMO

of January 22, 2004, repealed prior decrees and indicated the program

guidelines.


Offered

1. INTERNSHIPS ( ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( x ) 5. TRAINING ( x ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( x ) 8. CONSULTING ( x ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate)



The institution has human resources specialized in these issues, any

additional resource will depend on the request and the available

budget at such time.


50

File N°13

International Cooperation Costa Rican Technical Bid 1. Name of Costa Rican

Institution

Name: Costa Rican Aqueduct and Sewer Institute (AYA, Spanish

acronym)


Management

2. Name of Proposed

Institutional Strengths Health Quality Seal Program (PSCS, Spanish acronym)


or Office Executing

Proposed Strength

National Water Laboratory


Name of Technical Contact: Luis Carlos Barrantes

Segura, MSc. Telephone: 2278 48 41 ext.

119 Email: [email protected]

International Cooperation Contact in the Institution Oscar Izquierdo Sandi

Director Telephone 2242-5230 / 2242-5447



The Health Quality Seal Program establishes an incentive for different

entities that operate Aqueducts, Health Centers, Hotels, Restaurants,

Recreational Centers and Other Establishments that comply with

Program requirements for integral maintenance and/or improvement of

the status of the system structure, as well as the local infrastructure.

To provide the population with better water quality and optimum

hygiene-health conditions at that location. In summary, the purpose of

the Program is to reward Aqueduct Operators that supply quality

potable water consistent with the environment, promoting the

participation of civil society to improve aqueducts.

The Health Quality Seal Program offers direct and indirect benefits to

all users of the services of the different registered committees.

Moreover, parameters used for the respective assessments can be

used and implemented at any establishment with categories similar to

the program.

To join the Health Quality Seal Program (PSCS. Spanish acronym),

you only need to have a desire for improvement. Each organization

registers with the program voluntarily, by filling out a registration form,


51

which is a diagnostic to determine the status of each entity. Once

registered, 2 visits to the community aqueducts are scheduled during

the year to analyze the quality of the water that supplies the

community, during the dry season and during the rainy season. In

addition, a health inspection is conducted on each of the system

structures. At health centers, water quality control is performed

monthly. Simultaneously, both the aqueducts and the health centers

must work on complying with the parameters required by the Program.

These two categories receive a blue flag, when they have a grade of

90% for compliance with the established requirements. The same is

done for hotels, restaurants, recreation centers and other

establishments that comply with a series of parameters for each

category, to obtain the seal. The control of water quality for these

entities is conducted annually. In addition, they receive a green flag, if

they comply with a minimum grade of 90%.


followed to develop

strength.

This social-environmental program began with an Association for the

Administration of Rural Aqueducts pilot program in San Roque, Grecia

(Son Roque, Grecia ASADA) in 2001. This led to the approval by

Resolution AN - 2002 - 150 in 2001 that created the Health Quality

Seal Program.

In 2008, the target group of the program was expanded to include

Health Centers, Hotels, Restaurants and Recreation Centers in order

to implement water safety plans, optimize hygienic - health conditions

and adequate sewage disposal.

Finally, in 2013 the Other Establishments category was incorporated to

organize local communities in each establishment that seek to improve

facilities.


1. INTERNSHIPS ( x ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( x ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( x ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( x ) 5. TRAINING ( x ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( x ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( x )


52

8. CONSULTING ( x ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate)


PSCS personnel is provided through financial and technological

resources from AYA.


53

File N°14



Institution

Name: Ministry of the Environment

and Energy (MINAE); Ministry of

Health (MS)


Management and Risk

Management

2. Name of Proposed


Institutional Environmental Management Programs (PGAI, Spanish

acronym)


or Office Executing

Proposed Strength

Environmental Quality Management Department (DIGECA) of the

MINAE (process leader)

Climate Change Department (DCC) of MINAE

Energy Sector Department (DSE) of MINAE

Department for the Protection of the Human Environment of MS




Strength and of the




Name of Technical Contact: Marco Vinicio Chinchilla

Salazar Telephone: (506) 2257-1839


International Cooperation Contact in the Institution Rubén Muñoz

Telephone: 2233-4533 Email: [email protected]



Strength

The PGAI are environmental planning tools for Costa Rican public

administration institutions. These programs are based on the

methodology of an environmental management system. Each

institution must develop a diagnosis of its environmental impact and

energy consumption as a result of the institutional endeavors and its

impact on climate change. Prevention, correction and mitigation

measures, actions and projects are established based on these

diagnoses to address negative impacts and consolidate the positive

impact, in the short, medium and long term.

They should address at least the following environmental aspects:

consumption of water, electricity, fuel, paper, generation of solid waste

, residual waters, pollutants and other applicable aspects according to


54

the institution’s endeavors and they must work on measures for each,

including: a) conduct change and implementation of best practices, b)

sustainable public purchasing, d) metrics.

The Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Health

(responsible for PGAI monitoring in the public sector) have designed a

group of tools and sub processes to guide institutions in designing and

implementing their respective PGAIs. The following are the pillars

promoted:

Training in environmental management: different training

modules have been implemented in conjunction with the

National Learning Institute, as well as with other entities all

targeting those responsible for environmental matters in their

institutions.

Preparation of guidelines, templates and other support tools:

Guidelines for the development of PGAIs in the public sector,

Guidelines for the development of Greenhouse Gas emissions

inventories, Guidelines for performing energy diagnostics,

Environmental Evaluation Protocols, Record Sheets (water,

electricity, fuel, paper, evaluated waste), Sustainable Field

Guidelines, among other tools.

Monitoring PGAI implementation: evaluation procedures,

templates and grading and monitoring sheets.

The above information is available at

http://www.digeca.go.cr/areas/programas-de-gestion-ambiental-

institucional

Management of the entire public sector has been graded and there

are close to 25 public institutions that can serve for the exchange of

successful experiences, with significant savings in the consumption of

water, electricity, paper, fuel, and solid, liquid and gaseous waste

management.


55


followed to develop

strength

First Executive Decree No. 36499-S-MINAET was passed creating the

PGAI. Subsequently the Technical MINAE-MS Group was formed that

is responsible for designing all the above-mentioned tools. Once

designed, a process to train those responsible for environmental

matters at the institutions began. At the same time, a mechanism to

monitor implementation of each PGAI submitted by the institutions was

implemented. This required the definition of evaluation criteria and

weighting. On site monitoring visits are made to each institution.

For the Ministry of the Environment, all of the above work required the

development of clear internal procedures. The purpose was to publish

the results obtained and disclose cases of successful institutions with

significant quantifiable savings.

Each public institution had to appoint an environmental commission

and they follow the guidelines and tools published for the development

and implementation of each PGAI. All of the above, following the

methodological steps of an Environmental Management System

(following the respective Guidelines).

10. Modalidad de

cooperación ofrecida.

1. INTERNSHIPS ( x ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( x ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( x ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( x ) 5. TRAINING ( x ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( x ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( ) 8. CONSULTING ( ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate)


Offered

There are two professionals available (part time) for purposes of

training, technical assistance, consulting by electronic media. All of the

tools indicated in point 8 of this document are available at

www.digeca.go.cr . With the support of specialized professionals from

successful institutions and using electronic media, experiences can be

exchanged to provide information on projects/initiatives that reduce the

consumption of goods and supplies and improve the management of

waste and emissions in the public sector.


56

File N°15



Institution

Name: Ministry of Agriculture and

Livestock (MAG), Ministry for

National Planning and Economic

Policy (MIDEPLAN) - National Risk

Prevention and Emergency

Response Commission. Through the

MAG-MIDEPLAN Joint Work

Agreement


Management and Risk

Management

2. Name of Proposed


Systematization of the impact of extreme events on public and private

assets in Costa Rica.


or Office Executing

Proposed Strength

Executive Secretary of Agricultural Sector Planning (SEPSA) of the

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG)

Public Investment Areas of the Ministry for National Planning and

Economic Policy (MIDEPLAN)

Standardization and Advisory Unit of the National Risk Prevention and

Emergency Response Commission




Strength and of the



supports the strength

Name of Technical Contact:

Roberto Flores Verdejo

Telephone:2231-2344,

extension 207, 8718-6244


International Cooperation Contact in

the Institution Guillermo González

Telephone: 2231-2344 Extension

401




Strength

On January 21, 2011 the Ministry for National Planning and Economic

Policy (MIDEPLAN) signed an Agreement with the Ministry of

Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) to systematize the information on the

impact on public and private assets and persons that have occurred as

a consequence of natural phenomena that because of their intensity


57

and extent have been Declared Emergencies

This Agreement provides continuity for the first national effort to

generate systematized information that was a reflection of the

importance of natural climatic and geotechnical threats on national

lives.

The agreement signed by the Ministries makes it possible first to take

advantage of prior MAG efforts to compile basic information for the

study executed and second to take advantage of the capacity of

specialized human resources at both Ministries.

This inter-Ministry coordination initiative and potential for the

development of installed capacity has completed this work consisting

of the systematization of information on the impact of extreme events

that occurred between 1988 and 2012. The main product from this

information is the construction of a database with information on

losses since 1988 and the creation of an Economic Loss Module that

makes database information available to the public through a friendly

agile interface online for natural, socio-natural and anthropic events on

the MIDEPLAN website and link with MAG and CNE


followed to develop

strength.

The procedures established in the Agreement was to be carried out

through stages.

Stage I: Compilation, processing and systematization of losses

generated by extreme natural phenomena documented in the

Emergency Response Plans generated by the National Risk

Prevention and Emergency Response Commission (CNE) as of 1988.

Stage II: Generation of technical reports and identification of the

special distribution of losses.

Layers of territorial information on the impact of intense natural

phenomena by geographical units and sectors.

Recurrent and seasonal territorial vulnerability to natural

phenomena identified and visualized by type of impact


58

(economic, social and physical).

Maps of Threats by type of events, seasonality of occurrence

and geographical location, by province and canton.

Stage III: Hiring consultants with World Bank funds to design the

Database the stores the information in Excel format.

Stage IV: development of fieldwork to complete, describe and

precisely locate the information contained in the databases. Among

the activities performed are the search for institutional reports on

losses caused by intense natural phenomena that were not Declared

Emergencies and the mapping of sites and areas using the global

positioning system (GPS) in the geographical areas affected by the

events.


Offered

1. INTERNSHIPS ( x ) 2. RESEARCH AND STUDIES ( x ) 3. RECEIVING OR SENDING EXPERTS ( x ) 4. EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES ( x ) 5. TRAINING ( x ) 6. WORKSHOPS/COURSES/SEMINARS ( x ) 7. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ( ) 8. CONSULTING ( ) 9. OTHERS (Indicate)



The professional staff of the MAG-MIDEPLAN Agreement are the only

assets and they are fundamental for the transfer of experiences. Any

other resource will depend on the budget available at such time.

3

Contact us for further information

Web Site: www.costaricacoopera.org

Phone: (506) 2539-5425


With the support of

mailto:[email protected]

catalogue of the technical offer of costa rica on...

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