In the United Nations Conference on Biodiversity (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, the Costa Rican delegation organized a side event to announce a new biodiversity-focused Payment for Environmental Services program called “PES Biodiversity Plus.” Costa Rica also reaffirmed its commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, often described as the “Paris Agreement for Nature.”
After years of PES, Costa Rica expanded the program this week to prioritize biodiversity conservation through a competitive financial mechanism that supports private forest landowners and enhances biodiversity protection across the nation.
This approach, called PSA-Biodiversity Plus, is managed by agencies within Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), including the Commission for Biodiversity Management, the National Forest Finance Fund (Fonafifo), and the National System of Conservation Areas (Sinac).
“This mechanism not only prevents biodiversity loss but also supports equitable benefit-sharing from genetic resources. Including genetic resources as a variable for prioritization supports private owners and strengthens biodiversity,” explained Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy.
During the meeting, Costa Rica’s efforts to achieve Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Framework were highlighted, aiming for at least 30% conservation of terrestrial, inland water, marine, and coastal areas.
“We acknowledge the global environmental crisis—biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. Costa Rica’s commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Framework focuses on advancing its mission and targets. During the implementation phase, actions addressing each of these crises will be clear,” stated Eugenia Arguedas, Focal Point of COP16.
Costa Rica showcased efforts to combat deforestation, increase forest cover, and balance productive developmentwith greenhouse gas emission reduction through efficient, profitable, and low-emission agricultural practices. The Costa Rican team discussed how deforestation, marine and landscape governance, and conservation are interconnected and crucial to sustainable development.
Costa Rica has successfully decoupled agricultural production from deforestation through three impactful initiatives: significant investment in REDD+ financial mechanisms to prioritize forest use over marginal agricultural practices, expanded Payment for Environmental Services (PES) investments, and the inclusion of privately owned forest reserves. These actions have led to a 38% increase in sustainably managed forest cover. Additionally, Costa Rica reports a positive balance between mature forest loss and forest regeneration, showcasing the country’s commitment to sustainable land management.
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Ileana Fernandez
