Costa Rica is making progress towards its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, promoting investments in green infrastructure and renewable energy. Its political stability and high sustainability rates position the country as a leader in the Central American and Latin American region.
Under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and the Ministry of Health, Costa Rica is driving several water infrastructure initiatives, one of them being the Paacume Project (Tempisque River and coastal communities), aimed at distributing water in drought-affected areas of Guanacaste. This project involves components such as reservoirs, distribution channels, a hydroelectric plant, and conduction networks, requiring a $457 million USD investment with funding from the BCIE.
The other project is the Sewerage and Flood Control in Limón. This project involves expanding the sanitary sewer system with a $42.3 million USD investment and channeling the Limoncito River with a budget of $14.3 million USD. Additionally, there is the PAAM – Supply for the Metropolitan Aqueduct initiative. This project includes pipelines, a water treatment plant, and storage tanks, benefiting over 600 thousand people directly and indirectly reaching 1.4 million, with a $399 million USD financing from the BCIE.
Lastly, there is the RANC-EE Project – Reduction of Non-Accounted Water Rate, aimed at improving water and energy efficiency. This initiative entails implementing an action plan that includes replacing 700 km of pipelines and optimizing pumping stations. It represents a $162 million USD investment with contributions from the BCIE, AyA, and German cooperation.
Opportunities for Spanish Companies in Green and Sustainable Infrastructures
Spanish companies, with their solid reputation in designing and managing projects in Latin America, have significant opportunities to lead and execute these initiatives in Costa Rica, contributing to the country’s sustainable development.
The benefits of these initiatives
Green and sustainable infrastructures bring various benefits, including:
- Reduce pollution: Improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.
- Contribute to biodiversity conservation: Protect species and habitats, allowing species migration.
- Enhance quality of life: Help people feel better emotionally and increase physical activity.
- Promote social interaction: Recreational spaces enrich cultural and community life.
- Contribute to economic growth: Essential for a new economy based on sustainability and climate action.
- Create green jobs: Development of renewable energies can generate new employment.
- Reduce inequalities: Help provide access to clean water, sanitation, and transportation networks.
- Enhance resilience to climate change: Spaces and elements that aid in adapting to climate change effects.
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