National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS)
The primary objective of the NCCS is to covert the country into a “carbon neutral” economy by 2021. It introduces a target of 100% share of renewable sources in electricity generation by 2021. Other objectives are to reduce socio-economic and environmental impact of climate change, and promote sustainable development and environmental protection through actions of mitigation and adaptation. NCCS is divided into a national and an international agenda, detailing specific areas and actions to be taken within each domain.
The national agenda entails two core areas, mitigation and adaptation, as well as four transversal issues: measurement; capability development and technological transfer; public awareness, education and cultural exchange; and financing.
The mitigation strategy is structured around three main action areas. The first, reduction of GHG emissions by sources, aims to identify emission sources and develop opportunities for reductions in eight sectors: energy; industry; transportation; land use change; tourism; agriculture and livestock; solid waste; and water resources. The second area of action addresses carbon sequestration in forests and reforestation. Complementing the scheme on mitigation, the third area refers to emission compensation (carbon markets) and encompasses the development of local markets; national programmes for compensation payments; voluntary markets; and participation in international schemes, such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
The adaptation strategy aims to reduce sectoral and geographic vulnerability to climate change, focusing on six areas: agriculture and livestock; infrastructure; health; coastal areas and biodiversity; water resources; and fishery.
The international agenda is based on strengthening the engagement of Costa Rica in the development of collective (international) actions on climate change; and attracting external funds for the implementation of national initiatives.
