No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCosta RicaCosta Rica president-elect Chaves says will not ratify environment treaty

Costa Rica president-elect Chaves says will not ratify environment treaty

Costa Rican President-elect Rodrigo Chaves said Tuesday that his government would not ratify the Escazu Agreement that establishes protection for environmentalists.

The treaty was the first in the world to contain specific measures to protect the human rights of environmental defenders and Costa Rica had been the driving force behind it.

Outgoing President Carlos Alvarado had asked lawmakers to ratify the agreement, but Chaves said the treaty was unnecessary and could harm the economy.

“The private sector should be reassured that the Escazu Agreement is not on the government’s agenda,” the right-wing economist said at a press conference where he also announced several of his future ministers.

“I don’t think it would be beneficial for the country,” added the former World Bank official, who will take office on May 8.

Costa Rica, a regional leader in environmental protection, hosted the signing of the Escazu Agreement in 2018.

In addition to protections for campaigners, the treaty also guarantees public involvement in the environmental decision-making processes, especially those that may impact health.

But with the economy struggling, Chaves termed it “worrying” that the agreement could “delay (investment projects) in an unjustified and possibly arbitrary way.”

The treaty has been signed by 24 countries and ratified by half of them, which guarantees its validity despite Costa Rica’s now-likely lack of ratification.

Chaves also said the treaty was superfluous.  

“Our legislation already includes everything in the Escazu Agreement,” he said.

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano Park Reopening to Tourists With Safety Measures

The Poás Volcano National Park will reopen its doors to tourism starting July 30, after  scientific entities reported a decrease in volcanic activity. This was...

Massive Cocaine Seizure at Costa Rica’s Moín Terminal Targets UK

Costa Rican police intercepted 810 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a banana shipment at the Moín Container Terminal in Limón headed for the United...

Tsunami Alerts in Latin America After 8.8 Quake in Russia

An 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Far East coast on Wednesday, one of the most powerful quakes ever recorded, triggering tsunamis with waves up...

Chiquita Executives Convicted in Colombia for Financing Death Squads

Colombian justice on Wednesday sentenced seven former executives of the multinational banana company Chiquita Brands to more than 11 years in prison and a...

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly Vacation in Costa Rica with Baby

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly touched down in Costa Rica for a family getaway with their three-month-old daughter, Saga Blade Fox-Baker. Photographers caught...

Venezuelan Migrants Describe Hellish Stay in El Salvador Jail

Mervin Yamarte left Venezuela with his younger brother, hoping for a better life. But after a perilous jungle march, US detention, and long months in...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica