Early 80s: Central America in turmoil

With conflicts raging in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala, Central America was in the throes of civil wars and regional tensions. 

In this tumultuous period, I returned to Costa Rica to focus on energy research and teaching at UCR. Later, I joined the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), where I traveled across the region, exploring opportunities in renewable energy and environmental initiatives. During a work assignment in Chile, I crossed paths with Óscar Arias, who was preparing for his presidential campaign in Costa Rica.

By 1982, I had become an advisor to Costa Rica’s Ministry of Energy, and I contributed to the country’s first comprehensive energy plan.

1986-1990: Costa Rica’s Environmental Leadership

In 1986, with our forest coverage at an all-time low of just 21%, I became Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mines under President Oscar Arias. His support enabled me to pioneer innovative strategies such as creating the Ministry of Environment and Energy, establishing protected areas, and implementing debt-for-nature swaps. 

Debt-for-nature swaps involve buying foreign debt, converting it into local currency, and using the proceeds for conservation activities. Initially funded by international NGOs, the mechanism got a considerable boost with participation from the Netherlands and Sweden.

Our push for conservation was greatly helped by the international attention Costa Rica received due to President Arias’ successful efforts in bringing peace to Central America, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987.

The 90s: Expanding Forests, Innovating Sustainability

Our efforts to reverse deforestation were fruitful, doubling Costa Rica’s forest coverage from 21% to 42% between 1987 and 1997. This progress was fortified by the 1996 Forestry Law, which introduced payments for carbon, water, biodiversity, and scenic beauty. The law also promoted forest management and reforestation while criminalizing forest conversion to farmland. This laid the groundwork for Costa Rica’s pioneering Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) program.

During the 90’s, I remained dedicated to Costa Rica’s environmental agenda. I established a groundbreaking Masters Program in Natural Resources and Environment at INCAE and served as Costa Rica’s Ambassador for Climate Change. This role allowed me to contribute to global climate discussions under the UNFCCC and participate in shaping agreements on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development goals at the landmark Rio Earth Summit in 1992.

The 00s: The Rise of Eco-Tourism and Push for Carbon Neutrality

By 2000, our forest coverage had grown to 47%. Thanks to our strong conservation efforts, eco-tourism flourished, attracting eco-conscious travelers eager to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty and wildlife.

In 2007, we became the first country to propose carbon neutrality, aiming to achieve it by 2021. However, our drive wasn’t mirrored internationally. In 2009, I attended the COP15 in Copenhagen as Costa Rica’s Ambassador for Climate Change with high expectations. Unfortunately, the conference failed due to developed countries’ refusal to adopt strict emissions targets and developing countries’ insistence on their right to economic growth.

For my new role as a consultant, and later as Principal Adviser and Director at the UNDP, my family and I relocated to Washington, D.C., where we still live today.