host posted on February 18, 2009 10:37
The Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) has, for the first time, named a country a “BioGem” in recognizing Costa Rica for its efforts in becoming the first carbon-neutral country.
NRDC has been campaigning to save over thirty unique exotic sites, which are home to endangered wildlife, since 2001. They have also campaigned to curb global warming and increase environmental sustainability in local communities. NRDC has redesigned its website with new features so that users can more actively participate in protection efforts. The organization is working with the Energy and Environment Ministry to identify procedures that will help the country meet its commitment of becoming the first nation to be “carbon-neutral” by 2021.
Additionally NRDC also signed an agreement with the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) regarding renewable energy projects and overall energy efficiency. The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) has partnered with NRDC for a rejuvenation project that will plant 30,000 trees to partially restore a natural rainforest. These actions will of course help to strengthen Costa Rica’s overall environmental efforts.
The Carrizo Plain National Monument in California and the Peace-Athabasca Delta in Canada were also added to the list of BioGems.