The work of both organizations will be more effective through this alliance which promotes sharing technical assistance and experiences.
The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) and The National Forestry Financing Fund (FONAFIFO) signed a Framework Agreement of Cooperation with the goal to “contribute jointly, in the most efficient way possible, to promote and accelerate rural development and a sustainable forestry in Costa Rica, by exchanging experiences, promoting mutual cooperation, technical assistance in the area interest of each of the institutions”.
A formal event for the signature of the Agreement took place on March 2 at CATIE’s headquarters in Turrialba, Costa Rica. The agreement was signed on behalf of CATIE by Director General CATIE, José Joaquín Campos and for FONAFIFO by its Director General Jorge Mario Rodríguez.
Several representatives of FONAFIFO and CATIE attended the event, including EfD-CA Center Coordinator, Francisco Alpízar who was appointed CATIE’s focal point under the Agreement. This legal framework—said Francisco— set basis for future specific agreements and proposals. We are sure research results coming from EfD-CA and other programs in CATIE will provide information for key policy decision-making related to Ecosystem Services, REDD+, and future policy innovations within FONAFIFO.
FONAFIFO implements an innovative Environmental Services Payment Program (ESPP) in Costa Rica since 1997 when it was established by the Forestry Law No. 7575. The Programs benefits small and medium forest land owners and forest producers. One of the effects has been a process of afforestation and the promotion of private conservation in the country.
The law formally recognizes the mitigation of greenhouse gases effect; the protection of water resources for urban, rural or hydroelectric purposes; the protection of biodiversity for conservation, sustainable, scientific, and pharmaceutical uses as well as for research and genetic improvement; the protection of ecosystems and life forms, including natural scenic beauty for tourism and scientific purposes.
For more information contact: Dr. Francisco Alpízar, EfD-CA Coordinator, falpizar@catie.ac.cr or Oscar Sánchez Chávez, Director Servicios Ambientales, osanchez@fonafifo.go.cr