Environmental Protection Essential for Sustainable Development
Environmental protection is absolutely necessary when it comes to sustainable development, Costa Rican president Óscar Arias said yesterday.

Arias spoke of the need to create environmental protection laws in order to defend natural resources from permanent damage, while increasing infrastructure development, such as roads and water systems, to improve the population's living standards.

Costa Rican authorities have managed to protect 26% of the country's natural areas, as they represent 5% of the world's biodiversity, said Arias.

"Today, my government wishes to launch a peace manifesto, which also includes environmental peace," said the president, adding that Costa Rica is an example of how to seek development without compromising natural resources.

"Sustainable development and environmental care," have been two of the country's priorities, he said.

Arias also spoke in favor of the Kyoto Protocol, saying he does not believe that sustainable industrial and infrastructure development and environmental protection are mutually exclusive, because a balance can always be reached in order to seek growth while saving natural resources for future generations.

Costa Rican authorities are currently looking to draw up concessions for Limón and Moín ports in order to increase trade competitiveness and tourism. They have also emphasized the need to avoid negative effects on the environment during this process.

The government received advice from the World Bank earlier this year on seeking infrastructure development through private investment. Authorities are now working on this, but with permanent consideration of the environmental issue.

The country is working in improving its road network and general transport infrastructure, along with its potable water networks in an effort to increase the country's growth rates.

Óscar Arias visited the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean this week to offer a speech on peace and social development in Latin America.