Rodrigo Chaves, Costa Rica’s President-elect, stated Tuesday that his government would not approve the Escazu Agreement which provides protection for environmentalists.
This treaty was the first to include specific measures to protect human rights of environmental defenders. Costa Rica was the driving force behind it.
Carlos Alvarado, outgoing President, asked lawmakers to ratify it. However Chaves said that the treaty was unnecessary. It could also 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 region leader in environmental protection, hosted in 2018 the signing of Escazu Agreement.
The treaty protects campaigners but also guarantees public participation in environmental decision making processes, especially those that may have an impact on 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 stated that the treaty was unnecessary.
“Our legislation already includes everything in the Escazu Agreement,” he said.