Costa Rica

   General Information

One of the main milestones in water policy in Costa Rica is the adoption of the new Law for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). This will lead to the incorporation of innovative mechanisms for water efficiency, wastewater treatment and reuse, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and conservation of natural ecosystems. A more holistic planning is essential to meet the necessary hydroelectric power generation demand. In this way, long-term water sustainability objectives can be achieved. It is vitally important to expand the network of hydrological stations in Costa Rica, thus covering the different needs and prospects of the resource. 

With mechanisms such as the Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs), funds from the Environmental Canon for Discharges can be implemented, ensuring the financial sustainability of the community operators in rural areas or small peripheral and coastal communities (the ASADAS). For smaller rural communities, the implementation of technological innovations with adequate economic, social, and environmental feasibility should be demonstrated, considering integrated water and sanitation management, conservation of natural ecosystems, and climate resilience.

GEF CReW+ in Costa Rica 

The project provides support for national activities in three components: 

• Component 1: Institutional, policy, legislative and regulatory reforms for Integrated Water and Wastewater Management (IWWM). 
  
  
• Component 2: Sustainable and tailor-made financing options for urban, peri-urban and rural IWWM. 

• Component 3: Provision of innovative small-scale, local, rural, peri-urban and community-based solutions for IWWM.