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     - Photo via National System of Conservation Areas - |
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Published on Tuesday, February
1,
2022
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff The United Nations,
through its Development Program (UNDP),
granted the Ministry of the Environment
$23,933,037.
According to the ministry, the funds are from the Green Climate Fund and will be transferred to the government organizations National Forest Financing Fund and the National System of Conservation Areas. The money received would be used to cover the costs of forest fires, purchase new equipment and training for forest firefighters. The special funds were already allocated to help cover the cost of a $54.1 million project that combats the climate crisis. The project is related to 14.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide captured in 2014 and 2015 by the forests of the country, the ministry said in its statement. The process to receive these funds required authorities from the UN to verify that 239,190 hectares had been dedicated to the protection of forests with approximately 545,000 trees. This exceeds the goals set in the project that established 200,000 hectares and 150,000 trees, the ministry said. The goal of extinguishing 98% of the fires that arose in forests was also met. It was also verified that the impact on forests was less than 50%. Another requirement met to receive the funds was to comply with an insurance policy for forest firefighters and volunteers. In addition to the investment of 80,000 in equipment. The verification process was carried out by an independent auditing company using various methods, including field visits, authorities added. Recently, Park rangers set a Permanent Alert status launching the beginning of the 2022 forest fire season. The alert goal is to increase the operational actions of daily fire detection. The plan is to use satellite images, activate permanent watchtowers and more use of land and aerial patrols, among other strategies. In October 2021, the country won the $1.3 million Earthshot Prize of the Royal Foundation. They were awarded over their Payment of Environmental Services Plan developed in communities and farms since 1997. ----------------- What else should authorities do with these funds to protect forests? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com   
        
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