Strengthening National Climate Ambitions through participatory scenarios in Costa Rica

Background

Following the Paris Agreement, Costa Rica undertook several initiatives aimed at formulating and reinforcing its NDC, focusing notably on conducting a national diagnosis and engaging stakeholders. However, as of 2020, the clear and measurable delineation of NDC objectives, integrating stakeholder perspectives, had not been achieved. Additionally, there was a lack of clarity regarding the most suitable methodologies to tackle this challenge across various sectors, including agriculture.

Activities

Over five years, the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and the University of International Cooperation (UCI) partnered with Costa Rica's Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) to advance the country’s ambitious climate objectives. As part of these efforts, CGIAR and partners supported the country with enhancing their NDC[i]. Using CCAFS's innovative scenarios methodology, MINAE established ambitious climate targets through extensive participatory consultations involving diverse stakeholders from the public, private sector, civil society, NGOs, and academia (including 55% women and 26% under 30). This pioneering scenario methodology saw the participants generating future scenarios considering uncertainties that might affect Costa Rica's climate goals. These scenarios were used to scrutinize the country's proposed climate measures and recommendations were made to strengthen these measures, considering potential challenges and opportunities in different future contexts. UCI also trained 25 experts from prominent climate change organizations, empowering them to facilitate similar workshops.

Impact

The final NDC document was published on December 28, 2020, referencing the employed future scenarios methodology. The scenario-guided consultation process empowered Costa Rica to proactively shape its climate agenda through Not only did it result in a tangible final document, but it also provided Costa Rica with the means to make informed and strategic climate decisions, supporting its path toward a more sustainable and resilient future amidst climate change. The transparency of the materials and methodology employed showcases Costa Rica's commitment to public engagement and effective climate action. All workshop recordings and materials used throughout the process are now accessible on the MINAE website, making available the knowledge and methodology used for future needs. UCI’s trainings have also enabled MINAE to conduct periodic sessions, foresee future scenarios, and adapt its climate strategies, a crucial contribution to their National Ambition Cycle.

Sources

[i] Veeger, M., Vervoort, J., Martinez, D., León, F. de, & Paniagua, F. (2015). Shifting the paradigm: Narratives of the future guide the development of Costa Rica’s INDC. Retrieved from https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/handle/10568/69238/PB%20Scenarios%20INDC%20Costa%20Rica.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.

[ii] Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. (2021). Costa Rica increases climate ambition by collectively imagining futures. Blog del IICA. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://blog.iica.int/en/blog/costa-rica-increases-climate-ambition-collectively-imagining-futures.

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