Transformative Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Pathways of Costa Rica

Costa Rica has ambitious NDC and SDG goals to become a resilient, inclusive and carbon neutral economy by 2050. However, there is a lack of capacities in order to develop “green and blue” production standards in relevant sectors. TRANSFORMA consolidates a country driven stakeholder coordination and NAMAs in the agricultural sector. It is aiming to conserve coastal marine biodiversity, as well as to create innovative financing incentives to unlock additional financial resources and stimulate private sector investments. Fishery Families and farmers in coffee, livestock and banana production benefit directly due to low carbon and climate resilient value chains. The outputs and results of TRANSFORMA are contributing to long-term climate resilience, ecological sustainability of key ecosystems, significantly achieving Costa Rica’s decarbonisation of its economy.

Project data

Countries: Costa Rica
IKI funding: 12,312,000.00 €
Included preparation phase: 228,000.00 €
Duration: 10/2021 till 09/2026
Status: open
Political Partner: Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) - Costa Rica
Implementing Partner: Conservation International (CI)

CRUSA Costa Rica United States of America Foundation for Cooperation

FUNBAM Fundación Banco Ambiental

Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) - Costa Rica

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Online: https://transformainnova.org/

Skip to Project data

State of implementation/results

The project’s governance structure consists of a steering committee, a management team and thematic working groups, which include inter alia, the Ministry of Agriculture (MAG), the Institute of Fisheries (INCOPESCA) and the Conservation Areas System (SINAC).
20 livestock “model farms” to train farmers on good livestock practices were identified. 317 Farmers participated in day camps to learn from successful NAMA livestock experiences. In the coffee sector 24 farms have been identified as “model farms” and will be prepared and equipped for “farmer to farmer” training. Additionally, 60 coffee processing plants were selected to implement low carbon manufacturing practices.
UNDP, in cooperation with relevant stakeholders (e.g. the National Meteorological Institute IMN, Universities and ICAFE) analysed possible updates to the MRV system and deforestation monitoring. Specialized equipment was delivered to the National Institute for agricultural innovation and tech transfer INTA to strengthen measurement capacities.
Two dairy processing plants and one meat processing plant analysed measures for reducing GHG emissions related to their operations.
FUNBAM will promote financial mechanisms (loans and PES) available at FONAFIFO to foster agroforestry. Additionally, funds coming from the benefit sharing of REDD+ schemes are being operationalized to support transformational activities in the prioritized terrestrial sectors. With GIZ-support the National Development Bank System (SBD) is developing a green policy and designing a pilot phase. CATIE and GIZ are supporting the development of handbooks for regenerative coffee, which is key to unlock funds from the bank BAC.
CATIE, UNDP, GIZ and FUNDECOOPERACION are implementing a matching fund scheme for the transformation of 308 livestock farms. 306 farmers supported by MAG and FUNDECOOPERACION elaborated farm plans that include measures for implementing the NAMA livestock. Currently, farmers are signing contracts to receive seed capital from TRANSFORMA and the project "Scaling ADAPTA2". The development of business plans will be supported. This will strengthen farmers to further implement the NAMA and accessing loans.
TRANSFORMA and CATIE´s ACTIVA-CATIE are implementing a matching fund scheme for 50 entrepreneurs in the banana sector, with a special focus on women, youth, and indigenous groups. Project funding is pooled with funding from SBD.
21 previously selected ideas received grants for implementing technological innovations (coffee). Additionally, 23 innovation projects from the livestock sector were selected and are being implemented. In the banana sector, proposals for innovation are under evaluation.
A community of practice was established in coastal communities, focusing on sustainable blue value chains for the conservation and sustainable management of marine and coastal resources.
Six small-scale coastal fishing and aquaculture value chains were defined and analysed in detail. Based on this, holistic improvement plans are under design and key interventions are being identified.
Local strategies for the protection and restoration of mangroves are currently being validated and concretized. Local stakeholders (including fishing communities, women's cooperatives and other grassroots organizations) are increasingly involved and trained.

Latest Update:
04/2025