The VIII Call for the financing of projects with funds of the First Debt-for-Nature swap between the United States and Costa Rica, invites non-governmental and community organizations to present proposals of projects for the conservation of forests to opt for donation funds.

Debt-for-nature swaps are financial transactions in which a portion of a developing nation’s foreign debt (in this case Costa Rica) with another country (in this case the United States), is forgiven in exchange for local investments in environmental conservation measures.
The total amount of the First Swap, signed in 2007, is of $26,075,942.00. This means that when the payments are finalized, in 2024, the United States would have cancelled this amount of money off Costa Rica’s external debt and that money would have been used in the objectives of the agreement.

“The main objective of the First Debt-for-Nature Swap in particular is to facilitate the conservation, protection, restoration and sustainable use of Costa Rican tropical forests in six prioritized areas: Osa, La Amistad, Tortuguero, Maquenque, Northeastern area of the Rincon de la Vieja Park and Nicoya”, explained Lesbia Sevilla, representative of the Costa Rican Government and President of the Committee.

In this call, the amount allocated corresponds to over $480 thousand dollars that are available for the financing of the projects. Those approved will receive amounts In colones that range from almost $26 thousand to approximately $86 thousand depending on the nature of the project and the organization of the participant.

So far 42 organizations have received donations for a total of 52 projects financed, including rural tourism entrepreneurship, 10 forest fire prevention squads, among many other projects, also, over 60 thousand trees have been planted.

Those that organizations that wish to participate have time to do so through October 5th at 4 p.m. Participants can be non-governmental non-profit organizations (associations, foundations or base organizations), that carry out an activity related to environmental or forest conservation, indigenous communities, among others, established and operating in Costa Rica.

For additional information on the requirements and to register go to: www.primercanjedeuda.org