President swears in commission to improve marine governance

(*Press release translated from official Presidential House´s website: Presidenta juramenta comisión para mejorar la buena gobernanza marina)  

San José, December 20, 2011

This morning at the close of the Government Council session, Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla swore in a commission whose objective will be to diagnose, evaluate, and recommend precise changes for the country's marine governance.

Commission's members (left to right): Marco Quesada, Carlos Alvarado, René Castro, María Virginia Cajiao, Xinia Chaves, Ana Lorena Guevara y Alfio Piva

In addition, Costa Rica's marine territory is 10 times larger than its land area and its resources are large contributors to the national economy, making its management essential

According to the President, the county must redefine its vision and outlook in relation to its use of marine resources with the intent of protecting them and devising ways of sustainable use for the benefit of future generation.

President Chinchilla also confirmed the need to designate a commission with the power to assess and analyze the country's marine unconstitutionality in a way that strengthens institutions responsible for its management and control in order to abide by established environmental laws and improve their effectiveness.

Beginning in January 2012, the commission will work to consolidate astrategy that involves all marine natural resource users.  Over the course of the next three months, through a process of consultations and discussions, it hopes to devise a diagnosis that exposes the true state of the country's marine territory.  In June, an official presentation to the president of the commission's findings is planed along with its recommendations for the improvement of marine governance in order to arrive at an improved strategy for marine management.

The commission consists of the following members:

-A presidential coordinator: M.Sc. María Virginia Cajiao, technicalsecretary and consultant to the Presidential Environmental Council.

-A representative from the Agricultural Ministry (MAG): Vice Minister Xinia Chaves.

-A representative from the Environmental Ministry (MINAET): Vice Minister Ana Lorena Guevara.

-A representative from security/navigation: M. Sc. Carlos Alvarado from ICD.

-An expert in oceanography and marine biology: Dr. Marco Quesada from Conservation International.

-The commission will also be formed by Costa Rica's vice president Alfio Piva Mesén who, along with Cajiao, will be the coordinator of all commission work.