Costa Rica Takes Action to Protect Wildlife from Power Line Hazards
In a significant move in January, Costa Rica’s government unveiled Decree No. 44329-MINAE, a landmark initiative aimed at mitigating the harmful impact of power lines on the country’s wildlife, reports MINAE, Gobierno de Costa Rica.
The decree, titled “Officialization of Instruments for the Prevention and Mitigation of Electrocution of Wildlife by Power Lines in Costa Rica,” outlines crucial norms and conditions to ensure that public electricity services are provided while safeguarding the lives of all species inhabiting the region.
At its core, the decree seeks to foster sustainable development that is economically robust, socially inclusive, and environmentally responsible.
Central to this mission is the urgent attention directed towards instances of wildlife electrocution, which often leave animals injured or orphaned.
Moreover, the decree emphasizes the need for constructing wildlife crossings to facilitate safer passage for these creatures.
Franz Tattenbach, the Minister of Environment and Energy, underscored the collaborative effort behind this decree, which involved Non-Governmental Organizations, civil society groups, research institutions, universities, and electric distribution companies.
He noted that the decree is the culmination of a meticulous process driven by technical, scientific, and legal analysis.
This effort, he stressed, reflects a commitment to preserving Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and underscores the importance of collective action in achieving meaningful progress.
The overarching goal of the decree is to alleviate the suffering inflicted upon wildlife due to electrocution while preserving Costa Rica’s allure as a premier destination for ecotourism.
Costa Rica’s vibrant tourism industry thrives on the enchantment of encountering diverse wildlife, including macaws, coatis, monkeys, and sloths, in their natural habitat.
By prioritizing the welfare of both humans and animals, the decree aims to ensure that connectivity—be it through cables for humans or trees and safe electrical infrastructure for wildlife—remains a boon rather than a bane.
To ensure effective implementation and continuous improvement, the decree establishes the “Sustainable Electrification” (GES) task force.
Comprising various governmental and non-governmental entities, this task force will spearhead efforts to reduce, prevent, and mitigate instances of wildlife electrocution.
Additionally, the decree endorses the third edition of the Guide for the Prevention and Mitigation of Wildlife Electrocution, equipping individuals with precise information to report incidents and guiding companies in implementing preventive measures.
GOBIERNO FIRMA DECRETO PARA DISMINUIR IMPACTOS DEL TENDIDO ELÉCTRICO EN FAUNA SILVESTRE
Se publicó decreto N° 44329-MINAE “Oficialización De Los Instrumentos Para La Prevención Y Mitigación De La Electrocución De Fauna Silvestre Por Tendidos Eléctricos En Costa Rica” pic.twitter.com/BLBIlLFZV2— Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía de Costa Rica (@CRMinae) January 19, 2024
Crucially, the decree mandates companies to undertake comprehensive assessments for new installations, preventing ecosystem fragmentation and loss of biodiversity.
Furthermore, it emphasizes the vital role of rescue centers in rehabilitating injured or orphaned wildlife, underscoring the importance of ethical and humane treatment.
Looking ahead, community engagement will be key in identifying and addressing hotspots, while initiatives to maintain and plant trees will provide vital support for wildlife.
Workshops organized by MINAE will further galvanize stakeholders, charting a course for the swift implementation of the decree and reaffirming Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation.
Soledad Quartucci | CEO/Founder, Latina Republic
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