National Strategy for the Bioeconomy of Costa Rica

Abstract

The client for this capstone project was the United Nations Development Program’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative. The team provided technical support to two Costa Rican agricultural companies (one coffee and one pineapple) as they sought to finance and implement various bioeconomy projects. The work involved applying three methodologies– an environmental life cycle analysis (eLCA), social life cycle assessment (SLCA), and associated biodiversity assessments. These methodologies involved conducting summer fieldwork to gather quantitative and qualitative data for analysis to be analyzed later. The results and analysis were different for each methodology. The biodiversity assessments showed generally positive impacts on biodiversity from both companies, but there are still opportunities for further improvement and community engagement. The eLCA showed that both companies are making progress in reducing chemical and inorganic fertilizer use, however better documentation of chemicals and amounts used is required. Moreover, the SLCA showed that both companies were having positive social impacts and striving for gender equality. Lastly, a separate deliverable of a sustainable finance roadmap was created. This document showcases how UNDP Biofin can lead agricultural companies into the sustainable finance market to increase private investment and create positive biodiversity impacts. Overall, the methodologies used provided different levels of data to the companies that will help them understand how to access the private capital market in the future. Consistent data collection on agrochemicals and periodic biodiversity training will help the companies prepare for applying for biodiversity related certifications as well.