More than 150 participants attended ARPEL international Seminar on “Shared Responsibility of Governments, Energy Companies and Civil Society with Climate Change” that took place in San José, Costa Rica during July 16-17, 2008. RECOPE and the Ministry of Environment and Energy were the kind hosts of the event.

Starting with overviews of the climate change issue at the international and regional levels, the first day focused on local issues and how government and industry work together to assist in the Costa Rica strategy and program to become a carbon neutral country. The second day was devoted to presentations from the three key players: government, industry and civil society. Participants realized that governments must find synergies and promote cooperation with the business sector and civil society, while simultaneously exerting leadership in the implementation and communication of policies aimed at the efficient use of energy.

At the Seminar, participants learned of the process that Costa Rica is undertaking to develop oil and gas exploration and production. From the viewpoint of energy security and diversity, and given new and higher environmental standards of E&P processes and technologies, this opportunity still seems compatible with the Carbon-Neutral strategy of the country.