During COP29 Climate Change Conference currently being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in environmental protection was signed today, Wednesday (13/11), between Israel and Costa Rica. The MOU was signed by Israel’s Minister of Environmental Protection, Idit Silman, and Costa Rica’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Franz Tattenbach. The memorandum aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in critical areas such as addressing climate change, water treatment, waste management, and air quality improvement.
Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman: “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Costa Rica strengthens Israel’s international commitment and cooperation. Israel will continue to lead significant environmental initiatives at the global and regional levels, sharing knowledge and advanced technologies with countries and organizations for the benefit of future generations.”
At a meeting held in September 2023, Minister Silman and Minister Tattenbach laid the groundwork for environmental cooperation between the two countries. Today, at the COP29 Climate Change Conference in Baku, this vision moved to a practical stage with the signing of an official Memorandum of Understanding to advance cooperation on important environmental issues and enhance environmental quality in both countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed between Israel and Costa Rica establishes a framework for cooperation on critical environmental issues, with the goal that each country will contribute its experience and capabilities to enhance the environmental practices of the other, and enabling joint projects to move forward. This includes the exchange of information on policy and regulation, fostering cooperation between the business sectors and researchers in both countries, and opportunities for delegation exchanges and joint training in areas such as water quality improvement, waste management, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and promoting fossil fuel reduction (decarbonization).
Israel can share its expertise in climate change adaptation, including drought management and efficient water use. Meanwhile, Costa Rica—a global leader in ecosystem conservation, deforestation prevention, and renewable energy use—can offer Israel practical knowledge and experience in managing and restoring natural systems, particularly in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. For Israel, this area has become increasingly important due to damage to open spaces and natural areas following the Swords of Iron War events. Cooperation with Costa Rica will help Israel implement advanced restoration methods and promote the conservation of vulnerable and essential areas to rehabilitate damaged natural systems, preserve biodiversity, and ensure a safer and healthier environment for its residents.
In addition to signing the Memorandum of Understanding with Costa Rica, Minister Silman held a meeting with Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Theodoros Skylakakis, to deepen cooperation between the countries on environmental and climate issues. Attending the meeting were Assaf Yazdi, Director General of the Ministry; Avi Haim, (Acting) Senior Deputy Director for Licensing and Risk Prevention; Dr. Gil Proaktor, Senior Director of the Energy and Climate Department; Reut Rabi, Head of the Air Pollution and Asbestos Prevention Department; Adam Schalimtzek, Head of the International Relations Department at the Ministry of Environmental Protection; and Israel’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, George Deek.
In the meeting, key issues were discussed, including climate change, water management, waste management, and marine environmental protection—areas where Israel and Greece share common challenges and opportunities for knowledge exchange. Greece, which has been facing water-related challenges, expressed strong interest in Israel’s expertise and technologies in this field. At the same time, Israel showed interest in lessons learned from Greece’s implementation of its climate law. The meeting reinforced the commitment of both countries to promoting innovative environmental solutions and collaborating on climate challenges in the Mediterranean region.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection sees the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Costa Rica and the meeting with the Greek Minister of Environment as important steps in strengthening international partnerships in the field of environmental protection. The collaborations with both countries highlight Israel’s commitment to leading innovative solutions to address climate challenges, protect ecosystems, and manage water resources and open spaces.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection will continue collaborating with additional countries to ensure a sustainable environmental future while integrating advanced technologies and conserving nature for the benefit of future generations.
* From right to left: Costa Rica’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Franz Tattenbach. Minister Idit Silman and Director General of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Assaf Yazdi
