• Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, former three-time Minister of Environment and Energy and current CEO of the Global Environment Facility, is celebrated for his innovative contributions to environmental conservation.
• Through the “Pago por Servicios Ambientales” (PSA) program, Rodríguez significantly increased forest cover and biodiversity preservation in Costa Rica.
• Rodríguez’s efforts have gained international recognition, influencing global environmental policies and establishing him as a visionary leader in environmental conservation.

Why is Carlos Manuel Rodríguez HOT?

Answer: Rodríguez’s leadership in the PSA program has transformed him into a highly influential and indispensable figure in global environmental conservation.

Carlos Manuel Rodríguez stands out as a transformative leader who did not wait to get into the government to make truly remarkable changes in Costa Rica. Before even stepping into a ministerial role, Rodríguez worked as the Director of the National Park Service (1994–1998) and Special Adviser to the Minister of Environment and Energy(1997–1998). His groundbreaking work helping pass the PSA program during this period showcased his ability to drive significant change from positions often seen as “outsiders” in the political arena.

Rodríguez’s success with the PSA program, a fresh and challenging initiative, laid the foundation for his career. By introducing a revolutionary compensation system for forest owners, he redefined the traditional concepts of “subsidy” and “incentive,” instead emphasising “economic recognition” for environmental services. This shift led to substantial environmental achievements and positioned Rodríguez as a forward-thinking leader.

Since its inception in 1997, the PSA program has incentivised landowners to protect and restore forests by offering financial compensation for ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and biodiversity conservation. Rodríguez’s efforts have led to remarkable environmental milestones in Costa Rica:

• Increased Forest Cover: From the 1980s to the present,  Costa Rica’s forest cover has increased from 21% to over 50%
• Biodiversity Preservation: The program has played a critical role in preserving Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.
• Sustainable Development: The PSA program has promoted sustainable land-use practices among local communities.

Rodríguez’s ability to pass the PSA program, despite its novelty and the obstacles it faced, is a testament to his exceptional leadership and determination. This success propelled him into government roles, where he continued advocating various environmental policies, further solidifying his reputation as an influential and visionary leader.

Rodríguez’s leadership extends beyond government roles; he has also been a prominent figure in international environmental NGOs, enhancing his global impact. Currently serving as the CEO of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Rodríguez continues to shape global environmental policies, proving his leadership extends far beyond his home country. 

His ability to repeatedly return as Minister of Environment and Energy within the government (three different terms, 1998 – 2000, 2002 – 2006 and 2018 – 2020) and now at the helm of GEF emphasises the persistent trust and respect he commands. His global influence is a testament to his leadership and dedication to environmental conservation.

What is changing Rodríguez’s heat level?

Answer: The success of the PSA propelled Rodriguez’s career in environmental policy where he became the Minister of the Environment and Energy on three separate occasions.

Rodríguez was able to achieve his goal of helping the environment and he continues to be nationally and internationally recognized due to his groundbreaking approach, which not only revolutionised Costa Rica but has also had a significant impact on global environmental policies. 

During his career as Minister, he continued to push for a more progressive climate agenda in Costa Rica by effectively strengthening the national park system, helping the country achieve its carbon-negative goals and creating a program of Marine Conservation; now that he has retired from working at the government, he is CEO of the Global Environment Facility where he continues to work the environmental cause at an international level.  

This worldwide influence has bolstered Rodríguez’s standing as a forward-thinking leader in environmental policy, cementing his legacy as a key figure in global environmental leadership. 

Rodríguez’s popularity and indispensability stem from his ability to navigate and leverage Costa Rica’s political and cultural landscape, gaining widespread support from both the government and the public. 

As he states, “I’ve been working half my professional life in government and half within the civil society in Costa Rica.” His charisma, vision, and dedication have resonated with a broad audience, enhancing his reputation as a transformative leader. 

However the success of his career was also heavily influenced by Costa Rica’s environmental culture, where the government is strongly in favour of green policy to protect its natural resources and ecotourism industry. 

What is driving Carlos Manuel Rodríguez?

Answer: His experience growing up surrounded by deforestation in Costa Rica inspired him to dedicate his life to environmentalism.

Rodríguez is driven by a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and a vision of balancing economic development with ecological preservation. He created the PSA program to address deforestation and environmental degradation while providing economic opportunities for local communities. Rodríguez has demonstrated that environmental sustainability and economic development coexist by aligning financial incentives with conservation goals.

Rodríguez’s main drive was to impact and change the “rules of the game.” He dedicated his life and career to it, making significant strides in environmental policies in Costa Rica. Now, working at GEF, he continues to pursue the same goals and support projects in different countries. His ability to function within the system and garner support across various sectors has made him an indispensable leader. 

His charisma, vision, and dedication have resonated with a broad audience, enhancing his reputation as a transformative leader. His influence extends beyond Costa Rica, making him a respected figure in global environmental circles inspiring other nations to adopt similar conservation strategies.

What does this mean for you?

Answer: The success of Carlos Manuel Rodríguez offers inspiration for people motivated to change the political landscape of their country and proves that a huge budget is not necessary to achieve climate goals at a national level. 

The PSA program in Costa Rica has been successful in restoring damaged lands, effectively demonstrating the practical implementation of its original planning phase (1997 to 2000) and the influence of earlier PES initiatives on its initial implementation. While focusing on underutilised lands had a minimal impact in preventing the depletion of existing forests, it is noteworthy that when the program began in the mid-to-late 90s, there was relatively little deforestation to combat compared to historical patterns.

Rodríguez’s groundbreaking work has shown that transformative leadership can drive significant change, even from roles often seen as peripheral in the political arena. His innovative approach to environmental conservation has become a blueprint for nations worldwide, demonstrating the power of aligning economic incentives with conservation goals. This global impact underscores the potential for individuals to contribute to environmental efforts on a larger scale.

Internationally, Rodríguez’s leadership is a piece of hope, demonstrating how individual visionaries can influence global policies. Even before holding a ministerial role, his success in passing and implementing the PSA program showcases his exceptional ability to navigate and leverage political systems for environmental gains. This has positioned him as a respected and influential figure in global environmental circles, inspiring other nations to adopt similar strategies.

Rodríguez’s repeated appointments to crucial government roles testify to the trust and confidence the public and the government placed in him. His leadership has not only benefited Costa Rica but has also set a precedent for global environmental strategies. As the CEO of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), he continues to shape international environmental policies, proving his leadership extends far beyond his home country.

By understanding and applying Rodríguez’s principles, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. This empowerment is a crucial aspect of Rodríguez’s legacy, motivating us to participate actively in environmental conservation.

IExRAIA Summer Research Program:

This article is based on a report about Carlos Manuel Rodríguez produced as part of an RAIA research program on climate leaders. For a full picture of Rodríguez’s climate leadership read the full report.

This project was fully financed by IE University’s IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs.

Authors: Francisco Jeldres and Valeria Flores

Editor: Francia Morales

Project Lead: Francia Morales