San José, May 24, 2024
As part of the new Circunvalación Norte road project, the third tree planting activity was carried out, promoted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in collaboration with the Montecristo Group Free Zone. This project, funded by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) as part of Costa Rica’s Strategic Road Infrastructure Program, represents one of the most important communication routes in the Greater Metropolitan Area.
The tree planting activity took place in one of the sections of the Circunvalación Norte and saw the enthusiastic participation of more than 50 volunteers, who planted more than 400 endemic trees of the region in an area of approximately 2 km. This effort contributes to the reforestation process and provides shelter for local and migratory birds that pass through the northern area of the metropolitan capital.
The event was attended by representatives from UNOPS, officials from the Municipality of Goicoechea, and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT). The planting day was guided by officials from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and the volunteer program of the Montecristo Group, as well as the administrator and owner of the free zone under the same name.
Denis Fernández, Project Manager at UNOPS, highlighted the importance of these environmental actions, stating: “These tree planting activities not only mitigate the impacts of the construction of road infrastructure but also improve the quality of life for neighboring communities and users of the Circunvalación Norte viaduct. We will continue to promote these initiatives with the participation of other social actors and the collaboration of institutions such as MINAE, MOPT, and the free zones.”
The Circunvalación Norte project and the reforestation activities align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The construction of the new road and the country’s longest viaduct promotes resilient and sustainable infrastructure (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Additionally, improving traffic flow and reducing travel times create more inclusive and sustainable cities (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities). Reforestation activities help mitigate climate change by absorbing CO2 and promoting biodiversity (SDG 13: Climate Action). Likewise, planting endemic trees and creating shelters for local birds support the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15: Life on Land).
The Circunvalación Norte project, with a total length of 5.5 km between La Uruca and Guadalupe, includes the design of 4.1 km of missing road infrastructure on National Route No. 39. This ambitious project, which began in January 2019, has already put the first four functional units into operation, significantly improving traffic flow and reducing travel times for about 100,000 vehicles daily.
UNOPS continues to supervise the work to ensure contractual compliance and quality control, ensuring that design, occupational safety, social management, and environmental standards are met.
For more information about the project and future activities, visit the project’s website.