In a significant diplomatic and academic engagement, Her Excellency Verónica García Gutiérrez, Ambassador of Costa Rica to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat, visited the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Mombasa Campus today where she delivered a compelling public lecture on Costa Rica’s exemplary model of environmental stewardship, sustainable development, and climate action.
JKUAT Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi warmly welcomed the envoy, underscoring the university’s commitment to fostering international partnerships in research, innovation, and sustainability. The high-level visit amplifies growing ties between Kenya and Costa Rica in addressing shared global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity conservation.
Speaking at the JKUAT Mombasa Campus Assembly Hall, Ambassador García Gutiérrez shared insights into Costa Rica’s remarkable journey as a global leader in sustainability.
Costa Rica, often hailed for its green credentials, has achieved notable success in forest restoration, renewable energy adoption, and eco-tourism while maintaining strong economic growth. The ambassador detailed her country’s policies on biodiversity protection; home to about 5% of the world’s species despite its small size, and its carbon neutrality ambitions.
“Costa Rica demonstrates that environmental protection and economic development can go hand in hand,” the ambassador emphasized in her address.
The diplomat explored key themes including climate change mitigation, the blue economy, circular economy principles, and sustainable development models. Attendees, including students, faculty, researchers, and partners, gained valuable perspectives on how Kenya could draw lessons from Costa Rica’s experience, particularly in marine resource management, reforestation, and community-based conservation.
The Vice Chancellor, in her welcoming remarks, praised Costa Rica’s achievements and reiterated JKUAT’s role in driving innovation for sustainable development in Kenya and the region. She emphasized ongoing university initiatives in agriculture, marine science, and environmental research, expressing hope for future collaborations, including student exchanges, joint research projects, and knowledge-sharing programs with Costa Rican institutions.
“We proudly host the IMO-led Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre (MTCC-Africa), which works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector across the continent,” Prof. Ngumi said.
The event drew keen interest from the academic community, and other stakeholders who engaged actively, discussing practical applications for Kenya’s context, such as enhancing coastal ecosystem management in Mombasa and beyond, advancing green technologies, and building resilience against climate impacts.
This visit comes at a pivotal time as both nations strengthen diplomatic relations. Costa Rica opened its embassy in Nairobi, signaling deepened engagement on multilateral issues, particularly environment and climate at forums like UNEP. Kenya, with its own ambitious climate and conservation goals, stands to benefit from such exchanges.
Ambassador García Gutiérrez’s lecture not only celebrated Costa Rica’s success story but also called for collective action. She urged industries, governments, and academia to intensify efforts in addressing the climate crisis, promoting sustainable practices, and innovating for a greener future.
The public lecture was part of broader activities at JKUAT Mombasa Campus aimed at inspiring the next generation of leaders in sustainability. This engagement reinforces the importance of South-South cooperation in tackling global environmental challenges.
As Kenya positions itself as a regional hub for innovation and sustainability, such partnerships with Costa Rica offer practical blueprints for balancing development with planetary health. JKUAT Mombasa Campus continues to serve as a vibrant platform for such high-impact dialogues, bridging academia, diplomacy, and real-world solutions.