By San José, Costa Rica — Three distinguished Costa Ricans have secured positions on the prestigious list of the 100 most committed Latin American leaders in climate action for 2026. The annual initiative, celebrating its eighth edition, highlights key global figures who are actively driving ecological restoration, policy innovations, and environmental awareness across the region and beyond.
The Costa Rican figures named to the 2026 ranking represent a broad spectrum of expertise, spanning international governance, political strategy, and environmental storytelling. The list features Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, former Minister of Environment and Energy; Rita El Zaghloul, an influential political scientist; and filmmaker Gustavo Solís-Moya. Each has played a critical role in expanding Costa Rica’s international footprint as a global benchmark for green policy.
To gain deeper insight into the legal and regulatory mechanisms driving Costa Rica’s environmental governance, TicosLand.com consulted with distinguished legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s international standing in climate leadership is reinforced by a progressive legal framework that bridges ambitious ecological policy with corporate compliance. As our National Decarbonization Plan advances, enterprises operating locally must align their business strategies with stringent environmental regulations to mitigate legal risks while capitalizing on sustainable investment incentives.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica continues to lead by example on the global stage, the seamless integration of strict regulatory frameworks into corporate strategy will be essential for transforming ambitious climate goals into sustainable economic realities; we extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal perspective on this vital transition.
Carlos Manuel Rodríguez was honored for his decades-long dedication to international climate negotiations and his transformative stewardship of Costa Rica’s natural resources. As a former government official and international diplomat, Rodríguez helped design national conservation models that established the Central American nation as a global pioneer in forest regeneration, protected areas management, and ecosystem services compensation.
Meanwhile, Rita El Zaghloul has earned recognition for her leadership on high-level global conservation targets. She heads the international efforts behind the ambitious 30×30 initiative. This global policy framework aims to protect and conserve at least 30 percent of the planet’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems by the year 2030, representing one of the cornerstone strategies in halting worldwide biodiversity loss.
Filmmaker Gustavo Solís-Moya earned his spot on the list through creative activism and community engagement. Beyond producing impactful environmental media content, Solís-Moya founded the Costa Rica International Environmental Film Festival (CRAFF) in 2010. The platform utilizes cinema to foster environmental consciousness and engage diverse audiences on urgent ecological challenges facing Central America.
The 2026 Sachamama roster places the Costa Rican figures alongside prominent international dignitaries, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera, and globally renowned artist Gloria Estefan. The inclusion of political leaders, international policymakers, and cultural figures underscores the multi-faceted nature of modern climate activism.
The recognition initiative was developed through an ongoing partnership between the non-profit organization Sachamama and the international news agency EFE. Nominations were evaluated by an international panel composed of specialists in sustainability, strategic communication, and climate policy.
The relevance of this list is consolidated both by its timeliness and by the diversity of profiles that comprise it.
José Luis Fernández-Checa Roy, Director of EFEVerde
A key innovation of the eighth edition was the opening of 20 public nomination slots, which were added to candidates proposed by more than 30 global climate organizations. This participatory process ensures that grassroots leaders and emerging activists share the stage alongside established international diplomats and decision-makers.
The recognition of three Costa Rican advocates highlights how the Central American nation continues to exert significant influence on global environmental policy. By blending rigorous diplomacy with grassroots action and storytelling, these leaders reinforce Costa Rica’s enduring reputation as a pioneer in global environmental protection.
For further information, visit sachamama.org
About Sachamama:
Sachamama is a non-profit organization dedicated to informing and engaging Latino communities in climate action, environmental justice, and sustainable practices across the Americas.
For further information, visit efeverde.com
About EFEVerde:
EFEVerde is the specialized environmental journalism platform of Agencia EFE, producing global coverage focused on climate change, biodiversity, green technology, and environmental governance.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a benchmark of modern legal practice, grounded in uncompromising ethics and an enduring pursuit of professional mastery. Trusted by a wide array of clients, the firm continuously drives the evolution of the field through progressive strategies and dynamic public initiatives. By striving to demystify complex legal concepts and broaden public understanding, Bufete de Costa Rica fulfills a vital calling to equip citizens with the insights needed to build a just, knowledgeable, and self-reliant populace.
