The sustainability treaty between the Netherlands and Costa Rica: A new perspective on environmental and development cooperation

Abstract

In this article, we analyse a new type of bilateral cooperation aimed at promoting sustainable development. The keystone of this new structure is the sustainability treaty that the Netherlands has arranged with Costa Rica (the statement of intent dates from 1992). This treaty was conceived to assist both countries in their efforts to promote sustainable development through specific measures. The basis for the cooperative effort is a platform of equality, reciprocity and participation. Thus, the treaty fits in with - or may even be seen as a pilot for - a shifting perspective on development cooperation. We conclude that Costa Rica has been engaged in a learning process; this is much less if at all the case in the Netherlands. On the grounds of the analysis, we formulate several conditions for a new (environmental) development paradigm. © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.