Bush, Rodriguez discuss rain forest project
Copyright 2001 Associated Press
July 13, 2001
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. President George W. Bush and Costa Rican President Miguel Angel Rodriguez discussed a $54 million project to help the Central American nation preserve its rain forests, Rodriquez said Friday.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House after his meeting with Bush, Rodriguez said the funds would come from the $250 million Costa Rica owes the United States.
He said Costa Rica would use the money to pay private owners for lands that have become part of national parks and reserves.
"The fund would allow us to stabilize our rain forests, secure the biodiversity of Costa Rica and reduce carbon gases," Rodriguez said.
He said Bush offered his support for a study on how to carry out the project because it would demonstrate U.S. interest in preserving the environment and promoting regional development.