Environment and Energy Minister Roberto Dobles yesterday became president pro-tempore of the Central American Environment and Development Commission (CCAD) and announced that he will use this position to push forward policies to protect the region’s biodiversity.

“We are going to strengthen the work agenda and promote policies for conservation within the framework of sustainability,” Dobles said.

Actions he plans to take during his six-month term as president of the commission include improving protection of wildlife areas, working on regional strategies for biodiversity protection and strengthening cooperation between countries.

In Central America, there is a growing illegal market for plant and animal species, many of which are in danger of extinction, Dobles said, adding that all countries in the region should unify efforts to improve enforcement of wildlife-trafficking laws.

The minister also spoke in favor of looking for new forms of energy such as wind energy, water energy and geothermal energy.

“We also have the challenge to fight against a culture of addiction to petroleum that will be difficult to get rid of in our countries,” Dobles said.

Central America is considered one of the richest regions in the world in natural resources. It covers only 2% of the earth’s surface but supports 12% of the world’s diversity, according to CCAD statistics.

CCAD, part of the Central American Integration System (SICA) created in 1989, seeks to unite efforts to protect the region’s natural resources.

-ACAN-EFE