A transformative initiative from the heart of Central America proves that environmental conservation and gender equality are two sides of the same coin. 

Costa Rica’s Más Mujer, Más Natura (More Women, More Nature) program is rewriting the script for rural empowerment. Launched in 2020 as a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Office of the First Vice President, the program addresses a long-standing paradox: while women are often the primary stewards of local biodiversity, they frequently lack the land titles and capital to access traditional conservation incentives.

Historically, many environmental incentives in Costa Rica, such as the Payment for Environmental Services (PES), were tied strictly to land ownership. Since women in rural areas are less likely to hold formal titles, they were often excluded from the very funds designed to reward forest protection.

Más Mujer, Más Natura changes this through three strategic financial pillars:

• FONAFIFO Credit: A specialized credit line for rural women with fixed low interest rates, specifically designed for forestry projects, sustainable agriculture, and equipment.

• Mujeres Natura Credit: A financing mechanism offered by Fundecooperación that provides up to CRC 10 million with flexible guarantees, aimed at ecotourism, natural cosmetics, and waste management.

• Prioritization in PES: For the first time, the state has adjusted its scoring system to prioritize women-led applications for forest protection payments, effectively “fast-tracking” their participation in the national carbon-neutrality goal.

The program is more than just a financial tool; it is a recognition of expertise. By supporting ventures such as organic honey production, indigenous textile weaving, and sustainable “nature-based” tourism, Costa Rica is ensuring that women are not just beneficiaries of development but also its architects.

As of early 2026, the program has evolved into the +Natura +Rural initiative, which is currently expanding its reach into the Brunca Region. With a projected investment of over 2 billion colones through 2030, the government aims to benefit hundreds more women, particularly those in vulnerable and Afro-descendant communities.

By bridging the gap between gender and climate finance, Costa Rica has become a global reference point. The program demonstrates that when you invest in a woman’s “green” business, you aren’t just protecting a forest but also strengthening a family, diversifying the local economy, and securing the planet’s future.