ROME, Italy -- Vice-Minister of Energy and Environment Jorge Rodríguez yesterday presented to the Italian government Costa Rica's “Peace with Nature” initiative to protect the environment.

President Oscar Arias inaugurated this initiative by presenting a document stating the country's intention to become “neutral in terms of carbon emissions, expand natural reserves and their conservation,” Rodríguez explained.

The vice-minister spoke yesterday during a press conference on the environment held at Modena University in northern Italy, explaining that Peace with Nature is an “invitation” to the rest of the world to take action in defending the environment.

The organizers of the conference reported that the Italian provinces of Modena and Ferrara, as well as several companies and organizations, are taking on “innovative initiatives” modeled after Costa Rica's National Forest Financing Fund (FONAFIFO).