US Government takes steps to protect environment in Guatemala
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Marc Katz is a Legislative Assistant at the Religious Action Center. He is a graduate of Tufts University. |
The United States decided Monday to make a “debt for nature” swap with Guatemala, excusing 20% of the country’s $108 million debt in exchange for Guatemala’s promise to invest that money in protecting the county’s forests and wildlife. According to the New York Times, this decision would impact four major areas of the country, all of which are home to large portions of tropical and subtropical forests and all of which contain numerous endangered species.
International debt is a huge problem in the world. With many countries unable to care for their own people, the burden of paying off richer nations can seem overwhelming. The decision to cancel a portion of Guatemala’s debt has allowed them financial flexibility to invest necessary money into their fragile and valuable eco-system.
The United States government should be applauded for its efforts. And for anyone who doubts whether this latest debt cancellation will benefit the United States, the answers are in the trees. According to a World Conservation Union report “the monetary value of goods and services provided by natural ecosystems (including gas regulation, waste treatment, and nutrient recycling) is estimated to amount to some 33 trillion dollars per year – nearly twice the global production resulting from human activities” This is truly a deal that everyone profits from.