Chile launches strategy for green growth

Chile on Wednesday launched a national strategy for green growth, aimed at promoting sustainable development in the South American country. The plan, launched by Environment Minister Maria Ignacia Benitez and Finance Minister Felipe Larrain, has already received the approval of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and is to be presented to the Paris-based intergovernmental group next week. It includes measures to improve the quality of life of Chileans and to protect the country's environmental heritage. "Never before have the Finance and Environment Ministries worked together so that the matter of the environment is taken into account in everything having to do with the country's development," Benitez said during a ceremony to unveil the development strategy. In June 2009, the OECD adopted the green growth strategy that was signed by its member countries and four candidates for membership, including Chile. Green growth is defined by the OECD as promoting economic growth with sustainability to assure environmental preservation and people's well-being.