AID grant no. 687-0103-G-SS-9044-00 to World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for Amber Mountain conservation and development -- Madagascar

Major efforts will be to: (1) develop tree nurseries and agroforestry; (2) improve agricultural practices; (3) encourage tourism; (4) conduct surveys and needs assessments; and (5) improve the management of protected areas. The project"s targeted ecosystems include rainforests and deciduous forests in four neighboring protected areas: Amber Mountain National Park, and Amber, Ankarana, and Analamera Special Reserves. To promote agroforestry, WWF will: (1) support the MPAEF village reforestation program and train forestry extension personnel; (2) develop 8-10 tree nurseries with demonstration plots; (3) introduce improved fruit, forage, anti-erosion, and nitrogen- fixing varieties; (4) improve seed availability; (5) establish standards for the use of minor forest products; and (6) advise on commercial forest exploitation outside of protected areas. With respect to agricultural practices, WWF will: (1) introduce more intensive practices; (2) develop alternatives to in-forest cultivation of food and cash crops; (3) improve seed availability; (4) introducing pilot irrigation systems; (5) identify land not currently under cultivation or sound management; and (6) strengthen MPAEF"s extension capacities. Tourism activities will include rehabilitating trails and renovating buildings for visitor services in Amber Mountain National Park. The project will also recruit guides for both the Park and the Ankarana Reserve, and will publicize tourism opportunities at the two areas and initiate a fee system, while developing a tourism plan for Ankarana. Surveys and needs assessments will consist of: (1) aerial surveys and satellite imaging to analyze forest cover and land use; (2) a socioeconomic survey of five villages; (3) assessment of in-reserve zoning; (4) surveys of land tenure status around Amber Mountain and mapping land for in-forest and in-reserve cultivation; (5) a biological inventory and survey; and (6) an assessment of the water needs of competing users. The management of the protected areas will be improved by: (1) marking the boundaries of Amber Mountain National Park, and Amber Forest and Ankarana Special Reserves; (2) recruiting at least 11 guards for these three areas; (3) developing infrastructure and a radio communication system; (4) producing a detailed map of areas at environmental risk; (5) developing fire management plans; and (6) developing long-term management plans. Finally, the project will include several initiatives in environmental education, utilizing both mass media and in-school activities.