Environmental issues relevant to the preparation of USAID/Mozambique"s country program strategic plan

Conducted to help USAID/M prepare its Country Program Strategic Plan (CPSP), the assessment covers: (1) the status of Mozambique"s natural resources (soil and land, water, vegetative cover, wildlife/biodiversity, and nonrenewable resources), with emphasis on conservation and management of biological diversity and tropical forests; (2) shortcomings in the knowledge and management of these resources; (3) the efforts of other donors and NGOs to address natural resource degradation; and (4) recommendations. According to the report, while all three of the CPSP"s focus areas -- income generation, social services, and democratic governance -- can contribute notably to sustainable use of the environment, the income focus will have the most impact, as families who are struggling to survive often turn to destructive patterns of land use. The report cautions USAID/M not to neglect, in its emphasis on NGOs, the state agencies that will be responsible for guaranteeing security in areas such as land rights. In particular, the Mission should promote the policymaking and enforcement role of the National Commission for the Environment (CNA) and should involve the CNA in Mission environmental assessments. Appendices include a summary of donor environmental activities in Mozambique; a tabulated portrait of Mozambique"s forest resources and forestry sector; and a list of state agencies with responsibilities in Mozambique"s coastal zone.