ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT : ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD SUPPORT

National Committee for Man and the Biosphere (USMAB) project, which combines two projects (Environmental Field Support, 9311028) and Environmental Training and Grants, 9311113) designed to collect information, conduct special studies, and develop new training programs in the area of environmental development for A.I.D."s Regional Bureaus and Missions. Evaluation covers the period 9/77-6/80 and is based on an AID/W review of an attached special evaluation (PD-AAG-226-C1). The two projects were developed in response to a lawsuit filed against A.I.D. by environmental groups, and they have provided A.I.D. with a record of accomplishment in this area in anticipation of Congressional and Presidential mandates. Both projects were implemented through a single RSSA with the Department of State"s Bureau for International Affairs. The USMAB Secretariat is managing the projects. The two projects combined have a total of 18 subprojects, which have been well organized and have produced quality information, services, and training programs for use by the Regional Bureaus and Missions. Host country interest in the services provided by the project is increasing. The inconsistency of USMAB"s management capability, noted in earlier evaluations (see report of 6/79), has been removed, and the project is now under direction of a full-time professional from the National Park Service. USMAB has shown managerial flexibility in responding to growing Congressional demands for A.I.D. Regional Bureaus to do more in this area, and A.I.D. has benefitted from the USMAB"S access to technical and scientifc personnel. Three action decisions were made: (1) Additional funding should be obligated in 1980 to continue the USMAB"s information collection and training activities. (2) A revised project paper for project 931-1113 will be prepared, expanding the scope of activities and incorporating aspects of project 931-1028. (3) A Project Implementation Order for Technical Services will be drafted to incorporate the additional funding and to define an extended Scope of Work.