LAC regional environment/global climate change program (598-0784)

The project will focus on efforts to (1) reduce deforestation by promoting sustainable use of forest resources, and (2) reduce the burning of fossil fuels through increased energy efficiency. The project will target Brazil, Mexico, and Central America, but will include activities in other countries. The project will promote non-timber extractive industries as an economic alternative to clearing forests for agriculture. It will support research on and pilot demonstrations of new products and of improving the cultivation and processing of traditional ones, such as brazil nuts and rubber. Research on agroforestry techniques to restore degraded lands will also be funded. Many activities will take place in or near protected areas such as extractive reserves, buffer zones, and national parks, and the project will support the establishment and management of such areas. The project will stress community management of natural resources and will make efforts to educate national officials about the policy implications of sustainable forest use. The project will also provide host country environmental institutions with TA and training in natural resource management, strategic planning, and other organizational skills, and support increase communication among the NGO, research, and government communities. Energy efforts will focus on electric power generation and use. Technologies to improve efficiency and promote alternative sources will be transferred, and pilot activities demonstrating these technologies will be conducted. Policy analyses and reforms, particularly in the areas of energy pricing and private participation in electricity generation, will be promoted. Most activities will be executed by U.S. NGOs and their host country counterparts, though some will be implemented by host country and U.S. government agencies. For a description of individual activities, search the DOCUMENT data base under this project number. Amendment (Project Paper) of 8/5/92 presents detailed descriptions of activities in Brazil, Mexico, and Central America. The Brazil component will promote alternatives to the slash and burn agriculture and ranching practices currently deforesting the Amazon. Activities will fall into three areas: (1) alternatives to deforestation will include plans for protected areas, extractive reserves, and buffer zones; development of new forest products, processing techniques, and markets; research on stable agroforestry systems; dissemination of information on alternatives to fire in agriculture; and promotion of market-driven models for mixed forestry systems which make degraded land more productive; (2) policies supporting environmentally sound use of forests, including implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment process at national and local levels, with NGOs trained to participate; review of timber policies; and review of development policies from an environmental perspective; and (3) an environmental constituency established in local communities with appreciation for relevant gender issues. Primary focus in Mexico will be on management of eight tropical and subtropical forest reserves in southern Mexico, including development of management plans for protected areas and buffer zones, surveys and studies, training and environmental education for local inhabitants, and possibly, debt for nature swaps. The project will also: support efforts to improve energy efficiency and increase sales of U.S. renewable energy services and technologies, and support improved policy formulation, strengthening of NGOs, training, and data bases. (PD-ABJ-248) In Central America, focus will be on flexible response to unique opportunities that arise. At least two reserves will be established.