Natural resources management

PES covers the period 8/80-1/84 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with GOH, USAID/H, and project personnel and with beneficiaries. Of the three major project components (Policy and Planning, Data Collection and Analysis, and Watershed Management), the third has been most successful. Reforestation, construction of soil conservation works, and range management activities are being conducted with community and individual participation at 4 sites in Choluteca watershed; sound, replicable, conservation methodologies are being developed. The USAID/H project manager and the TA team (who did not come on board until 5/82 and 4/83, respectively) have provided much needed direction. Progress in policy and planning is far behind schedule because the Agricultural Policy Commission, which was to be responsible for project directives and interinstitutional coordination, was abolished in 11/80 and not replaced until 1/84, when the National Agricultural Committee (CNA) was created. Some studies have been conducted by project personnel, and a natural resource management bill is being prepared. Some progress has been made in data collection and analysis, despite an initial lack of equipment and trained personnel. The National Cadaster Program (PCN) has provided cartographical and land use data to be used in selecting intervention sites and identifying appropriate land treatments. Lessons learned: the implementation of such a complex project, which requires coordination among so many agencies, is a risky and painstakingly slow process; a flexible and effective procurement plan is essential; environmental degradation in Honduras is getting progressively worse and requires more action than one 5-7 year project in one watershed. Regarding watershed management: demonstration to farmers of long-term environmental benefits is more effective than are subsidies; credit is difficult to implement, given land tenure conditions; and the value of having effective TA available from the outset should not be underestimated. The project has gained momentum and should be extended, with a further extension contingent upon good performance.