Neotropical migratory bird conservation program : project evaluation report

Mid-term evaluation covers the period 1991-8/95. Through its funding of 23 projects involving partnerships between international and local NGOs in 6 countries, the program has had a significant effect on the conservation of NMBs on their wintering grounds, supporting important research, raising public awareness, and building capacity and infrastructure. Projects have included research in proposed and existing protected areas, buffer zones, and agricultural landscapes (including important but little known geographic areas and ecosystems), as well the monitoring of bird populations across habitat gradients. Some projects have provided substantial training in biological field techniques. Several are aimed at establishing the technical, educational, and organizational infrastructure for long-term NMB studies. Several projects focus on relatively small NGOs and provide them with training in proposal writing and program management. Every project reviewed by the evaluators included a significant NMB conservation component that existed only because of the program. The program has also increased local understanding of the biologic and economic value of NMBs. For example, in several locations, local personnel are employed as field assistants for data collection on NMBs, and many of these assistants are using their newly acquired knowledge to work as tourist guides. There have been a number of administrative and managerial problems, none of which are significant enough to prevent the program from achieving its objectives. These problems can be remedied through improved communication, better definition of participants' roles and responsibilities, greater clarification of the program's strategy, and some modifications in administrative procedures. Overall, the program represents one of the most significant and important contributions to NMB conservation efforts currently being undertaken in the Latin America and Caribbean region. It is an important project, and worthy of the efforts necessary to continue it.