Profitable environmental protection

The project, to be implemented mainly by the Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific, will: (1) identify sites for enterprise activities; (2) help develop demonstration enterprises at the selected sites; and (3) disseminate lessons, guidelines, and models throughout the region. Six Ecological Management Units (EMU"s) which are representative of threatened habitats in the region will be selected for demonstration enterprise activities. Implementation will begin in Vanuatu, where the first 3 EMU"s will be located; building on this experience, 3 more will be established in other nations, beginning with Papua New Guinea. Once an EMU is identified, existing and new profitable enterprises aimed at generating income while simultaneously conserving the natural resources of their surroundings, will be encouraged, provided with TA, and studied. Resident advisors in conservation and small business development will direct day-to- day activities; short-term TA will be brought in as needed in such fields as natural resource economics, social science, marketing, and production. The project will work with a variety of both small and large enterprise types, including traditional corporations and national-based businesses, but because of the rural nature of most EMU"s, will likely work mostly at the community level, promoting enterprises such as honey production, crocodile farming, fish processing, and handicraft production; enterprises linking international enterprises and communities, such as ecotourism may also be promoted. A key activity will be the establishment of linkages between project-supported enterprises and the business community, particularly commercial financing institutions. An integral part of the project will be the dissemination of its results to public sector decisionmakers, development agencies, and conservation groups in the region. Efforts will include a summary monthly report in the ECONET electronic mail system, a semi-annual newsletter, a conference, and establishment of linkages with regional and international institutions involved in development and/or conservation. It is expected that the project will enlist the involvement of the South Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP), especially for assistance in outreach efforts. Activities which might be funded through the SPREP include short-term training for private entrepreneurs under SPREP"s Environmental Education and Training Program, a study of public policy options to stimulate the private sector, and TA/outreach to the private sector (e.g., to extend a project model to additional enterprises or new locations).