Asia and Near East Regional

FY 2001 Program Description and Activity Data Sheets

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FY 2001 Program The USAID ANE regional program will support programmatic needs across the three sub-regions. It will help build capacity and commitment among Asian and Middle Eastern partners in public and private sectors to address critical development issues cooperatively. The FY 2001 program will place even stronger emphasis on encouraging institutions like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and other regional networks, to establish forums that broaden civil society participation, define and promote activities financed by ANE, and exercise stronger ownership for the agenda of development programs financed by the United States. Ongoing ANE regional efforts in HIV/AIDS in Asia and water use in the Middle East will be continued or expanded. The HIV/AIDS regional program will continue to work closely with the United Nations Joint Program in HIV/AIDS and other key partners to stem the spread of this virulent disease across borders and in high-risk populations. The Regional Infectious Disease program will strengthen the prevention, treatment, and control of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and malaria, across borders and in high-risk populations. It will expand the reach of mission-funded, infectious disease activities by establishing linkages among existing country-level programs and developing new approaches that can be applied cross-border. Surveillance and reporting systems will be initiated to provide early warning of potential outbreaks, drug resistance, and control. USAID's Accelerating Economic Recovery in Asia (AERA) initiative will continue to address the challenges of reestablishing financial and political stability in Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and other economies affected by the Asian financial crisis. AERA will work with a number of partner organizations to restore financial health, alleviate the suffering among vulnerable groups affected by the crisis, and strengthen civic organizations that promote democratic participation. The economic crisis in Asia stimulated countries in other sub-regions to undertake difficult economic reforms. The national governments of Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco, for example, have expressed a new willingness to tackle meaningful economic change, and have asked USAID for help. In the Middle East and North Africa, ANE regional resources will support a Maghreb trade and investment initiative to address the legal, policy and regulatory constraints to increased inter-country trade and investment. The South Asia Regional Initiative (SARI) energy program will encourage cross-border investments in energy infrastructure promoting cleaner energy use and greater communication, transparency, and confidence-building between the region's governments and businesses. SARI/anti-trafficking and women will support efforts to strengthen the legal and regulatory frameworks to discourage the trafficking in women and children, while supporting improved economic opportunities for communities at high risk of trafficking. ANE regional resources will also support related efforts designed to discourage abusive child labor practices through improved access to basic education. The U.S.-Asia Environmental Partnership (USAEP) will engage the strength of the U.S. Government and U.s. academic, business, and professional communities, to deal with the environmental challenges of rapid industrial and urban growth in Asia. In addition to continuing the introduction of U.S. developed technologies to Asian public and private entities, USAEP will support Middle Eastern countries' efforts to reduce air pollution and invest in cleaner fuels and technologies. Continued economic reforms and political stability in Asia will provide valuable opportunities to expand U.S. trade and investment that is environmentally and economically sustainable. USAID's highly effective water conflict resolution activity (Fostering Resolution of Water Resources Disputes) will be expanded to evaluate opportunities for addressing transnational water issues in South and East Asia, while continuing to address one of the fundamental causes of conflict (water) in the Middle East. The East Asia and Pacific Environmental Initiative (EAPEI) will help East Asian governments further focus on key regional environmental problems while promoting regional solutions and cooperation. Regional democracy programs will promote the strengthening of rule of law, promote the adherence to democratic practices and respect for human rights. Regional democracy funds will support the advancement of democratic processes, more open political systems, and representative and accountable government. ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: Accelerating Economic Recovery in Asia (AERA), 498-001 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $11,750,000 DA; $1,000,000 CSD; $5,000,000 ESF PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $10,000,000 DA; $1,000,000 CSD; $8,000,000 ESF INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1999 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2003 Summary: Despite recent reports of economic recovery in East Asia, most countries in the region still suffer from the effects of the Asia financial crisis. While investment capital flows look positive and inflation seems to have slowed, the countries have yet to resolve the deeply rooted systemic problems that paralyzed their economies in 1997 and 1998. For example, commercial lending to small and medium sized enterprises, the region's engine for sustained economic growth, remains paralyzed in spite of reform efforts to date. Secretary of Treasury Lawrence Summers, in his testimony before the Senate committee on Foreign Relations on November 5, alluded to this, "Economic conditions in a number of countries and regions are still fragile and near-term action on a number of fronts will be necessary to achieve a sustained and more balanced global recovery. The risk of reform fatigue is a serious one. Asian economies must push ahead with structural reforms, especially in the corporate and financial sectors, if they are to lay a durable foundation for market-led growth". USAID's Accelerating Economic Recovery in Asia initiative has focused its five-year "relief-recovery-reform" approach initially on Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, but it can be extended to encompass other East Asian countries. AERA has three key objectives: (1) creating and saving jobs, (2) improving the targeting and coverage of safety nets, and (3) improving economic governance. Key Results: The AERA program initiated activities in Indonesia and the Philippines in July 1999, and in Thailand in October, 1999. Performance and Prospects: AERA activities are closely linked and coordinated with World Bank and Asian Development Bank crisis response efforts. The AERA program brings technical assistance and training that complement ongoing structural adjustment loans being funded by the International Monetary Fund or the multilateral development banks. This close coordination will enable the program to have a significant impact, particularly in the areas of competitiveness, economic governance, financial and corporate debt restructuring. While few results can be reported, the program is working in a number of key areas in these three countries. For example, 1) The program has established a center in Bangkok to advise small and medium sized businesses on debt restructuring and restarting their operations. The center began operations in early December 1999 and is now assisting more than 30 Thai businesses to diagnose and resolve their business problems. 2) AERA is funding assistance to the Bank of Thailand to help it reform and strengthen its bank supervision and on-site examination policies and procedures. 3) With AERA assistance, Indonesia and the Philippines have undertaken legislative reforms in areas such as competition law, government procurement, consumer protection, arbitration and secured transaction. In FY 2000 and FY 2001, USAID will continue to focus on the systemic changes necessary to bring about structural reform and sustained economic growth. This year, the AERA program will continue assistance that complements bilateral USAID programs in Indonesia and the Philippines. Assistance to Thailand also will be continued. Possible Adjustments to Plans: In FY 2000, the program will support regional analyses on competitiveness to help inform crisis recovery efforts in the three target countries and Vietnam. In addition, Vietnam will be provided some limited assistance to encourage it to undertake policies and reforms needed to become better integrated into the world economy. Other Donor Programs: The World Bank, Asian Development Bank, International Monetary Fund and other bilateral development agencies have pledged more than $58 billion to help Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines recover from the crisis. However, most of these resources have been in the form of cash transfers to help the countries meet foreign exchange obligations. While these resources have provided critical assistance and have supported essential policy and legal reforms, they have not delivered the necessary technical assistance and training to help the countries implement the policy changes. Thus, the AERA initiative complements other donor assistance by providing the technical expertise and training that will be essential to fully implement the reforms needed for economic recovery. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: AERA activities are being implemented through procurement instruments with; the Kenan Institute Asia, U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation, Deloitte Touche Tomatsu, Development Alternatives International, and R. Robert Nathan. Others under consideration include American Center for International Labor Solidarity, U.S. Department of Commerce and The Asia Foundation Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1998) Target (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Cumulative value of debt workouts completed by the Jakarta Initiative Task Force (percentage increase in real terms) 251,262 rupiah (June 99) 0% 3% 6% Reduction in bank non-performing loans in the Philippines (as % of total loan portfolio) 14.48% 14.18% 12.48% TBD Total value of credit extended to assisted small and medium-sized enterprises in Thailand   TBD TBD TBD Number of key legislative and/or administrative reform measures in corporate and financial governance enacted or amended          - Indonesia 0 2 4 6  - Philippines 0 2 7 7 U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: Fostering Resolution of Water Resources Disputes (FORWARD) 498-002 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $770,000 DA PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $1,000,000 DA INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1995 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2001 Summary: In the Middle East - the driest region in the world - water demand is growing fast due to population growth, agricultural use, and increasing urbanization and industrialization. As a result, water availability is falling to crisis levels. With increasing scarcity, water conflicts among competing uses and among countries may intensify, which can lead to instability and conflict and pose serious and direct threats to U.S. national interests in the region. In accordance with USAID's environmental goal (world's environment strengthened for long-term sustainability), the ANE Bureau's Fostering Resolution of Water Resources Disputes project (FORWARD) helps governments and key stakeholders in the Middle East to reach agreement on equitable and sustainable strategies, policies, and plans for managing scarce water resources. The absence of effective mechanisms to resolve water disputes collaboratively is a key reason for many environmental, economic, social and political problems in the Middle East. FORWARD represents a noteworthy departure from traditional water resource projects that consider water problems to be quantity or quality issues. FORWARD provides a mechanism for resolving water disputes between parties with divergent or competing interests, supporting the Middle East Peace Process and addressing other long-standing national and local domestic water issues. Key Results: In the Middle East, FORWARD has played a vital role enabling USAID field Missions to engage directly at the highest levels of government on the most critical water policy and technical issues facing these countries. Notable achievements include costing water and wastewater services for tariff restructuring in Egypt, increased privatization and decentralization in the water sector in Jordan, improved aquifer management in Gaza, and support for reconstruction and national reconciliation in Lebanon. Performance and Prospects: The past year has been a time of program expansion. As it begins its fourth third year, FORWARD has active programs in Egypt, Jordan, West Bank/Gaza, Lebanon, and Morocco. FORWARD's portfolio now covers most of the major policy and technical issues facing the water sector in the Middle East, including: water pricing and tariff restructuring, watershed management, private sector participation, decentralization, stakeholder participation, aquifer management, and water quality degradation. In Egypt, FORWARD has carried out programs to facilitate an increase in water and wastewater tariffs in Cairo, and assisted water and wastewater utilities in upper Egypt to achieve fiscal autonomy. Thus far, the project has supported preparation of new legislation, awaiting final approval by the Popular Council of Cairo, that provides a justification for an increase in the level of tariffs. FORWARD helped to reopen a long-closed dialogue between Government of Egypt agencies and USAID on this topic, and raised the level of that dialogue so that it is productive and based on technical issues. In FY 2000, FORWARD is also developing a major new program for USAID/Egypt that focuses on the reduction and phasing out of water sector subsidies and fosters financial independence of water utilities. This activity is highly sensitive politically and makes use of FORWARD's specialized collaborative planning expertise. In Jordan, FORWARD has worked closely with the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) and the Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) to develop three cost/tariff models for water, wastewater, and irrigation water. These models enable the Ministry to develop and test an unlimited range of "what-if" scenarios to determine the social and economic impacts of adjustments to water prices. The models have enabled WAJ to negotiate a management contract with private sector operators who have taken over responsibility for operation of the Greater Amman water and wastewater network and the JVA to pursue their course of operations in a more businesslike manner. As a result of these successes, JVA has asked FORWARD to develop and carry out a strategic planning program that will help JVA to reassess its mandate and set new directions for the next decade in FY 2000. In the West Bank and Gaza, FORWARD worked with the USAID mission and the Palestinian Water Authority to bring major stakeholders together to design the two largest water projects there: one focusing on stormwater management in Gaza, and the other on integrated water resources management in Hebron and Bethlehem. As a result of this successful effort, in FY 2000 and FY 2001, FORWARD will provide technical assistance and oversight for the implementation of the Coastal Aquifer Management Project. FORWARD recently expanded its program to Lebanon and Morocco. In Lebanon, FORWARD reviewed three inter-village water disputes in the Bekaa Valley and developed dispute resolution processes that allow villagers to play a more active role in determining how water is managed in the local water supply systems. Over the coming year, FORWARD will work with targeted communities in Lebanon to strengthen collaborative planning and problem solving skills which would assist them in the design and implementation of local water conveyance systems. In Morocco, FORWARD provided assistance with the creation of a new river basin authority in southwest Morocco near Agadir. Building on this experience, in FY 2000 and FY 2001, FORWARD will work with the new basin authority to establish a water quantity/water quality database that will benefit the various stakeholders. Possible Adjustments to Plans: The ANE Bureau is considering expanding FORWARD's activities to Asia, including assisting with development of confidence-building measures under the ANE South Asia Regional Initiative, and using FORWARD to help address significant transboundary water issues in Asia and the Middle East. Since the current FORWARD contract is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2001, ANE is developing a follow-on FORWARD II program. Other Donor Programs: Given the urgency of addressing the Middle East's water needs, other donors such as the World Bank, European Investment Bank, Japan, France, and Germany are providing significant levels of assistance to improve national and regional water sector development, planning and management. Support is being provided to improve and upgrade irrigation networks, rehabilitate and expand water distribution networks, and improve and expand collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater. FORWARD takes a different approach. Recognizing that water problems often involve legitimate disputes between parties with divergent or competing interests, FORWARD helps these parties reach agreement on important water issues through a mixture of mediation and technical support to stakeholders, and strengthens institutional capacity for collaborative problem-solving and consensus building. These efforts complement the work of other donors. For example, FORWARD is now working with the European Commission delegation in Jerusalem to resolve a longstanding issue concerning the siting of a wastewater treatment facility in Gaza. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: The principal contractor is Development Alternatives, Inc. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1995) Actual (1998) Target (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Number of agreements on track for implementation 0 5 6 7 7 Number of agreements reached 0 3 5 8 8 Number of host country institutions employing collaborative problem solving in their operations 0 1 2 3 4 Number of host country nationals serving as co-mediators 0 6 10 12 15 U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: North Africa Regional Trade and Investment Initiative, 498-003* STATUS: New PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $1,000,000 DA; $5,000,000 ESF PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $1,000,000 DA; $4,000,000 ESF INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 2000 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2004 Summary: The U.S. has a strong strategic interest in the stability and prosperity of North Africa. Instability there could threaten many of our key allies and disrupt the flow of vital natural resources to the U.S. The goal of the North Africa Trade and Investment Initiative is to increase sustainable economic growth in the region and expand U.S. trade and investment with North Africa. The Initiative is a multi-agency effort to address the legal, policy and regulatory constraints to increasing trade and investment in North Africa. Assistance will include short-term expert consulting and workshops for public and private sector entities in North Africa-primarily Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria (the Maghreb). The beneficiaries will be local industries and industry associations, foreign investors, and host country government institutions. Key Results: This is a new program. The expected results are reforms in regulations, procedures and policies that improve the trade and investment climate in North Africa, and the establishment of an internet-based network to match business opportunities in North Africa with businesses in the U.S. These results should lead by the end of the activity to increased trade and investment with the U.S. and other partners (including intra-Maghreb trade). In FY 1999, USAID completed the design of the program and, using regional funds, began two activities: "investor road maps" in all three Maghreb countries which identified impediments to increasing foreign investment; and internet connections between Chambers of Commerce in the Maghreb and U.S. business through USAID's Global Technology Network. Performance and Prospects: Activities undertaken in FY 2000 may include efforts to: simplify the procedures needed to establish new businesses; promote business associations' role as advocates for improved business conditions; improve product standards; and improve customs service and legal procedures through partnerships with U.S. government institutions. Activities in FY 2001 will likely aim at furthering the activities begun the previous year as well as include efforts to support investment-related tax reform and telecommunications sector liberalization. Results of the investor roadmaps carried out previously highlighted a growing commitment in the Maghreb to make business procedures more transparent, to eliminate excessive paperwork; and to reduce the time required to launch new businesses. Possible Adjustments: None. Other Donor Programs: The World Bank and European Union have large programs dedicated in part to improving conditions for trade and investment in the three Maghreb countries. The largest World Bank program will be in Morocco, where a $500 million multi-sector Policy Reform Adjustment Program and a sector-specific adjustment program--beginning with $200 million for telecommunications reform--are planned for joint World Bank and African Development Bank financing. World Bank assistance in Tunisia includes funding for foreign investment promotion, service sector liberalization, and export development. In Algeria, the World Bank is preparing studies to promote privatization. The European Union has an extensive program to improve ties with the Maghreb, through agreements that may lead to a Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area by the year 2010. USAID will coordinate activities with other development partners to promote favorable conditions for private sector investors and to assure that U.S. businesses are not disadvantaged. Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: In addition to a large number of existing USAID Global Bureau pre-qualified contractors, consultants from U.S. agencies such as Customs, Commerce, and Treasury will be utilized to provide short-term technical assistance. Selected Performance Measures: Target (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Maghreb-US private sector business linkages developed through the Global Technology Network 7 10 12 Increase in volume of trade between U.S. and the Maghreb 12.1 15.8 19 *According to the FY 2001 Department of State Congressional Presentation, this activity is budgeted under "U.S. - North Africa Partnership." U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: Regional Development and Support (RD&S), 498-007 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $12,158,000 DA; $1,030,000 CSD PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $10,976,000 DA; $906,000 CSD INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1995 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: Continuing Summary: In FY 2001, RD&S activities will support the Agency's goal areas of economic growth, population, health and nutrition, environment and energy, democracy and governance, and human capacity development. RD&S supports ANE programs, in both presence and non-presence countries, to develop and refine strategies; advise on sectoral issues; support bilateral and regional programs; analyze and identify problems and new opportunities for development assistance; and, facilitate compliance with Agency and U.S. Government regulations. RD&S resources are critical to developing and pilot testing new avenues of support that emphasize key ANE regional and sub-regional issues which in many cases become full-fledged programs. Over the past two years, for example, RD&S activities have led to major program initiatives including the Middle East and North Africa Trade and Investment Initiative, South Asia anti-trafficking, South Asia Regional Initiative in energy, and a regional infectious disease strategy. RD&S enables the U.S. to provide strategic leadership and state-of-the-art expertise to a growing number of ANE non-presence country needs as well as to respond to regional and cross-border issues. Key Results: RD&S funds have enabled USAID to take the lead in developing new opportunities for investment and in identifying more effective ways to implement programs. Using RD&S funds, USAID developed a strategy for responding to the Asian financial crisis resulting in the start-up of the Accelerating Economic Recovery in Asia Initiative. Laying the groundwork for a proposed Middle East and North Africa Trade and Investment Initiative, RD&S funded initial activities including investor roadmaps, technical assistance and workshops. These have provided the basis for joint Economic Support Funds/Development Assistance funding of this major initiative in FY 2000. Pilot projects in health are testing both rural and urban approaches for improving safe motherhood and newborn care in Vietnam, and programs aimed at youth reproductive health in Cambodia. RD&S funding has initiated innovative activities in tuberculosis treatment and limiting the spread of multi-drug resistant malaria, and developed an ANE infectious diseases strategy. The strategy will support a regional program in infectious diseases. Performance and Prospects: RD&S funded technical expertise has improved the quality of USAID country strategic plans and increased the integration of USAID activities with the broader scope of U.S.G. assistance provided bilaterally or regionally. RD&S funds have been invaluable to: (a) identify trends and issues that have regional implications; (b) respond to opportunities or unforeseen needs where bilateral missions are constrained by political sensitivities or limited technical capacity; and (c) provide rapid response to non-presence country and cross-border issues. The prospects remain strong for RD&S funding to add enormous value to ANE's ability to provide strategic leadership in the arenas of economic, social and political development and to Agency goal areas. In addition to providing ongoing support for Mission and non-presence activities in Asia and the Near East, in FY 2000 and FY 2001 RD&S funds will: 1) support integration of the Internet for Economic Development Initiative, with emphasis on accelerating progress in achieving development objectives under regional efforts like the USAID Asian financial crisis response; 2) develop new trade and investment, and democracy and governance activities in South Asia to be launched under the South Asia Regional Initiative; 3) continue efforts to address critical regional issues including global climate change and water constraints in the Middle East; 4) foster capacity building and regional cooperation in trade and investment; 5) enhance collaboration with the Japanese and identify emerging priorities in environmental programming in Asia; and 6) ensure USAID participation in regional initiatives in anti-trafficking in southeast Asia, anti-corruption in Asia and the Nile Basin Initiative. In addition, RD&S funds will provide expertise in democracy and governance to bilateral programs and State Department units in order to maximize the effectiveness of available democracy/governance funding. Possible Adjustments to Plans: RD&S activities are short-term and determined on an annual basis. Adjustments are made on the basis of current priorities and demands. Other Donor Programs: RD&S funded activities and expertise can serve to leverage donor investments to expand and/or complement USAID bilateral efforts, promote donor coordination between the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, European Union, Japan International Cooperation Agency and support regional organizations such as South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation and Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: Key contractors or partners include the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Management Systems International, Price Waterhouse Coopers, DevTech, Academy for Education and Development, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Michigan, and the Center for International Health Information. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Effective HIV/AIDS cross-border strategies developed 1 2 N/A Inter-country research on infectious diseases designed and implemented 3 4 N/A Regional climate change and other environment/energy action strategies developed 1 2 4 State/USAID ANE regional democracy/governance strategies developed 0 2 3 Internet is incorporated into bilateral and regional programs 1 2 4 Regional trade and investment and energy capacity building activities designed 1 2 4 U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: Asia and the Near East Regional HIV/AIDS, 498-008 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $4,000,000 CSD PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $7,000,000 CSD INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1995 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2004 Summary: The Asia and Near East Regional HIV/AIDS program pilots and promotes best practices in preventing HIV transmission and providing care to AIDS victims and their families. The program supports bilateral programs, as well as efforts to tackle the growing dimensions of the disease that are trans-boundary in nature. Key Results: To date, the program has implemented cross-border HIV/AIDS prevention and sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment programs between India and Nepal, Thailand and Cambodia, Cambodia and Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam and Thailand and Burma. A model international seafarers program is being implemented in ports of the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Bangladesh. Local governments and New Era, a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Nepal, collaborated to conduct behavioral and epidemiological surveillance and are using that information in policy and program development. The CASP Plan, a NGO in India, developed a community-based HIV/AIDS outreach program based on best practices developed by the program. HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and condom promotion activities have expanded in Laos and Vietnam, and, in Mongolia, a community-based HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention program was initiated. In FY 2001, key results anticipated under this activity include: increasing the number of cross-border HIV/AIDS prevention and sexually transmitted disease (STD) treatment programs in border areas between the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand (seafarer based activities), Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, and, India, Nepal and Bangladesh (land based activities); increased capacity of local governments or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to undertake behavioral and epidemiological surveillance and to use that information in policy and program development; an increase in the number of ANE assisted Implementing Agencies adopting best practices or new HIV/AIDS services; providing technical assistance in organizational development to a community-based foundation providing HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention activities in Mongolia, and; the development of a national blood safety and universal precautions program in Egypt. Performance and Prospects: Program support has financed activities at major border crossing points in USAID bilateral and non-presence countries. Specific areas of investment include: (1) information, communication and education to promote behavioral change; (2) social marketing and condom promotion; (3) training in diagnosis and appropriate management of STIs for pharmacists and doctors; (4) the production of simple, culturally appropriate multiple language pamphlets, booklets and other educational material for distribution at cross-border sites and for use by NGOs providing services to migrant populations; and (5) epidemic trend monitoring through STI and behavioral surveillance data collection in Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Bureau funds, provided through HORIZONS, a Populations Council contractor, are being used to conduct operations research. The research is investigating interventions in Nepal that could help to prevent the trafficking of women and girls as well as interventions that could help in the care and support of returning trafficked persons. In addition, research is being done on the ways to improve the hospital environment of HIV positive persons in India and how organizations can build community identity among debt-bonded sex workers in Cambodia. Bureau regional funds are also provided to a number of cooperating agencies that carry out activities throughout the Asia and Near east region. Funds provided through the International HIV/AIDS Alliance (IHAA), support the development and sustainability of local NGOs responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, either by providing specific HIV/AIDS related services or by incorporating HIV/AIDS prevention or services into their overall mandate. Funding to NGOs by IHAA is short term (up to 3 years), with NGO self-sufficiency an explicit component in collaboration. Regional funds are also utilized through Family Health International (FHI) which provides myriad functions throughout the region: technical assistance on STI treatment protocols; epidemiological data collection, analysis and dissemination; formative research assessing the efficacy of prepackaged STI treatment, pilot tuberculosis/HIV projects, and the extent of injecting drug use in India, Nepal and Vietnam, and; assessing capacity building and training needs throughout the region on topics such as HIV/AIDS voluntary testing counseling and condom promotion. Programs are developed with an emphasis on the feasibility of integrating HIV/AIDS prevention activities into reproductive health and other health programs. Beginning in 1999 regional HIV/AID funds have been provided to support the President's Anti-Trafficking Initiative. For FY 2000, ANE will provide approximately $300,000 to support anti-trafficking activities to assess, monitor and provide technical support to NGOs from India, Nepal and Bangladesh that implement, independently and collaboratively, community-based programs to prevent the trafficking of women and girls in the South Asia region. FY 2001 resources will be used by FHI to provide AIDS education, condoms and STD treatment to truck drivers and commercial sex workers on both sides of the Nepal-India border, and to international fishermen and sailors who travel between the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. FHI will also support HIV/AIDS programs through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Vietnam and Laos. The International HIV Alliance will strengthen local capacity of NGOs to provide HIV/AIDS services in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Morocco and support regional lessons learned. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None. Other Donor Programs: USAID is one of the leading donors in the area of HIV/AIDS in the Asia and Near East Region. Other key donors include: the United Nations Joint Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the British Department for International Development (DfID), the European Commission of the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Japanese International Cooperating Agency (JICA), AusAID, the Ford Foundation, the German Development Bank (KfW), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: Contractors, grantees and sub-grantees providing assistance under these activities include: Family Health International (FHI), The Population Council, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance (IHAA), Denk Kestet Tena (DKT), Populations Services International (PSI), Program for Appropriate Technology (PATH), and CARE International. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1999) Target (2001) Target (2004) Number of cross-border interventions implemented 5 10 12 Number of socially marketed condoms sold in non-presence countries (millions) 40 60 78.5 Innovative models developed and disseminated for: prevention, treatment, care and support of persons living with AIDS 0 7 9 U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional United States-Asia Environmental Partnership (USAEP) TITLE AND NUMBER: Promote an Asian Clean Environmental Revolution, 498-009 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $15,000,000 DA PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $17,100,000 DA; $2,000,000 CSD INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1992 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: Continuing Summary: The rapid economic growth of developing Asia has proceeded with insufficient regard to the environment or health, resulting in alarming industrial and urban pollution that has seriously compromised human health, damaged the environment, and squandered natural resources. Asia has yet to install a significant proportion of the industrial and urban infrastructure that it will have early in the next century, offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get ahead of the investment curve before Asia installs large quantities of inefficient, polluting technologies. The purpose of this program is to promote and reinforce the introduction of a sustainable, clean growth regime in Asia by influencing the decision-makers involved in Asia's industrialization and urbanization. This is also an important economic opportunity for the United States since the program promotes the export of environmentally sound U.S. technologies and services to Asian clients. Beneficiaries of the program are the citizens of participating countries, particularly urban populations; the global environment, due to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions; and U.S. business and labor. Key Results: A fundamental approach of USAEP is to work with partners who will multiply the work of USAEP many times over. One result is that 15 large U.S. and Asian companies have adopted programs to "green their supply chain", requiring certain standards of environmental management of their extensive network of suppliers. USAEP has also been instrumental in institutionalizing the International Standards Organization 14000 series of environmental standards in Asia: all ten USAEP target countries now have a national ISO 14000 accrediting agency and at least one national certifying agency (not counting Vietnam, where a USAEP presence was just established in 1999). USAEP is now working on the next step: to obtain international reciprocity for these new accreditation and certification agencies. As international requirements for reciprocity have not yet been defined, USAEP is on the forefront participating in their development. USAEP-assisted sales of U.S. goods and services rose a modest 1.4% from 1998 to 1999 due to the Asia financial crisis, but nonetheless advanced twice as much as the 0.65% increase in total U.S. exports to Asia. Performance and Prospects: USAEP focuses on three activity areas: (1) promoting environmental management systems in industrial and urban sectors; (2) strengthening and expanding the incentives and public policies for environmental quality in the industrial and urban sectors; and (3) facilitating the transfer of environmental technologies. USAEP mobilizes U.S. Government agencies to partner with U.S. business and environmental communities to address Asia's environmental problems while demonstrating that resource efficiency and environmental rigor are compatible with economic growth. For example, a partnership between USAEP and the Council of State Governments (CSG) matches the regulatory and environmental experience of states with Asian needs for environmental and energy efficient technologies and services. Through this partnership, USAEP has invested more than $3.8 million in 30 projects involving 23 states and 11 Asian economies. Partners have matched these grants with more than $5.2 million, resulting in $5 million in sales and nine Memoranda of Understanding. Sixty-five U.S. companies, 110 state agencies, 30 academic institutions, and several dozen NGOs are participating in this effort. In Indonesia, USAEP helped avert serious health problems by helping more than 50 public water enterprises keep clean water flowing during the economic crisis. The cost crunch during the crisis was forcing many of Indonesia's 300 water enterprises to put untreated water through the mains before considering shutting off the supply of clean water completely. The USAEP-supported Water Efficiency Team (WET) was mobilized quickly to work with NGO's and the National Association of Water Enterprises to make rapid financial and technical audits of enterprises and help institute financial recovery programs. These programs, to be implemented with Government of Indonesia funding, will increase energy and operating efficiencies and obtain financing for improvements to increase revenues. In addition to building local capacity to make Indonesian water enterprises more self-sufficient and prosperous in the long-term, WET's recommendations are being incorporated into the World Bank's Water Supply Program Loan. In promoting technology transfer, USAEP matches Asian buyers with U.S. sellers using its Environmental Technology Network for Asia, a computer database of 2,700 U.S. firms which has provided over 4,700 trade leads. One measure of the impact of these leads is that USAEP has contributed to the confirmed export sales of more than $1.12 billion worth of U.S. environmental goods and services, plus numerous consulting and licensing agreements and joint ventures. Another USAEP program to promote the transfer of U.S. environmental technologies is the Environmental Technology Fund, a partnership with the National Association of State Development Agencies. Since its inception in 1992, the Fund made grants to companies in 46 states totaling about $6.2 million, generating more than $350 million in export revenues and more than 850 new U.S. jobs. The Fund provides matching grants of up to $20,000 to U.S. firms to market their environmental goods and services in Asia, usually via technology demonstrations, training, and technical assistance. The visits of American firms to Asia are often coordinated by the USAEP field representatives, who link them with Asian decision-makers. Independent research found that the grant funds, together with field representative assistance, were the reason that 90% of Fund recipients were able to make their first trip to Asia, making a significant impact on introducing U.S. environmental technologies to Asia. The economic recovery now underway in Asia improves US-AEP prospects for increasing sales of U.S. technology and services, increasing investment in cleaner production, and fostering policy and regulatory reforms. In addition, US-AEP is finding Asian decision-makers are more receptive to improving the environmental performance of their economies in order to enhance their competitiveness and access to global markets. Current high levels of public sector and private sector interest in US-AEP's core agenda should facilitate the success of this year's projected activities. In addition, the flexibility of US-AEP will allow us to take full advantage of important opportunities that may arise on specific issues and/or countries. The business community and public sector of the countries in which US-AEP works have been primed for action by the recent World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle. US-AEP foresees making significant headway in promoting and facilitating the marriage of trade and development agendas in Asia during FY 2000, through enhanced engagement on policy issues with urban, industrial, and NGO sectors. Our programmatic strategy will increase the engagement of US-AEP and its partners in the Energy/Climatic Change sector, while continuing our core functions of promoting the use of U.S. technology and expertise in the mitigation of the many daunting environmental problems faced by countries in Asia and the Near East. Funds requested in FY 2001 will enable the US-AEP to expand its efforts in promoting partnerships between U.S. private sector, non-governmental organizations, and state and local governments with Asian governments and institutions. This should increase Asia's access to appropriate U.S. technologies, policies, and experience and, accordingly, increase U.S. investment in the region. In addition, In FY 2001, US-AEP will provide technical assistance to improve the institutional capacity of governmental and non-governmental entities in addressing environmental issues. Other Donor Programs: USAEP offers a new model for development promotion. Rather than donor-client relationships, USAEP fosters partnerships that will carry on beyond the reach and longevity of development agencies. Working with federal and state agencies, the private sector, professional associations, NGOs, and universities, USAEP has forged a set of partnerships mobilizing private initiative and resources. Other donors have sought USAEP advice on adopting the USAEP model. USAEP-like organizations are being adopted by other Bureaus within USAID. USAEP is a leader in setting the economic/environmental agenda for other donors in the region by working through the U.S. executive offices at the multilateral development banks and international political fora such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Association of South East Asian Nations. Another fundamental USAEP approach is to leverage public and private sources of funding. USAEP seeks cost sharing or complementary investments from its U.S. and Asian partners and counterparts. Grant programs with states have leveraged one to three dollars for each USAEP dollar. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: USAEP is implemented by three major contractors (the Institute for International Education, International Resources Group, and Louis Berger International). The functions of these contractors are currently being re-bid as two contracts. USAEP also has cost-share partnership arrangements with U.S. Government agencies (the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce, Environmental Protection Agency, and Overseas Private Investment Corporation), the California Environmental Protection Agency, National Association of State Development Agencies (NASDA), Council of State Governments (CSG), various Asian and U.S. professional associations, and seven NGOs. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1993) Actual (1998) Target (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Number of large companies with suppliers in Asia who adopted programs to "green their supply chain" (promote environmental management among their suppliers; cumulative) 0 9 15 22 30 Countries which have obtained international reciprocity for local ISO 14000 accreditation and certification (cumulative) 0 0 0 2 4 Confirmed, USAEP-assisted sales of U.S. environmental goods and services to Asia ($ million, cumulative) 0 1,107 1,123 1,179 1,238 U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: Middle East Regional Democracy Fund, 498-012 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $6,000,000 ESF PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $4,000,000 ESF INITIAL OBLIGTATION: FY 1998 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: Continuing Summary: Preventing conflict and concern for the rights of the socially and economically disenfranchised define the U.S. interest in promoting peace, stability and prosperity throughout the Middle East. Accordingly, the purpose of the Middle East Regional Democracy Fund (MERDF) is to support the advance of democratic processes, more open political systems, and respect for human rights and the rule of law. The countries of the Middle East are often characterized by autocratic rule, the absence of political and civil rights, cumbersome bureaucracies, corruption, and failure to deliver basic services. These factors, combined with fundamentalist Islam, pose serious challenges to the region's democratic development. However, some positive democratic momentum in the Middle East has been generated in recent years. Morocco and Yemen have demonstrated willingness to implement judicial reforms, as well as provide additional degrees of freedom to civil society organizations. While still nascent, potential openings for civil society, court reform, and legislative strengthening exist in Oman, Tunisia and Algeria. Key results: An analysis of issues and opportunities in the Middle East indicates the likelihood of achieving positive results in three important areas: Commitment to the rule of law, including respect for human rights, a strong legal system, and an independent judiciary, as evidenced by improvements in the administration of justice and increased independence of judicial officials making fair decisions; A strong and participatory civil sector, including non-governmental organizations and the media. Representative and accountable government, as evidenced by more independent legislatures and improved constituency outreach. Performance and Prospects: In its third year, MERDF has defined a core program that directs funding to Morocco, Yemen, Oman and Algeria, in areas that have been identified as most likely to generate results over a short period of time. Field assessments have highlighted the importance of activities that focus on the rule of law, including the improvement of administrative and judicial procedures and the protection of human rights. Rule of law activities are conducted on a bilateral and regional basis, with special attention directed to Morocco, Oman and Yemen, where reformist elements exist within the judiciary. Resources will be directed to judicial training, streamlining court management, and enhancing ethical standards within the judiciary. Other activities will support civil society organizations in their efforts to effectively aggregate citizen interests and advocate for greater transparency and accountability within government. Training will also be provided to civil society organizations that will enable them to upgrade their operational and financial management capabilities. This could include assistance in the application of financial management software, fund-raising, and organizational development tools. Where warranted, assistance will also be provided to strengthen legislatures, support free and fair elections, and train political parties. For example, in Oman, parliamentary elections will be held in the fall of 2000. Middle East Regional Democracy Funds may be used to provide U.S. technical assistance in election administration and for limited hardware and software purchases. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None. Other Donor Programs: Assistance for democracy programming in the targeted countries has been limited. In Morocco, the European Union provides support to NGOs involved in human rights, women's rights, democracy and advocacy. In Yemen, the United Nations Development Program continues to provide support for elections and parliamentary strengthening. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: Potential U.S. partner organizations include the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, the International Foundation for Election Systems, and the American Bar Association. Selected Performance Indicators: Yemeni judicial code of conduct completed; Algerian Parliament acts on proposals to amend the country's family law; Omani government issues royal decrees containing specific legislation on civil rights; Moroccan civil society organizations are able to advocate for greater transparency and accountability in government; greater degrees of judicial freedom to question constitutionality of laws; selected public policies changed consistent with civil society advocacy; targeted NGOs have operational financial and management systems in place. U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: South Asia Democracy, 498-014* STATUS: Continuing/New PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $8,000,000 ESF PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $3,795,000 ESF* INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: Continuing Summary: The South Asia Regional Democracy Fund (RDF) was created in 1998 to further the U.S. national interest of consolidating and strengthening democratic systems, respect for human rights, and the rule of law throughout South Asia. The United States has a vital interest in maintaining stability and strengthening the democratic form of government in a region where nuclear weapons have entered the stage and where political unrest could close the door to Western investment and economic development critical to improving the quality of life in one of the poorest regions of the world. South Asia, home to over one-fifth of the world's population, is becoming increasingly unstable. In addition to the India/Pakistan nuclear dimension, several countries in South Asia face armed resistance in the form of separatist movements. Democratic development is incomplete. Human rights abuses, demonstrated by the low status of women and widespread exploitation of child labor, abound in each country. Accountability is poor and corruption is high, undermining investment potential and public confidence in government institutions. Key Results: No benchmarks have been developed for this program. ANE and the Department of State will work together in FY 2000 to develop a performance monitoring plan for this ESF-funded program. Results desired include: Elements of democratic systems strengthened: While elections do take place in South Asia, and the basic institutions of democracy do exist - parliaments, judiciaries, and executive agencies - these institutions are often weak and ineffective. RDF programs are oriented to address the substance of needed democratic reforms. Growth with equity: The low status of women, the plight of ethnic and religious minorities and the region's impoverished masses all contribute to a dangerous cynicism that threatens regional stability. Reducing the gender gap and equitable treatment of minorities are the minimum standards necessary to ensure that disillusionment does not eclipse economic and political gains. Confidence building: There are compelling economic and global issues that are galvanizing certain groups in the region to advocate for the difficult but necessary work of regional cooperation. While the strong emotions generated by the nuclear issue have overshadowed these nascent efforts a regional cooperation, these groups are making inroads on important but less volatile issues such as water sharing, free trade and joint ventures, anti-corruption, and cooperation in the energy sector. Supporting these efforts is an essential step toward building the basic level of confidence among nations of South Asia necessary for tackling the more incendiary issues of nuclear proliferation and ethnic/religious conflict. Performance and Prospects: As it has since its inception, the RDF will support efforts to strengthen democratic systems throughout the region, complimenting and reinforcing bilateral activities. These efforts will focus on but are not limited to: Pakistan--work with the media and civil society to promote greater accountability and transparency in government. Sri Lanka--assist human rights and legal aid organizations in their efforts to protect and represent the victims of violent conflict. Bangladesh--work with the Parliament to reduce tension and clarify member of parliament roles and responsibilities. Nepal-- strengthen the outreach of political parties and enhance the capacity of legal officials to implement the government's ambitious decentralization agenda. In addition, the RDF will support efforts to address human rights abuses, particularly trafficking of women and girls and child labor. Finally, the RDF will begin to explore activities that would support the Lahore peace process and Indo-Pak reconciliation. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None. Other Donor Programs: A number of bilateral and multi-lateral donors are engaged in human rights and democracy issues in the region. U.S.G. programs are carefully coordinated. Other major donors include: European Union, UNDP, the World Bank and Canada. Principle Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: The Asia Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, International Foundation for Election Systems, National Democratic Institute, International Republican Institute, other contractors and grantees to be determined. Selected Performance Indicators: No indicators have been developed for this program. ANE and the Department of State will work together in FY 2000 to develop and implement a performance monitoring plan. Possible indicators could include: increased number of human rights violations reported to authorities in Sri Lanka; best practices in combating trafficking of women and children identified, disseminated and replicated; increased number of manufacturers participating in child labor-free labeling program. *Note: The Pakistan NGO Initiative (see separate Activity Data Sheet) is funded from economic support funds allocated to "South Asia Democracy" and/or "South Asia Regional" in accordance with the FY 2000 Congressional Presentation. In FY 2001, ESF for this program may be allocated from "South Asia Democracy" and/or "South Asia Regional Stability Fund". U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: East Asia and Pacific Environmental Initiative (EAPEI), 498-015 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $3,500,000 ESF PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $6,000,000 ESF INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1999 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2004 Summary: The East Asia and Pacific Environmental Initiative (EAPEI) was established to continue U.S. government assistance for fire and haze preparedness and prevention and to establish broader long-term efforts focused on other key regional environmental problems in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region. By promoting bilateral and regional cooperation and addressing sources of regional tension, EAPEI addresses U.S. national interests in stability and economic development in Southeast Asia and supports achievement of STATE/EAP's (Bureau for East Asian and Pacific Affairs) regional environmental goals including: address global, regional, and national environmental challenges; promote sustainable development; and advance science and technology cooperation by working bilaterally and with regional multilateral organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the South Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP). Through EAPEI, the U.S. is developing national and regional capacity to address the region's environmental problems by: (1) fostering better policies and improved land management practices to prevent land and forest fires; (2) helping conserve living marine resources and promoting marine environmental protection; and (3) assisting EAP countries with the development of plans to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Key Results: Although this is a relatively new strategic objective, EAPEI is already achieving important results by enhancing regional fire coordination, supporting an assessment of the underlying causes and impacts of fires, and developing alternatives to slash and burn agriculture. Outstanding progress has also been made by the International Marinelife Alliance to document and combat the spread of destructive fishing practices in Southeast Asia. Performance and Prospects: In FY 1999, EAPEI supported activities focusing on (1) forestry and land use including fire prevention and management, (2) coastal and marine resources management, and (3) climate change and environmental monitoring. The most successful activities were those that had clearly defined objectives and workplans, strong field-based management, and good relationships with in-country partners. Program highlights include improvement in fire management and response in Indonesia. Continuing technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has been effective in raising the technical quality of the work of the ASEAN Haze Coordination and Support Unit and in maintaining information flows about other donors' fire suppression activities. Other forest policy activities supported under EAPEI, particularly analysis of the sources and impacts of fires and identification of alternatives to slash and burn agriculture, have proven valuable in identifying policy reform opportunities and promoting decentralization, governance, and equity objectives of the new Indonesian government. EAPEI funding for coastal and marine management activities was only obligated at the end of FY 1999. In the climate change and environmental monitoring area, EAPEI has supported monitoring of smoke and haze from Indonesia's forest fires including health impacts, and held meetings designed to help achieve meaningful participation by developing countries in the Framework Convention on Climate Change through the development of National Climate Change Action Plans. Possible Adjustments to Plans: The change of government in Indonesia presents an opportunity to address the underlying causes of deforestation and environmental degradation that plague the country. In FY 2000, the bulk of EAPEI funding will be directed towards programs that promote land use change and forest policy reform and build Indonesia's capacity to respond to its environmental problems. Other Donor Programs: This initiative is being managed as a regional activity, with special attention to donor collaboration in its implementation. Cooperation is being pursued with the Asia Development Bank through their work with the ASEAN Regional Haze Action Plan and with other governments (e.g., Japan through the U.S.-Japan Common Agenda). Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: Implementing partners include a range of U.S. government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USDA Forest Service, Department of Interior; international agricultural research centers (International Center for Research on Agroforestry and the Center for International Forestry); and U.S. non-governmental organizations (e.g., The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, and World Resources Institute). Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1999) Target (FY 2000) Target (FY 2001) Implementation of forest management policies that encourage conservation and more sustainable use of tropical forest resources. Center for International Forestry (CIFOR) initiates assessment to objectively analyze the causes and impacts of the devastating fires that occurred in Indonesia Approaches to community forestry and reduced impact harvesting developed and disseminated CIFOR completes report documenting situations under which Indonesia's fires occurred, and the underlying causes and impacts. Policy and technical assistance needs are identified. Increased cooperation in fire prevention and fire fighting ASEAN coordination and support unit strengthened to support implementation of the Regional Haze Action Plan Fire simulation response exercises and suppression plans build fire-fighting capacity in Indonesia New activities continue to enhance Indonesian and regional capacity to design, coordinate, and implement fire management programs. Enactment and enforcement of policies and regulations that prevent destructive fishing and promote marine conservation and management. Indo-Pacific Destructive Fishing Reform Initiative expanded in Southeast Asia and live reef fish trade monitoring stations established in key locations (e.g., Hong Kong) Scientific, policy and management advice and assistance developed and disseminated to Pacific Island governments and communities to effectively control the expansion of the coral trade within the Pacific region Development and growing adherence to codes of conduct for responsible fisheries. Development and implementation of actions plans to combat destructive fishing practices. U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: East Asia Regional Democracy Fund, 498-016 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $2,250,000 ESF PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $5,250,000 ESF INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: Continuing Summary: In recent years, the trend in the East Asia and Pacific region has been a transition from autocratic governments toward democracies and democratic institutions. However, the development has been, at best, uneven. The Regional Democracy Fund (RDF) supports the U.S. goal of increasing democracy, rule of law, and adherence to human rights. Key Results: The RDF support projects that promote democratic institution-building in key countries in East Asia and the Pacific where the transition to democracy is in progress. Support is given to projects that: Create and enhance or enhance civil societies that can advocate on behalf of human rights, women's rights, workers rights, the rule of law, and freedom of the press and assembly; Promote regional dialogue focused on strengthening intra-regional networks of human and worker rights NGOs and on heightening the attention paid to human rights by Asian government Performance and Prospects: Performance of this program has not been measured over the past year. In FY 2000, activities that may be funded will: reduce governmental restrictions on freedom of association for political parties, journalists, NGOs, and other civil society groups leading toward the establishment of more pluralistic societies; increase the participation of international monitors in national elections; provide training in rule of law for both civilian and military leaders, encouraging the reduction of military involvement in governance support the enactment and enforcement of laws that increase transparency at all levels of government, that protect labor rights workplace health and safety, equality in the workplace, and that encourage free trade unions and improved adherence to International Labor Organization standards. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None. Other Donor Programs: A number of donors are engaged in anti-trafficking and other women's empowerment programs in the region. These include: Australia, Germany, and the EU. U.S.G. programs are carefully coordinated. Principle Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: To be determined. Selected Performance Indicators: Performance indicators for this activity have not been developed. In FY 2001, USAID will work with the Department of State to develop a performance monitoring plan against which progress will be measured. Indicators for the program may include: Increased passage and implementation of laws that protect civil liberties and due process. Increased registration of labor federations and unions. Increased activism on the part of ASEAN human rights groups for including human rights on ASEAN member agendas. U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: Asia and the Near East Regional Infectious Diseases, 498-029 STATUS: New PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $1,000,000 CSD PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $1,659,000 CSD INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 2000 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2006 Summary: Infectious diseases--such as pneumonia, diarrheal disease, tuberculosis, and malaria--remain a major cause of mortality in the Asia and Near East (ANE) region and a deterrent to development and economic growth. While many of these diseases also occur elsewhere in the world, some are particularly problematic in the ANE region. For example, 11 countries in Asia account for 65% of the global tuberculosis burden and three countries in Southeast Asia are battling malaria parasites that are resistant to virtually every available antimalarial drug. In addition, high levels of malnutrition and increasing HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the region make it difficult for those affected to fight off infectious diseases. Environmental alterations such as global climate change also have the potential to create new breeding sites for insects and other vectors that contribute to the spread of diseases such as malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and leishmaniasis. The ANE Regional Infectious Disease Program will support USAID's goal to stabilize world population and protect human health. This six-year effort will strengthen the prevention, treatment, and control of infectious diseases in Asia and the Near East, focusing initially on South and East Asia. The regional approach will expand the reach of mission-funded, infectious-disease activities by establishing linkages among existing country-level programs and developing new approaches that can be applied in the region. The program will focus primarily on non-presence countries, regional and cross-border aspects of disease surveillance, drug resistance, and control of tuberculosis and malaria. Key Results: The ANE Regional Infectious Disease Strategy and Action Plan are expected to be completed by March 2000. Implementation is scheduled to begin by the end of calendar-year 2000. Anticipated results include: Improved sharing of disease-surveillance and drug-resistance data. Improved coordination of surveillance and activities to address the drug-resistance problem. Improved coordination of prevention, treatment, and control activities for malaria and tuberculosis. Performance and Prospects: The regional program will complement on-going efforts to control infectious diseases by USAID Missions and other donors through improved data collection and sharing, and cross-border coordination in surveillance and control programs. While the USAID program will provide some additional resources and technical expertise, its major impact will be facilitating linkages among different programs and leveraging funds from other donors. For example, a deadly strain of malaria which is resistant to all but one drug (and may become resistant to that one) is found in the border areas of Cambodia, Thailand and Burma. If this strain spreads to Africa and the Americas, it would have disastrous results, as cases could not be treated. In FY 2001, the ANE regional program will fund malaria surveillance and control activities in Thailand, and coordinate with mission funded activities in Cambodia and World Health Organization programs in Burma to stop the spread of this disease. Japanese encephalitis is spreading across northern Bangladesh, India and into Nepal. In FY 2001, the regional program will coordinate mission and host government activities in these three countries to synchronize their national surveillance activities and to develop common treatment protocols. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None. Other Donor Programs: The World Bank, the European Union, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Defense, and others have provided support for infectious disease activities in the region in the form of loans, bilateral aid, technical assistance, training, and commodities such as antimicrobial drugs and laboratory equipment. However, this support is not enough to meet the huge need and is often only focused bilaterally. Additional regionally focused support by USAID in the areas of coordination, technical assistance and training--in both USAID-presence and non-presence countries--will strengthen impact. Principle Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: These will be selected from existing Global Bureau grants and contracts with organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Camp, Dresser and McKee. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (2000) Target (2001) Surveillance systems strengthened and coordinated in ANE Countries 0 3 Cross border control strategies for malaria implemented 0 3 Innovative models developed and disseminated for: prevention, treatment, care and support of persons living with tuberculosis 0 1 U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: South Asia Regional Initiative (SARI)/Women's and Children's Equity, 498-030* STATUS: New PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $1,000,000 DA PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $1,000,000 DA; $300,000 CSD; $5,000,000 ESF INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 2000 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2004 Summary: Despite improved employment and income opportunities for a number of people, poverty in South Asia persists and continues to impact hardest on the social, physical and pyschological well-being of the most vulnerable groups - women and children. Across South Asia, some of the more common factors that contribute to this pressure on women and children include: absolute poverty; illiteracy; low status and bargaining power; limited employment and economic opportunities; traditional and cultural norms that condone the sale or bondage of children and young women; discriminatory traditions; lack of legal protection/rights; lack of access to and relevance of basic education; social conventions, such as dowries or early marriages, that among other things remove girls from opportunities for progress; low regard for the girl child who is too often expected to forsake her education to care for siblings or enter the labor force; and lack of political will to promote and protect the universal rights of this most vulnerable segment of the population. These factors translate into a number of abuses and direct violations of women's and children's rights. Two of the more serious problems that are gaining in international attention and that are common to all the countries in the South Asia Region are the illegal trafficking of women and children and the increasing numbers of children in the workplace and out of school. While trafficking and child labor in South Asia have certainly existed for centuries, global concern about these crimes and injustices has heightened as countries like the US realize that the criminal, social, economic and political aspects of these issues not only affect the well-being of South Asian countries, but also directly impinge on the national security objectives of the United States. Throughout South Asia, children as young as seven years old are trafficked within their own countries and across international borders in a modern-day slave trade. While the number of trafficked women and children is difficult to determine due to its clandestine and criminal nature, the United Nations conservatively estimates that four million people globally are smuggled into foreign countries each year, generating up to $7 billion annually in illicit profits. The vast majority (over 60%) of the developing world's working children aged 5 to 14 years old live in Asia. The International Labor Organization estimates that India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal have the highest percentage of children in hazardous work. Consistent with the U.S.G.'s interests in combating trafficking and in supporting efforts to get children out of the workplace and into school, this regional initiative will seek to increase women's and children's equity by increasing the capacities of Asian regional and national organizations to initiate and sustain more effective programs. In particular, this regional initiative will: Expand bilateral and regional cooperation, exchanges, and activities aimed at preventing trafficking and reducing child labor, including support for civil society advocacy efforts, piloting of new activities, and documentation and dissemination of best practices in carrying out programs. Support local efforts to improve the status children and women who are trafficked by improving their education levels, negotiating/bargaining power, and social and economic status. Assist in strengthening local NGO capacity to document and exchange information on what's working and what is not. Address the dearth of reliable studies on the demography of trafficking and child labor, with serious gaps in the degree to which studies provide gender desegregated data. Encourage other interested donors to partner in these efforts. While this initiative includes bilateral support in specific countries, in the area of anti-trafficking, a regional mechanism also has been defined by the concerned bilateral missions. In the area of child labor, USAID expects that after an initial period of supporting country-specific activities, exchanges of experience among the bilateral missions will signal opportunities for a regional mechanism, as well. These regional mechanisms will allow USAID to more readily promote exchange of best practices across the region, as well as enable USAID to focus resources on common problems Key Results: This program will increase the capacities of South Asian regional and national organizations to initiate and sustain more effective programs for combating trafficking and child labor. The initiative will sustain international attention on the issues of trafficking and child labor. It is evident that international scrutiny is essential to getting governments to act in accordance with international human rights standards. Programs that raise awareness about trafficking and exploitative child labor, and the underlying inequalities and violence against women prevalent in most Asian societies, will put pressures on governments to enact and enforce laws that safeguard the rights of women. Prevention programs and relevant and more accessible education programs, that emphasize the equal importance of the girl child, should help to change parental, community, teacher and employer attitudes about the importance of compulsory education. Performance and Prospects: USAID support to combat trafficking and child labor will be carefully coordinated with other USG agencies including the Department of State and the Department of Labor. USAID's program will: Assist existing coalitions and networks of grass-roots, national and regional NGOs in South Asia to expand their advocacy activities, prevention efforts and training that effectively sensitize communities about the realities of trafficking and child labor; Help NGOs design and carry out innovative programs, expand existing effective activities, and evaluate models for effectively delivering prevention efforts (e.g. community education efforts, micro-credit, supplementary food assistance, HIV/AIDS networking); and Finance NGO efforts to collect and provide more reliable information and data about trafficking and child labor. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None. Other Donor Programs: This initiative was designed in coordination with the International Labor Office's International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor (IPEC), the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, UNIFEM and other UN entities. While many governments in South Asia are interested in these issues, they have limited financial resources to bring to bear. NGOs are at the forefront and will be included as appropriate in project activities. Principle Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: UNIFEM will implement a three to five year regional anti-trafficking program, complemented by bilateral Mission-funded NGO activities. The child labor component initially will be piloted in India and is expected to include grant support to UNDP which will in turn provide subgrant assistance to expand the work of leading local NGOs. U.S. PVOs such as CARE and Catholic relief Services also are likely to collaborate in this effort over the life of the initiative. Selected Performance Indicators: No performance measures have been developed for this program. ANE and the Department of State will work together to develop and implement a performance monitoring system in FY 2000. Indicative indicators could include: Best practices in combating trafficking of women and children and child labor identified, disseminated and replicated; Timely and more reliable, gender disaggregated data on trafficking and child labor; Heightened public and private sector awareness; and Stronger coalitions and networks in the region to increase collaborative efforts to eliminate trafficking and child labor. *In FY 2000, ESF resources for this program have been allocated from "South Asia Democracy" and/or "South Asia Regional" in accordance with the Department of State Congressional Presentation. In FY 2001, ESF resources are budgeted from resources allocated for the "Women and Children Support Fund" and/or "South Asia Regional Stability Fund." U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: South Asia Regional Initiative/Energy Program (SARI/Energy), 498-031* STATUS: New PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $7,600,000 DA PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $20,293,000 DA; $4,000,000 ESF INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 2000 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2004 Summary: The fundamental energy dynamics in the region, where India, a large and expanding market for energy, relies on poor quality domestic coal for over half of its energy needs, Sri Lanka needs to import more energy or power, Bangladesh possesses significant natural gas reserves, Nepal has enormous hydropower capacity, provide a dual opportunity to: The South Asia Regional Initiative/Energy Program (SARI/Energy) will encourage cooperation and the eventual trade in clean energy between South Asian countries including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka that will result in both economic growth and global climate change mitigation benefits. SARI/Energy will bring together energy sector players from public and private sectors across the region to discuss and resolve issues that impede trade and investment in energy development. For example, the program will support a regional partnership among chambers of commerce in the region to advocate for energy sector reform and trade. SARI/Energy will also build capacity in target countries to use analytical tools to undertake energy, economic, and environmental analyses necessary for energy policy making and planning. Taken together, these measures will help achieve the dual objectives of promoting sustainable development and minimizing the associated growth in greenhouse gas emissions from South Asia. Furthermore, by promoting cooperation that builds on mutual economic interest, the program can help ease political tensions in the region and build trust and confidence between countries. Key Results: SARI/Energy will be approved in late January 2000. Activities should begin in March 2000. A results framework will be developed over the next six months. Anticipated results/outputs in FY 2000 and FY 2001 include: Private sector business, government technocrats and other interested parties from around the region will form regional working groups that meet to exchange ideas and analyze energy problems, resulting in enhanced mutual trust between countries and the development of solutions to remove barriers to regional energy cooperation and trade. Countries with clean energy sources (Bangladesh and Nepal) will have improved technical and financial capacity to make decisions on energy export. Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced, particularly in India, where reliance on coal will decrease as sources of competitively priced clean fuels become available. Local and international private sector will benefit from more favorable policies for investment in clean fuels. Private sector groups, particularly indigenous organizations, will effectively champion energy sector reform and promote sustainable energy development with their financial and technical resources. Performance and Prospects: Both the governments of South Asia and the private sector have provided a strong and positive reception to the SARI/Energy program. Representatives from both the public and private sectors agree that the time is opportune to approach energy issues of development and trade from a regional perspective, in order to benefit from shared information, knowledge and experience. By linking SARI/Energy activities with ongoing USAID bilateral activities, as well as other donor energy assistance, USAID expects the program to have a significant impact. Possible Adjustments to Plans: Should current sanctions be lifted, USAID would seek to involve Pakistan in the regional initiative. Other Donor Programs: The World Bank, Asian Development Bank and several bilateral donors are active in the energy sector in South Asia. However, their assistance is almost entirely focused at a bilateral level, assisting countries in areas ranging from technical assistance in regulatory and pricing issues to providing loans for upgrading and rehabilitation of domestic distribution and transmission systems. While this bilateral assistance is essential to encouraging domestic energy sector reform, it does not provide a forum for countries to discuss cross-border issues necessary to rationalize energy supply and distribution across the region. SARI/Energy is uniquely positioned to fill this gap. The SARI/Energy program will provide forums for energy sector players to discuss policy and systems harmonization necessary for trade, and promote relationships and networks that foster the trust and confidence needed in the region to make decisions on energy trade. Thus, the program complements other donors' efforts and USAID's own bilateral programs through regional mechanisms, and takes energy development a step further into trade that will have both economic growth and global climate change benefits. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: A principal contractor will be competitively selected in FY 2000 when SARI/Energy has been approved and funded. Other expected partners will include the U.S. Energy Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Selected Performance Measures: The performance measures are still being developed. Preliminary measures include: number of institutions in each country with strengthened capacity to promote sustainable energy development. programs and policies in place by organizations such as environmental NGOs, professional associations, and chambers of commerce, which promote sustainable energy development. number of major decisions/policy positions taken by key/targeted institutions towards promoting sustainable energy development number of regional forums, networks, partnerships, and institutions established or strengthened for cooperation and advocacy of policy reforms. * In FY 2000, ESF resources for this activity may be allocated from "South Asia Regional" or "South Asia Democracy" in accordance with the FY 2000 Congressional Presentation. In FY 2001, ESF for this activity will be allocated from "South Asia Energy and Environment". U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: Middle East Peace Process-Multilateral Working Groups, 498-032 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $4,000,000 ESF PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $4,000,000 ESF INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1995 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: Continuing Summary: The Middle East Peace Process-Multilateral Working Groups grew out of the 1991 Madrid Peace Conference that the U.S. co-sponsored. In 1992, the multilateral participants agreed to establish five working groups to address major transnational issues of the region: 1) arms control and regional security; 2) refugees; 3) water); 4) environment; and economic development. There are 46 participating countries plus the Palestinians, and the EU and the UN in the working groups. The objective of the multilateral working groups is to promote regional cooperation through concrete, visible activities and to encourage Middle Eastern participants to think of themselves in the context of their region. Key Results: Arms Control dialogue is taking place between Arabs and Israeli diplomats, officers, the media, and educators. Workshops have been held in the United States, Cairo, and Amman on security, military-to military dialogue and confidence building measures. Computer training at refugee vocational education facilities is being upgraded, giving trainees better employment opportunities. In the water sector, a diverse range of joint Israel-Arab neighbor activities is underway including water data collection, experimental small-scale wastewater treatment, and approaches to communicate water scarcity. Environmental information and technical resources sharing is taking place to develop sound environmental monitoring and measurement systems. Economic development activities involve regional business promotion and communication. Twenty-two small scale joint Israeli-Palestinian activities such as workshops on Epidemiological Surveillance and Analysis and family planning and joint upgrading of university-level training in family medicine were funded and completed. Seven joint Israel-Arab neighbor arms control and regional security workshops were organized and more than 50 Middle Eastern officials participated. As a result of the workshops, participants agreed to establish and equip an e-mail communications network. That network now connects participating Middle Eastern countries and the State Department. A maritime safety training course was completed. Training in seismic monitoring was provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to facilitate tension-reduction and to develop expertise in participating Arab countries. Performance and Prospects: Many Working Group activities are ongoing and will continue in FY 2000 and beyond. Most of the activities are seminars and training programs that bring Israeli and Arab participants together to grapple with important trans-boundary issues. The following illustrates progress to date in each of the sectors. The Refugee Working Group is focussing on job creation and vocational education. A Regional Computer Training Initiative is underway to assist the United Nations Refugee and Works Agency (UNRWA) to develop a comprehensive plan to expand and upgrade computer training in vocational centers in the region. Training for trainers was completed in the U.S. on curriculum design. The training will help UNRWA personnel teach current technology, to expand courses for women, and to prepare students for higher-paid jobs. In addition, training for refugee youth leaders was offered in the United States. Since 1996, the U.S.G.S. led Regional Water Data Banks activity has facilitated and promoted the collection of water data. The activity aims for the adoption of standard methods of collecting and analyzing water data in the region, including the use of electronic internet communication, training in quality control and joint collection of water samples and field analysis. Since inception of the activity, the region's ability to gather, archive and process water data has been enhanced. A model wastewater treatment plant demonstration is also ongoing in the West Bank village of Taffouh. The United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are leading this pilot community wastewater collection, treatment and reuse demonstration. The Environmental Working Group is engaged in environmental sensitivity mapping; environmental training on land use monitoring; training in the safe use of pesticides involving Egyptian, Palestinian, Jordanian and Israeli personnel from the agriculture, education and health sectors. The training on pesticides involves the National Institutes of health at pilot sites in the West Bank/Gaza, Jordan, and Israel. Activities in Egypt focus on pesticide risk assessment. An Environmental Sensitivity Index atlas was created for the Gulf of Aqaba incorporating issues such as oil spills and cleanups/response. In the economic sector, organizations have been established to promote private sector development, e.g., the Trilateral (United States-Jordan-Israel) Industrial Research and Development unit and the Middle East-Mediterranean Travel and Tourism Association. Possible Adjustments: None. Other Donor Programs: Other donors and other U.S. organizations contribute funding and expertise to address regional issues. For example, U.S. NGOs such as Search for Common Ground and Columbia and Depaul Universities sponsor meetings, studies, web sites and model agreements on regional security issues. The UN International Peace Academy has also organized arms control and security conferences for Middle Eastern countries. Many European countries and the United States through USAID have significant bilateral assistance programs in Middle Eastern countries in the water, environment, education, and economic development sectors. The work of the Multilateral Working Groups complements the bilateral assistance. Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: Contractors are engaged to organize training activities such as the computer upgrading training and to organize workshops and conferences. Coopers and Lybrand is an example. Many activities are being implemented with assistance from technical experts from U.S. Government agencies, such as the Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture, Geological Services, National Institute of Health, and Trade and Development Agency using MEPP funds. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1998) Actual (1998) Target (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Joint Arab-Israeli arms control & security workshops and meetings held 4 4 7 10 15 Vocational schools implement improved computer training curriculum 0 0 0 3 5 Joint Arab-Israeli workshops and training events related to the environment completed 2 2 3 5 6 Joint Arab-Israeli activities promoting private sector cooperation organized and active 2 2 3 4 5 Progress achieved towards standardized water collection and analysis 0 0 0 20% 30% U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE: Iraq Opposition, 498-033 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $10,000,000 ESF PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $10,000,000 ESF INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: Continuing Summary: Funds appropriated to USAID for this program will be transferred to the U.S. Department of State under a 632a Agreement for further distribution to the Iraqi National Congress. The Department of State will be responsible for the Congressional Notification on this program. The Department of State's work with the Iraqi opposition directly supports U.S. efforts to bring about regime change in Iraq. Regime change is a key U.S. policy priority. The ultimate goal is a new Iraqi governments that represents the Iraqi people, respects human rights, and is committed to living peacefully with Iraq's neighbors. Key Results: ESF resources for regime change will be used to support the Iraqi opposition and to fund an effort to indict members of the current Iraqi regime on war crimes charges. Funds for the Iraqi National Congress, an umbrella organization of opposition groups, will be used to help them organize themselves into a more effective voice of the Iraqi people, to assist them in garnering international support, and to implement programs that will help bring about new leadership in Iraq. These programs will include information campaigns, humanitarian relief programs, and training and planning for instituting democracy following regime change. ESF resources will also be used to support efforts aimed at indicting Iraqi war criminals. These efforts include the preparation of case files, the gathering of documentary and video evidence, and the surveying and treatment of Iraqi civilian victims of chemical and biological weapons attacks. Performance and Prospects: The Department of State will be responsible for reporting to the Congress on performance under this activity. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None. Other Donor Programs: N/A. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: Iraqi National Congress Selected Performance Measures: None. U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: East Asia Regional Women's Issues, 498-035 STATUS: New PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $2,500,000 ESF PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $4,000,000 ESF INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 2000 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: Continuing Summary: Improvements in the status of women leads to full enfranchisement of nation's citizens, higher educational levels, more skilled labor forces, and reduced population growth. All of these goals are in the U.S. national interest. The Department of State's East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Regional Women's Issues Fund focuses on advancing democracy and human rights through the advancement of women throughout the region of East Asia and Pacific. Key Results: The three objectives of the Regional Women's Initiative Fund are to: Increase women's participation in the political process; Eliminate violence against women in all its forms; and Reduce the trafficking of women and children within and from the East Asian and Pacific region. Performance and Prospects: For FY 2000, the first year of the Fund, the Department of State will co-host with the Government of the Philippines a regional initiative to reduce the trafficking of women and children through a regional meeting of 23 nations and economies and through concrete follow-on projects. These projects will focus on the prevention of trafficking, the protection of women and children who are victims of trafficking and their reintegration into society, and the prosecution of the traffickers and their collaborators. The Fund also will support region-wide programs and projects that will empower women to participate fully in democracy-building efforts and in government at all levels. These funds also will support ongoing projects to reduce violence against Asian women, particularly domestic violence, through advocacy programs to enact laws that protect women and allow such cases to be processed in the judicial system. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None. Other Donor Programs: A number of donors are engaged in anti-trafficking and other women's empowerment programs in the region. U.S.G. programs are carefully coordinated. Other major donors include: Australia and Japan. Principle Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: To be determined. Selected Performance Indicators: No performance monitoring plan for this activity has been developed. In FY 2000, USAID and EAP will work together to develop the plan and assess performance. Possible indicators for the program include: National Action Plans to combating trafficking of women and children identified and implemented. Increased number of women holding official positions Increased passage of laws protecting women's rights. U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: South Pacific Multilateral Fisheries Treaty Program II, 879-011 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $14,000,000 ESF PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $14,000,000 ESF INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1993 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2002 Summary: ESF program funds payments are required under the 1987 Treaty on Fisheries between certain Pacific island states and the United States of America. The first five years of the Treaty were supported by the first South Pacific Fisheries Treaty Program (879-0011). The current (1992) Treaty implementation agreement provides for annual cash payments of $14,000,000 to the South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the administrator of the Pacific island countries' interests under the Treaty. These cash payments are prerequisites for licenses to U.S. boats to harvest tuna in Treaty waters. These payments are distributed in cash to island countries participating in the Treaty for budget support or other economic purposes. A separate account is maintained for the funds while held by the FFA. U.S. interests served by the cash transfers are access for U.S. boats to renewable fishery resources estimated to be worth $200,000,000 per year and ending differences with Pacific island countries over legal status of the access. USAID will allocate the funds to the Department of State, which will provide the funds to FFA in accordance with the Treaty. Key Results: Funds are disbursed on a timely basis to ensure that U.S. boats are able to have continued access to harvest tuna in the waters of the Pacific island nations. Performance and Prospects: The current treaty agreement lasts until FY 2002. The successful transfer of funds in FY 2000 and 2001 will allow continued access of U.S. boats in the waters of Pacific island nations and should lead to a follow-on treaty. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None. Other Donor Programs: None. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: The U.S. Department of State and the South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency. U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Asia and the Near East Regional TITLE AND NUMBER: Laos Economic Acceleration Program for the Silk Sector (LEAPSS), 439-004 STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: -0- PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: -0- INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1999 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2002 Summary: LEAPSS is designed to build upon the prior development activities of the Lao American Crop Control Project. The LEAPSS program is premised on the observation that opium in the region is largely grown for food security reasons. The staple crop, rice, is planted on the mountainous hillsides of the region, but yields are insufficient to feed farmer families. Silk production has failed to reach its full potential because of a lack of adequate roads and other transport systems, weak and fragmented information dissemination programs, understaffed agricultural extension services, protectionist policies, as well as technical and institutional distortions. As a result of these failures, the production of high quality Lao silk is insufficient to meet demand and silk weavers in Vientiane must use imported silk even though they would prefer to use Lao varieties. The goal of the LEAPSS program is to improve production of silk in Laos. Policy issues that impede the development of the Lao silk industry will be identified and addressed. The LEAPSS program will disseminate technical information that will help improve silk production to farmers in the rural areas. This will provide an opportunity for existing enterprises engaging in the production processing and marketing of silk in Laos to increase their volume and profitability. USAID will not utilize funding for Lao Government involvement. Key Results: The objective of this activity is to: (1) strengthen institutional capacity of local and national authorities to support private silk sector activities; (2) identify and address policy issues that impede the development of the Lao silk industry at the national level; (3) build capacity for sustainable information development and dissemination that meets the needs of the Laos silk sector; and, (4) enhance the role of women in all components of the silk sector. Performance and Prospects: Receiving Lao Government approval to work in Laos is a very slow bureaucratic process. Nevertheless, steady progress is being made. A base-line survey has been completed and a technical training curriculum is under development. The FY 1999 appropriated funds used to implement the grant agreement with World Education, Ind. will last through FY 2001. USAID and its partners remain confident of achieving program objectives. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None. Other Donor Programs: None. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: USAID implements LEAPSS activities through a grant to World Education, Inc. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1999) Actual (2000) Target (2001) Target (2002) Improved production of raw silk         Increased volume and productivity for existing silk enterprises.         U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel)

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