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Center for Environment
>> Return to Home Page >> Central Programs >> Global Programs >> Environment ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: Central Programs
TITLE AND NUMBER: Improved protection and more sustainable use of natural resources, principally forests, biodiversity, coastal and freshwater ecosystems, and agricultural lands, 934-001; IR1.2, Improved Management of Natural Forest and Tree Systems
STATUS: Continuing
PLANNED FY 2001 OBLIGATIONS AND FUNDING SOURCE: $2,350,000 DA
PROPOSED FY 2002 OBLIGATIONS AND FUNDING SOURCE: $2,200,000 DA
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1999; ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2008Summary: Deforestation and forest degradation threaten biodiversity, the environment, economic growth and sustainable development. Forest loss continues at an astounding rate: 30% of Asian and 18% of African and Latin American forests have been lost since 1960. The Asian Development Bank predicts that without substantial change in forest practices and policies, all the remaining natural forest of Asia will be eliminated within 40 years. Forests contribute to local, regional and national economic growth and welfare by supplying wood and other resources, supporting employment, protecting watersheds, mitigating climate change, and sustaining biodiversity and agroeconomic systems. The forestry program complements Agency environmental and sustainable development initiatives by addressing the economic and social causes of deforestation and by promoting sustainable management and use of forest resources.
The Global Center for Environment (the Center) works with other USAID operating units, partners and local communities to improve the management of forests and tree systems while enhancing the economic well-being of those who depend on them. The program emphasizes the analysis, design, demonstration and dissemination of sustainable forest management practices and techniques to: (a) reduce damage to forests by inappropriate wood harvesting techniques; (b) promote rehabilitation of degraded land; (c) increase local participation in forest and tree system management by devolving authority to communities; (d) promote policy advances that lead to sustainable use of forests; and (e) establish integrated monitoring and assessment of forest resources to conserve biodiversity and improve forest health.
Additionally, the Center houses and administratively supports the Secretariat for the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Tropical Forest Conservation Act (Parts IV and V of the Foreign Assistance Act). The EAI/TFCA program trades outstanding official debt owed to the U.S. in exchange for funding for endowed local foundations which provide grants benefiting the environment, forest conservation, child survival and development, and civil society.
Key Results: The Center employs several indicators to measure progress and results: a) area of natural forest and tree systems brought under improved management, and b) area of natural forest and tree systems brought under effective management, meaning that biophysical improvements have been achieved and that the managing institution has demonstrated the ability to monitor and respond to threats and opportunities. Additionally, the Center tracks policy reforms, which define successes. Such as when policy implementation leads to measurable improvements in the conservation of natural resources and improvements in forest quality.
Performance and Prospects: Achievements since 1996 include 1,103,198 hectares of natural forest and tree systems area brought under improved management and 59,400 hectares of natural forest and tree systems area brought under effective management. In FY 2000, the Forestry Team supported sustainable harvesting practices in Indonesia, Brazil and Guyana. The lessons learned and improved management techniques demonstrated in USAID project areas are expected to have a multiplier effect throughout surrounding areas, where farmers and forest managers will profit from investments made by USAID in forest management research and application.
USAID, through an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, provides technical assistance to national governments to better forecast and combat forest fires. Following the catastrophic forest fires that raged across Indonesia in the recent past, the Forestry Team staff provided technical support in FY 2000 to Indonesian government agencies and coordinated a response strategy that allowed the Indonesians to take a lead role. The team undertook an evaluation of the underlying causes of the forest fires by collecting field-based biological and socio-economic data, and organized a workshop that produced a draft-operating plan for mitigating the underlying causes of those fires.
In FY 2002, the Forestry Team will continue to focus on providing forestry information, analysis and outreach services; providing leadership and fostering partnerships; and providing technical support to missions and regions on policy and technology, such as forest certification and related economic growth.
Possible Adjustments to Plans: The Center may add or refine indicators to measure program performance and set targets for FY 2001 and beyond.
Other Donor Programs: Other major donors active in sustainable forestry include the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility, the International Tropical Timber Organization, the Dutch, German and Canadian governments, U.S. Forest Service, and the leading nongovernmental organizations (World Wildlife Fund and Conservation International).
Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: The U.S. Forest Service, Chemonics and Associates in Rural Development.
Selected Performance Measures:
Indicator FY97 (Actual) FY98 (Actual) FY99 (Actual) FY00 (Actual) FY01 (Plan) FY02 (Plan) Indicator 1: Area of natural forest and tree systems brought under improved management 841,200 911,845 1,043,078 1,103,198 NA NA Indicator 2: Area of natural forest and tree systems brought under effective management 59,200 59,400 59,400 59,400 NA NA Indicator 3: Number of policy successes NA 3 0 1 NA NA Indicator Information
Indicator Level (S)or(IR) Unit of Measure Source Indicator Description Indicator 1 IR Hectares Reports from partners and cooperators Natural forests and tree systems are considered under improved management when any of the following steps in site management occurs: site assessment is completed; site/action plan is developed; institutional/community capacity is strengthened; a legal Framework is in place; site management activities are initiated; or monitoring and evaluation is initiated. Indicator 2 IR Hectares Reports from partners and cooperators Two key conditions must be met for areas to be considered under effective management: Habitat quality is maintained or enhanced and/or the rate of habitat degradation is reduced; and Institutional ability to monitor and respond to threats and opportunities (adaptive management) is demonstrated. Indicator 3 IR Number of policy successes Reports from partners and cooperators Policies include laws, regulations, decrees, and agreements that support the conservation and management of biodiversity. Policy implementation can occur at local, regional, national, and international levels, but do not include internal organizational policies. Successful policies include those USAID/G/ENV supported efforts that lead to documented effective management where on-the-ground conservation benefits are observed.
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Last Updated on: May 29, 2002 |
