Note: This document may not always reflect the actual appropriations determined by Congress. Final budget allocations for USAID's programs are not determined until after passage of an appropriations bill and preparation of the Operating Year Budget (OYB).
JAMAICA
FY 1997 FY 1998 FY 1999 Actuals Estimate Request Development Assistance.............. $8,310,000 $7,590,000 $8,170,000 Child Survival and Disease.......... $2,938,000 $3,450,000 $2,726,000
Introduction
The United States has a strong interest in Jamaica's economic health and political well-being based on trade and investment relations, cooperation in interdiction of illegal drugs destined for the United States, and shared regional security and environmental issues. U.S. development assistance in Jamaica contributes directly to the U.S. strategic goals of expanding U.S. exports and promoting broad-based economic growth in developing countries, as well as reducing levels of illegal immigration and drug entry into the United States, increasing foreign government adherence to democratic practices and securing a sustainable global environment. Assistance targeted at developing a solid Jamaican economy protects existing U.S. markets and investments in Jamaica and fosters opportunities for expanding the already strong market for U.S. imports. Promoting economic growth and employment generation in Jamaica also provides Jamaican youths with viable economic alternatives to drug trafficking and migration to the nearby U.S. borders.
The Development Challenge
Although Jamaica made significant strides in liberalizing its economy under its structural adjustment program (1981-1995), economic growth has been stagnant in the 1990s, declining in both 1996 and 1997. Unemployment rates also have remained stagnant and living conditions have deteriorated for the majority of Jamaicans. Increasing numbers of poor people reflect the inherent disparity in Jamaica's income distribution pattern, as well as the economic costs of high levels of crime and violence, especially in inner-city "garrison communities". To address these issues, USAID has provided enhanced job and income opportunities for the poor through a self-sustaining micro-finance lending program which provides both loan and deposit services to poor Jamaicans, as well as support to job-creating small businesses in promising export-oriented fields. Jamaica's greatest social challenge is to provide productive opportunities for its citizens, particularly for young Jamaicans, who are greatly affected by crime and violence (related largely to drugs), AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, and a decline in basic education standards. These combined problems put youth at risk, and compromise the potential of tomorrow's workforce. In response to this challenge, USAID is supporting an integrated program of interventions that target improved performance by primary school students and improved life skills, including prevention of unwanted pregnancy and AIDS/STD, and vocational training for at-risk adolescents. Furthermore, Jamaica's economic dependence on tourism, bauxite, and traditional agriculture has generated widespread negative impacts on the country's natural resource base which threaten the very existence of these key sectors. Exacerbating these impacts, Jamaica's population and economic activity is becoming increasingly concentrated in urban and coastal areas, placing the natural habitats and resources in these areas under increasing threat, from deforestation and degradation of upland watersheds to pollution of coastal waters and degradation of the island's coral reefs. In response to these threats, USAID is working to strengthen the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) agency and local NGOs which are attempting to protect Jamaica's fragile natural resource base. USAID efforts also have supported the development of a national environmental policy framework and a national system of parks and protected areas.
Intensifying Jamaica's development challenge is an external debt of about $3.6 billion (including $670 million to the United States), the servicing of which consumes one-third of total tax revenues. Jamaica's long-term development prospects are dependent on its ability to create equitable economic growth through increased exports, conserve its natural resources and generate productive employment
for a literate citizenry. Improved governance, accompanied by generation of employment are especially important to consolidate and strengthen the mandate received by the GOJ in recent national elections which were not only free and fair but were not marred by the violence which has plagued previous elections. USAID will continue to play an important role in Jamaica's development and graduation from U.S. assistance is not expected in the near-term.
Other Donors
USAID and the donor community pledged over $140 million for development activities in Jamaica in FY 1996. The European Union (EU) is the largest bilateral donor, followed by the U.S., Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK, in rank order. Multilateral donors/lenders include: the World Bank (IBRD); Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); Caribbean Development Bank and United Nations agencies. Major activities supported by these donors/lenders include the Social Investment Fund and public sector modernization (IBRD), microenterprise development (the Netherlands, EU, IDB, IBRD, Canada); water supply/road infrastructure improvement (Japan); capacity building for environmental management (Canada), watershed and forestry management (Canada, IDB); support for parks and protected areas (EU), sewage and wastewater treatment (EU, Japan, UNEP); energy and solid waste management, integrated rural development (IDB); climate change (OAS/IBRD); development of an information management and transfer system for the Caribbean region's marine and coastal resources (UNEP with USAID assistance); primary and secondary school reform (IDB, IBRD), teacher education (Britain); AIDS/STD prevention (Germany, the Netherlands). Through a strong donor/lender coordination program, the U.S. was able to leverage over $200 million of other donor funds in 1997.
FY 1999 Program
USAID/Jamaica's planned FY 1999 program will require a total funding level of approximately $11 million in Development Assistance. Of that amount, $1.850 million will support achievement of increased participation for economic growth; $3.413 million will support increased protection of key natural resources in environmentally and economically significant areas; $4.833 million will support better equipped young Jamaicans for the 21st Century; and $800,000 will support development of a regional environmental strategy.
USAID assistance will help Jamaica to achieve increased participation in economic growth and better governance through three focused initiatives--Micro and Small Business Support Services; Increased Sales for Small Businesses; and Increased job opportunities for youth in garrison areas. Activities will include financial and non-financial services to microenterprises in urban and rural areas; a program of integrated support to businesses with competitive growth potential in selected sectors; and the development of a public-private sector partnership to simplify and improve government regulations and processes to foster an improved business and trade environment. USAID will continue to support Jamaica's integration into the Free Trade Area of the America's (FTAA) and will develop the use of information technology as a tool in promoting economic growth. USAID will address threats to Jamaica's environment through an integrated "ridge-to-reef" resource management program which will focus on two geographic areas, selected for their economic and environmental importance. Assistance will focus on three targeted results--increased adoption of environmentally sound practices; increased effectiveness of environmental organizations to sustainably manage natural resources; and increased compliance with environmental regulations by resource users. USAID's strategy for improving the prospects of Jamaica's at-risk youth is to support a comprehensive plan to improve their life skills and provide opportunities through improved educational standards and training. Specific activities targeted to achieve this strategic objective include the delivery of cost-effective packages of services to 80,000 at-risk out-of-school youths in the age cohort 10-14. These packages aim to promote self-esteem and socialization, reduce teenage pregnancy and HIV/STDs, increase literacy, and to re-instate "drop-outs" into schools. In FY 1999, USAID's priorities will include improving literacy/numeracy levels among both primary school graduates and out-of-school youth; decreasing teenage pregnancy; and improving the social and job skills of Jamaican adolescents.
JAMAICA FY 1999 PROGRAM SUMMARY
($000s)
USAID
Strategic and Special
ObjectivesEconomic Growth and Agriculture Population and Health Environ-ment Democracy Human Capacity Develop-ment Human-itarian Assistance
TotalS.O. 1
Increased participation in economic growth
- DA
1,850
1,850
S.O. 2
Increased pro-tection of natural resources
- DA
100
3,313
3,413
S.O. 3
Young Jamaicans Better-Equipped for 21st Century
- DA
- CSD
2,107
1,700
1,026
2,107
2,726S.S.O.1
Caribbean Regional Environment Program
- DA
800
800
Totals
- DA
- CSD
1,950
2,107
1,700
4,113
1,026
8,170
2,726
USAID Mission Director: Carole H. Tyson
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: JAMAICA
TITLE AND NUMBER: Increased Participation in Economic Growth, 532-S001
STATUS: Revised
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: FY 1999 $1,850,000 DA
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1997 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2001
Purpose: To increase employment opportunities for poor Jamaicans
USAID Role and Achievements to Date: Proceeds from privatization of GOJ entities have totaled almost $300 million, already far surpassing the original target of $122 million for 1999. As the major donor in this area, USAID has assisted in the privatization of 34 entities. The assistance was also instrumental in enacting the Jamaican Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP), resulting in broad-based equity ownership opportunities for employees. In 1997, over 2000 loans totaling over $500,000 million were disbursed to microentrepreneurs who would not otherwise have had access to credit. USAID has also provided technical assistance in supporting the institutionalization of the microfinance unit within Workers Bank. Delinquency, the most important indicator of viability, has been brought down to under five percent. Under the North Coast Development Project, tourism has been expanded and the environment protected through improved water supply, sewerage disposal, road construction and port facilities. The recent completion of the Montego Bay sewerage upgrading activity will accommodate increased tourism and improve the quality of effluent discharged into the bay and surrounding beaches. Over 260 Jamaican exporters now have access to marketing information through the Internet as a result of USAID's support to the Jamaica Exporters Association. By the end of 1997, the exporters' web site claimed over 26,000 hits per month, a huge increase over previous months. In addition to a 13% increase in Customs revenue to $416 million in 1997, USAID assistance has resulted in a stronger Customs Department with simplified procedures and greater staff service and integrity.
Description: This strategic objective will give greater focus and emphasis on job creation in micro and small enterprises. The proposed strategy is subject to review and approval by USAID/Washington. Financial services, both savings and credit, are being provided to increasing numbers of micro and small entrepreneurs through a commercial bank. A microenterprise training and technical assistance program has been designed and will be implemented by Jamaica's most effective business training institutions. In an effort to spur growth and generate new employment USAID will refocus its support of export industries to a few small industry niches with competitive potential. Through integrated support in management, production and marketing, these industries will develop high quality products which respond to an increasingly sophisticated and discriminating consumer demand. The program will serve as a model to Jamaican businesses and investors as an alternative to traditional factor-based industries, some of which have depended on subsidies. Finally, USAID will provide technical assistance to support the Government of Jamaica's effort to facilitate and remove barriers to private sector job creation through a cooperative public-private partnership to strengthen the regulatory environment. This will involve breaking down age old barriers, including red tape, poor service and corruption. This program will be implemented in collaboration with the World Bank's Public Sector Modernization Project.
Host Country and Other Donors: The most effective inter-donor program implemented by USAID/Jamaica has been under the North Coast Development Project. USAID, with minimal but vital resources for management and coordination, has leveraged multi-million dollar financing from the Japanese Government. Donor coordination with the Netherlands, the European Union, the IDB, GTZ and CIDA has also been effective in developing the microenterprise sector. The World Bank is planning a major new activity in this area. USAID is coordinating with the World Bank during the proposed activity's development. Other areas of coordination between USAID and the World Bank are customs reform, export development and a new initiative in improving the GOJ's facilitation and support of the
private sector. Finally, the IDB has provided the Ministry of Finance's Fiscal Policy Management Unit with technical assistance and training to complement and carry on USAID assistance which will be terminating in 1998.
Beneficiaries: Approximately one-third of the Jamaican population is at or below the poverty line. USAID's strategy will target nearly 100,000 microentrepreneurs and thousands of small farmers, skilled and unskilled laborers, a large percentage of whom are women. Policy and regulatory reform initiatives in privatization, fiscal management, customs and other GOJ bureaucracies benefit the working class population.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: USAID provides technical assistance to Jamaican public and private sector agencies through contracts with such U.S.-based businesses as Clapp and Mayne, CARANA Corporation, Louis Berger International and FINTRAC International. USAID's principal local partners in implementation under this SO include the GOJ's Ministry of Finance, the Customs Service, the Jamaica Exporters Association and the Workers Bank.
Major Results Indicators* Baseline Target Number of jobs created in targetted small firms TBD TBD Income of assisted microentrepreneurs TBD TBD Assets of assisted microentrepreneurs TBD TBD* subject to revision
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: JAMAICA
TITLE AND NUMBER: Increased protection of key natural resources in environmentally and economically significant areas, 532-SO02
STATUS: Continuing
PROPOSED OBLIGATION & FUNDING SOURCE: $3,413,000 DA
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1997 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2001
Purpose: To ensure the sustainability of the threatened natural resource base, including coastal zones and upland watersheds, on which Jamaica's economy depends
USAID Role and Achievements to Date: With USAID support, the Government of Jamaica has made good progress toward establishing a viable policy and regulatory framework for natural resources management. In FY1997, policy papers which establish the National Coral Reef Policy and the Mangrove and Coastal Wetlands Protection Policy were adopted, complementing the National System of Protected Areas policy paper passed by parliament in 1996. Also in 1997, a third protected area, encompassing 92,000 acres, was declared. The management of these protected areas has been delegated to three local nongovernmental organizations, two of which are community-based groups. All three NGOs have received USAID assistance to help strengthen their institutional capacities. With USAID support, environmental NGOs have been growing steadily in number and in strength over the past few years. The membership of the National Environmental Societies Trust (NEST), the umbrella NGO supported by USAID, has increased from 12 in 1989 to 39 in 1997. These NGOs have given a voice to local communities, allowing them to help chart their paths for sustainable development. In collaboration with the Jamaica Bureau of Standards, the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA), the Tourism Product Development Company, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association and the Jamaica Manufacturers Association, a USAID program to promote the adoption of international environmental standards by the hotel and tourism, as well as manufacturing industries, conducted 10 environmental audits in the hotel sector. Audit recommendations have been enthusiastically accepted and implemented. USAID support to a Montego Bay NGO, the Sanitation Support Unit (SSU), has made access to environmentally appropriate, on-site sewage solutions possible for over 1300 households in that city's squatter communities. Although USAID assistance to the SSU concluded in 1997, the unit continues, funded by user fees, to provide education, training and advice on environmental sanitation.
Description: USAID program activities under this strategic objective support the increased adoption of environmentally sound practices by small and large resource users; increased effectiveness of Jamaican environmental organizations; and increased compliance with environmental regulations. Recent USAID assistance has focused on development of a national environmental policy framework, including the establishment of a system of resource-user fees for protected areas, with a pilot user fee system planned for Montego Bay in FY 1998. Other ongoing activities include a program of environmental audits for the hotel and manufacturing sectors which formulates specific recommendations on how management practices can be made more financially, as well as environmentally, sound. Beginning in FY 1998, the program will adopt an integrated A ridge to reef @ approach to tackling environmental issues affecting Jamaica's key natural resources, particularly coastal waters. This concept involves addressing problems and opportunities in upland watershed areas that affect coastal water quality. Important elements of the integrated approach are rural community income generation, close collaboration among the government agencies responsible for waste water management, environmental health, and environmental management; improved donor coordination; a high level of community involvement; and encouragement of public/private partnerships for waste water management. Most of our resources will be concentrated in two geographical areas, Negril and Port Antonio. Activities will be undertaken in other geographic areas according to certain ecological and economic criteria that have been set, and subject to the availability of funds. Specific activities will include: a small grants program to make funds available to community-based organizations and NGOs in targeted communities
to implement commercially viable activities that address environmental problems; a program to audit the institutional capacity of NGOs to perform technical and administrative tasks; adoption of a user fee policy in key protected areas; development of protected area operational and business plans for NGOs managing key protected areas; identification and development of policy reforms to address the underlying causes of non-compliance with regulations; assistance to NRCA in the decentralization of their operations from Kingston to rural field sites in key resource areas; establishment of public-private partnerships to improve the operation and maintenance of municipal waste water management systems; development of a water quality monitoring system to monitor changes in pollution levels associated with both human health and coral reef ecosystems; and pilot eco-tourism activities in association with protected areas to bring broad-based economic benefits to local communities.
Host Country and Other Donors: USAID is an active participant in the donor/lender working groups on the environment and the sub-group on watershed management. We have worked effectively with the European Union, the Canadian International Development Agency, the IDB, the World Bank, the United Nations Environmental and Development Programs, and the Food and Agriculture Organization which are the major supporters of environmental programs in Jamaica. These donors are expected to spend approximately $20 million on environmental programs in FY 1998.
Beneficiaries: USAID activities under this strategic objective help to strengthen public, private, and non-governmental organizations engaged in managing key natural resources. In 1997, 490 individuals from the government and NGO/CBO community received short-term training in various aspects of environmental management and environmental science. Thirty-nine environmental NGOs from across the country receive information updates on environmental issues and proposal development assistance as members of the USAID-supported National Environmental Societies Trust. The three declared protected areas encompass important biodiversity and economically valuable resources that have been put under a sustainable management regime. Conservation of these resources enhances the eco-tourism product in these areas and provides a valuable source of income for rural communities. Thirty hotels and industrial facilities are scheduled to participate in an environmental audit program. To date, 10 hotels have received recommendations and training on how to mitigate the environmental impact of their operations and, simultaneously, enjoy cost-savings. About 1300 households in squatter communities in Montego Bay now have public health-approved, on-site sanitation facilities. The ultimate benefit to Jamaica is the sustainable management of its natural resources, protecting them for the benefit of future generations and helping to maintain the natural beauty of the island which attracts approximately two million tourists annually who spend over US$1 billion.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: USAID implements environmental activities through for-profit U.S. consulting firms including Louis Berger, Technical Support Services, Inc., Hagler Bailly and Associates in Rural Development. Local counterparts include the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of the Environment, the Natural Resources Conservation Authority, the National Water Commission, Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association and several local environmental NGOs.
Major Results Indicators: Baseline (1997) Target (year) Untreated waste water from sewage system entering Montego Bay (g/day) 2 mil 0 (2000) Water quality in MoBay (coliform/100 ml) 15 mil 1,000 (2000) Key policy reforms enacted 0 1 (2001) Key policy reforms drafted 3 10 (2001) National parks and protected habitats (acres protected) 197,042 388,700 acres (2001)
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: JAMAICA
TITLE AND NUMBER: Young Jamaicans Better-Equipped for the 21st Century, 532-SO03
STATUS: Continuing
PROPOSED OBLIGATION & FUNDING SOURCE: FY 1999: $2,107,000 DA; $2,726,000 CSD
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1997 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2001
Purpose: To assist Jamaica's youth to increase primary school mathematics and literacy achievement in targeted schools, and develop healthier sexuality among youth of reproductive age
USAID Role and Achievement to Date: USAID has supported the development of a national family planning system, which has maintained the contraceptive prevalence rate at 62% and achieved reduced fertility to 2.9 live births per woman through programs carried out by government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private entrepreneurs. USAID is also the lead donor and has played a central role in AIDS/STD (sexually transmitted diseases) awareness and prevention programs, leading to a universal awareness in Jamaica of HIV/AIDS/STDs. The HIV/AIDS/STD program is being successfully integrated in all parishes island wide, with four regional coordinators under the behavioral change component in place and fully functional. In 1997, the GOJ assumed full responsibility for contraceptive financing and procurement, capping several years of coordination and support from USAID. Also, the GOJ has passed legislation for the sale of oral contraceptives over the counter without a prescription. After several years of USAID support, GOJ passed the National Health Services Act, which mandates and promotes decentralization of health administration and services. Other recent USAID-supported health reforms have included successful divestment of hospital support services, more private sector involvement in health care provision, and greatly increased collection of hospital fees. Cost recovery among Jamaica's 22 public hospitals continues to surpass the Ministry of Health's target. Fee collection is expected to reach US$6.7 million for 1997, a 37% increase from 1996. In 1997-98, USAID financed the computerization of the National Family Planning Board, which has enhanced the coordination, planning, record-keeping, decentralization and the quality of services island-wide.
Through USAID assistance in the development of a 20-station Local Area Network, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture for the first time has an Education Management Information System. Now it has current, reliable data on which to formulate and implement policies in areas such as staffing patterns, attrition, student enrollment and attendance, teacher pupil ratio, school board membership, cost sharing and compliance levels, and the status of school infrastructure. USAID also provided technical assistance and leadership to revise the primary mathematics curriculum and train primary resource teachers, thereby laying the foundation for improved student performance in mathematics under a USAID-supported activity beginning in 1998. USAID assistance has also supported and measurably strengthened 12 NGOs that are currently re-instating drop-outs into the school system, as well as providing services to at-risk youth in the areas of reproductive health, personal and family development, literacy and vocational education.
Description: In FY 1999, USAID will implement activities that build on recent initiatives to assist children in primary schools to improve their achievement in reading and mathematics. Central to the attainment of this goal will be in-service teacher training, provision of supplementary reading and mathematics materials, training of school principals and school boards, parenting education, technical and curricular support in reading and mathematics and nutritional support to primary school students. Jamaica's disadvantaged youth will continue to be assisted by a program that addresses problems of school absenteeism, teenage pregnancy, STDs, violence, school leaving, social and family dysfunction, and the lack of vocational preparation, all of which are obstacles to the transition to a productive adulthood. In the health sector, USAID will continue efforts to sustain Jamaica's family planning program and related policy development. New activities will address specific problems related to the reproductive health of adolescents. The prevention and control of STD and HIV infection will continue
to be supported through assistance to a strengthened, decentralized national program, which includes a disease surveillance system, data analysis, behavioral change interventions, training of private providers, and small grants to NGOs. The revitalized National AIDS Committee will focus on activities related to children affected with HIV/AIDS as well as presenting to Parliament a position paper on AIDS legislation in Jamaica. USAID will assist the establishment and strengthening of vibrant parish-level AIDS committees.
Host Country and Other Donors: As a prominent donor in family planning, HIV/AIDs/STDs and education, USAID works with the Government of Jamaica, the IDB, World Bank, Pan American Health Organization, United Nations Family Planning Association, United Nations Joint Program on AIDS, and bilateral donors such as the United Kingdom, Germany and the Dutch to maintain policy, funding and implementation coordination. Increased collaboration is maintained with the Peace Corps, especially in the areas of youth-at-risk, HIV/STDs and education. Many NGOs are supported to carry out USAID-funded activities.
Beneficiaries: 28,000 primary school students, 1900 teachers, 72 principals and 504 primary school board members and community representatives will benefit directly from the basic education activity starting in 1998. The pedagogical and administrative initiatives will be disseminated throughout 764 primary schools with a student population of approximately 300,000. 17 NGOs will have been strengthened to provide services to 11,000 young, marginalized, at-risk 10-14 year-olds, giving them the foundation for re-instatement in school and improving their social and job skills. At least 50,000 women and men are helped annually by the family planning and HIV/AIDS/STD control clinics.
Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: USAID implements its activities through the GOJ, U.S. and Jamaican private firms, U.S. and Jamaican universities and, where possible, Jamaican NGOs. U.S. partners include Development Associates, Inc., the Futures Group, Hope Enterprises, and Family Health International, and the University of Tennessee. GOJ entities include the Ministry of Health (specifically, the Epidemiology Unit and National Family Planning Board), Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture, and the Planning Institute of Jamaica. Other local Jamaican partners include UWI's Tropical Metabolism Research Unit, the Women's Center, Jamaica Red Cross, Jamaica AIDS Support, YWCA, St. Patrick's Foundation, Youth Opportunities Unlimited and the Western Society for Upliftment of Children are some of the Jamaican NGOs implementing USAID activities.
Major Results Indicators: Baseline (Year) Target (Year) Illiteracy among out-of-school youth 30% (1997) 15% (2000) Pregnancy rate for 10-18 age cohort 30% (1997) 15% (2000) Mathematics Scores - Pass Rates Boys 49% (1997) 60% (2004) Grades 3 & 6 Girls 57% (1997) 68% (2004) Reading Scores - Pass Rates Boys 47% (1997) 58% (2004) Grades 3 & 6 Girls 60% (1997) 70% (2004) Contraceptive Prevalence 62% (1996) 62% (2001)* Condom use with regular partner 44.5% (1996) 50% (2001) Condom use with non-regular partner 76% (1996) 80% (2001)*Target is to maintain baseline level
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: Jamaica
TITLE AND NUMBER: Caribbean Regional Program, 532-SSO01
STATUS: Continuing
PROPOSED OBLIGATION & FUNDING SOURCE: FY 1999: $800,000 DA
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1997 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2001
Purpose: To increase the capacity of the Caribbean region to implement regional solutions and strategies in the areas of environmental management, disaster mitigation, and productivity and growth for broad-based sustainable development (Program strategy/structure is under discussion; proposed activities are subject to review and approval by USAID/Washington)
USAID Role & Achievements to Date: Through efforts implemented under the Environment and Coastal Resource Project (ENCORE) and the Caribbean Environmental Network (CEN) project, 14 tourism-related regional institutions have adopted and are actively promoting environmentally sound environmental practices, such as using waste water for gardening, recycling, appropriate solid waste disposal and dive tour practices that reduce destruction of coral reefs. In addition, the ENCORE project has helped to improve the institutional capabilities of a key regional environmental institution, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States/Natural Resource Management Unit (NRMU). With USAID support, the NRMU prepared a strategic operational plan which was the catalyst for restructuring of the Unit, establishment and implementation of a financial management system, delivery of targeted training for technical staff members, upgrading of laboratory facilities and improving environmental monitoring systems. As a result, the NRMU has facilitated short-term training at the regional and national level to over 1,000 individuals on technical issues such as coastal water quality monitoring, natural resource management at the community level, environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, guidelines for environmental impact assessments and grant writing, and resource mobilization for environmental NGOs. Consequently, several key regional institutions are now well positioned to provide technical and policy guidance on a wide range of environmental issues. Key policies and legislation regarding environmental impact assessments and pesticide control have been established at the regional level; they also have been adopted at the national level throughout the nine member countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). USAID support has helped establish an annual forum to facilitate coordination by donor agencies involved in environmental activities related to the Caribbean tourism sector. The forum is actively promoting the development of a regional strategy for sustainable tourism and proposed government actions to facilitate sustainable tourism.
Description: USAID assistance in the region supports a wide range of environmental management activities including strengthening of regional environmental organizations, promotion of community-based water quality monitoring, public awareness activities to promote improved coastal resource management, upgrading national facilities for coastal water quality monitoring, preparation of a regional strategy for sustainable tourism in the Eastern Caribbean and the installation of mooring buoys and other mechanisms to improve the management of fragile coastal and marine areas. Planned activities will involve a continuation of the above-mentioned interventions and the development of a lessons-learned program to share and encourage replication of best environmental management practices across the region. Through the CEN project, a number of training activities for tourism industry representatives and relevant public sector representatives are planned to address the siting and design of tourism facilities, wastewater and solid waste management practices in the tourism industry, and integrated coastal management. A regional newsletter on industry initiatives to improve environmental management practices will be distributed to environmental NGOs, hotels, dive operators and others in the tourism industry. The Mission will coordinate the preparation of a USAID Regional Environmental Strategy for the Caribbean. It is anticipated that a targeted program of activities, developed in response to the environmental priorities of the Caribbean, will be ready for implementation beginning in early FY1999.
Host Country & Other Donors: The regional program works with a number of host-country governments, such as: Antigua, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts, and St. Lucia. There is close donor collaboration on environmental initiatives involving the Caribbean Development Bank; the Inter American Development Bank; the World Bank; the United Nations Environment Program; and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Beneficiaries: Caribbean Regional Program beneficiaries include member countries of CARICOM, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. CRP activities are targeted at institutional strengthening for relevant public sector agencies and NGOs, technical training for public sector representatives, and various public awareness initiatives and changes in behavior targeted at the community level. Program beneficiaries will include over 100 public and private sector representatives from the tourism industry and approximately 650 households at the community level.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: USAID provides technical assistance and activity coordination for the Eastern Caribbean through a cooperative agreement with the international NGO, the World Wildlife Fund. Other key implementing partners in the region include the Governments of Dominica and of St. Lucia, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute, the Caribbean Development Bank and the United Nations Environment Program.
Major Results Indicators: Baseline (1994) Target (1999) Number of environmental guidelines, policies and programs adopted by regional institutions 5 10 Number of households benefiting from new practices for improved environmental management 80 650
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