CHALLENGE

Jamaica’s coastal areas play vital economic and social roles and reduce vulnerability to natural hazards. Protecting and restoring these coastal habitats is both an opportunity and a need. Targeting mangrove ecosystems could increase resilience to climate change, reduce the risk to disasters in coastal areas, and provide co-benefits associated to livelihoods maintenance (i.e. tourism) and food security (i.e. fisheries). This activity will support the Government of Jamaica in promoting cost-effective coastal protection measures through mangrove ecosystems enhancement.

APPROACH

1. Measure physical data on the natural capital associated with mangrove forests of varying quality in Jamaica;
2. Estimate the coastal protection services provided by mangroves, including as an economic value;
3. Undertake a habitat risk assessment to evaluate the risk posed to mangrove habitats by human activities, and identify the potential reduction of ecosystem services involved in coastal protection;
4. Conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis, comparing different coastal protection measures and associated co-benefits.

RESULTS

This project has been completed. Final outputs delivered as part of this effort include: 

1. The Mangrove Monitoring and Evaluation Manual-Jamaica.This provides detailed instructions on replicating the monitoring methods for mangrove forests - ecological, biophysical and socio-economic aspects. This Manual is applicable to other small island developing states, as well as other tropical countries. In addition, the online mapping tools are capable of providing mapped outputs for other projects, is publicly open for all audiences, and is adaptable overtime. The workshops throughout the project provided stakeholders with theoretical and hands on capacity building in the elements of the data collection for them to replicate within their organizations. 
2. online tool for coastal management and risk reduction
3. The Final Dissemination Report entitled Forces of Nature: Assessment and Economic Valuation of Coastal Protection Services Provided by Mangroves in Jamaica. This report supports the growing interest within the development agenda to include nature-based solutions for disaster risk management (DRM), and provides vital information for discussion on climate change adaptation and mitigation, insurance, and disaster recovery decisions. This report provides knowledge on the current health status of Jamaican mangroves, how the loss of mangroves can increase coastal flood risk and identifies potential risk reduction measures. It also presents important data on benefits beyond coastal protection such as erosion control, water quality, carbon sequestration, and fisheries provision, which can have significant implications on poverty reduction.

CHALLENGE

Jamaica’s coastal areas play vital economic and social roles and reduce vulnerability to natural hazards. Protecting and restoring these coastal habitats is both an opportunity and a need. Targeting mangrove ecosystems could increase resilience to climate change, reduce the risk to disasters in coastal areas, and provide co-benefits associated to livelihoods maintenance (i.e. tourism) and food security (i.e. fisheries). This activity will support the Government of Jamaica in promoting cost-effective coastal protection measures through mangrove ecosystems enhancement.

APPROACH

1. Measure physical data on the natural capital associated with mangrove forests of varying quality in Jamaica;
2. Estimate the coastal protection services provided by mangroves, including as an economic value;
3. Undertake a habitat risk assessment to evaluate the risk posed to mangrove habitats by human activities, and identify the potential reduction of ecosystem services involved in coastal protection;
4. Conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis, comparing different coastal protection measures and associated co-benefits.

RESULTS

This project has been completed. Final outputs delivered as part of this effort include: 

1. The Mangrove Monitoring and Evaluation Manual-Jamaica.This provides detailed instructions on replicating the monitoring methods for mangrove forests - ecological, biophysical and socio-economic aspects. This Manual is applicable to other small island developing states, as well as other tropical countries. In addition, the online mapping tools are capable of providing mapped outputs for other projects, is publicly open for all audiences, and is adaptable overtime. The workshops throughout the project provided stakeholders with theoretical and hands on capacity building in the elements of the data collection for them to replicate within their organizations. 
2. online tool for coastal management and risk reduction
3. The Final Dissemination Report entitled Forces of Nature: Assessment and Economic Valuation of Coastal Protection Services Provided by Mangroves in Jamaica. This report supports the growing interest within the development agenda to include nature-based solutions for disaster risk management (DRM), and provides vital information for discussion on climate change adaptation and mitigation, insurance, and disaster recovery decisions. This report provides knowledge on the current health status of Jamaican mangroves, how the loss of mangroves can increase coastal flood risk and identifies potential risk reduction measures. It also presents important data on benefits beyond coastal protection such as erosion control, water quality, carbon sequestration, and fisheries provision, which can have significant implications on poverty reduction.

CHALLENGE

According to the analytical studies of the Institute of Incidencia at the Rafael Landivar University, illegal logging in Guatemala represents about 30-50 percent of the annual harvested timber. Based on the analysis of the Integrated Accounting on Forest Products from the Cuente con Ambiente project, legal timber is estimated to make up only five percent, while illegal logging represents 95 percent of the total traded timber.  In 2008, IARNA (Agricultural, Natural Resources and Environmental Institute, Guatemala) in its forest products flows analyses documented that 89 percent of the harvested timber in selected areas was basically uncontrolled timber.

Since 2004, INAB, the forest sector authority agency of Guatemala, and CONAP, the National Protected Area Council, have been involved in implementing activities to prevent and combat illegal logging in forestlands and protected areas.

APPROACH

Since 2008 the FLEG Program (now under PROFOR) has been supporting INAB, specifically by providing assistance in support of the implementation of the Strategy to Combat Illegal Forest Activities. Based on this work,, INAB designed an Action Plan to Prevent and Reduce Illegal Logging, which was approved by INAB’s Board of Directors in February 2010. 

The Action Plan includes legislation and regulatory reforms to reduce illegal activities, review of current forest fees, design of forest control and supervision plans and campaigns and development of forest audit protocols and capacity building activities.

As a follow up to its previous support, the PROFOR-FLEG Program provided technical assistance and capacity building to INAB and other government agencies to design and implement INAB’s Forest Audit System to ensure the control and verification of timber supply in the forest industry (saw mills, processing plants, lumber yards and wood warehouses) located in selected regional administrations in Guatemala, and ensure transparency, accountability and participation of forest stakeholders in law enforcement.

RESULTS

This activity, completed in June 2010, produced analysis, recommendations and programs that are helping INAB and the Vice-President's Office leading government efforts to combat illegal activities in the forest sector. See the technical manual for the control of forest industries and the report on the pilot program for monitoring and control of forest industries in Guatemala (under Download/View on the left).  

CHALLENGE

According to the analytical studies of the Institute of Incidencia at the Rafael Landivar University, illegal logging in Guatemala represents about 30-50 percent of the annual harvested timber. Based on the analysis of the Integrated Accounting on Forest Products from the Cuente con Ambiente project, legal timber is estimated to make up only five percent, while illegal logging represents 95 percent of the total traded timber.  In 2008, IARNA (Agricultural, Natural Resources and Environmental Institute, Guatemala) in its forest products flows analyses documented that 89 percent of the harvested timber in selected areas was basically uncontrolled timber.

Since 2004, INAB, the forest sector authority agency of Guatemala, and CONAP, the National Protected Area Council, have been involved in implementing activities to prevent and combat illegal logging in forestlands and protected areas.

APPROACH

Since 2008 the FLEG Program (now under PROFOR) has been supporting INAB, specifically by providing assistance in support of the implementation of the Strategy to Combat Illegal Forest Activities. Based on this work,, INAB designed an Action Plan to Prevent and Reduce Illegal Logging, which was approved by INAB’s Board of Directors in February 2010. 

The Action Plan includes legislation and regulatory reforms to reduce illegal activities, review of current forest fees, design of forest control and supervision plans and campaigns and development of forest audit protocols and capacity building activities.

As a follow up to its previous support, the PROFOR-FLEG Program provided technical assistance and capacity building to INAB and other government agencies to design and implement INAB’s Forest Audit System to ensure the control and verification of timber supply in the forest industry (saw mills, processing plants, lumber yards and wood warehouses) located in selected regional administrations in Guatemala, and ensure transparency, accountability and participation of forest stakeholders in law enforcement.

RESULTS

This activity, completed in June 2010, produced analysis, recommendations and programs that are helping INAB and the Vice-President's Office leading government efforts to combat illegal activities in the forest sector. See the technical manual for the control of forest industries and the report on the pilot program for monitoring and control of forest industries in Guatemala (under Download/View on the left).  

CHALLENGE

According to the analytical studies of the Institute of Incidencia at the Rafael Landivar University, illegal logging in Guatemala represents about 30-50 percent of the annual harvested timber. Based on the analysis of the Integrated Accounting on Forest Products from the Cuente con Ambiente project, legal timber is estimated to make up only five percent, while illegal logging represents 95 percent of the total traded timber.  In 2008, IARNA (Agricultural, Natural Resources and Environmental Institute, Guatemala) in its forest products flows analyses documented that 89 percent of the harvested timber in selected areas was basically uncontrolled timber.

Since 2004, INAB, the forest sector authority agency of Guatemala, and CONAP, the National Protected Area Council, have been involved in implementing activities to prevent and combat illegal logging in forestlands and protected areas.

APPROACH

Since 2008 the FLEG Program (now under PROFOR) has been supporting INAB, specifically by providing assistance in support of the implementation of the Strategy to Combat Illegal Forest Activities. Based on this work,, INAB designed an Action Plan to Prevent and Reduce Illegal Logging, which was approved by INAB’s Board of Directors in February 2010. 

The Action Plan includes legislation and regulatory reforms to reduce illegal activities, review of current forest fees, design of forest control and supervision plans and campaigns and development of forest audit protocols and capacity building activities.

As a follow up to its previous support, the PROFOR-FLEG Program provided technical assistance and capacity building to INAB and other government agencies to design and implement INAB’s Forest Audit System to ensure the control and verification of timber supply in the forest industry (saw mills, processing plants, lumber yards and wood warehouses) located in selected regional administrations in Guatemala, and ensure transparency, accountability and participation of forest stakeholders in law enforcement.

RESULTS

This activity, completed in June 2010, produced analysis, recommendations and programs that are helping INAB and the Vice-President's Office leading government efforts to combat illegal activities in the forest sector. See the technical manual for the control of forest industries and the report on the pilot program for monitoring and control of forest industries in Guatemala (under Download/View on the left).  

CHALLENGE

Deforestation in the Congo Basin is expected to increase significantly in the future as investment in productive sectors grows. Thus, it will be essential to assist Congo Basin countries in ensuring that forestland development is planned and implemented in such a way as to avoid, minimize and/or offset unnecessary economic losses and social hardship and to draw optimal benefits from sustainable forest resource use. In 2013, the World Bank published a study on “Deforestation Trends in the Congo Basin – Reconciling Economic Growth and Forest Protection,” with support from PROFOR. One of the sectors covered by the study was the mining sector.

Early planning for the development of mineral resources, including the associated infrastructure (roads, railroads and energy, in particular) may help to reduce future impact, create development benefits at the local level, and enhance the sustainability of mining-driven development. However, land-use planning and zoning exercises in the Congo Basin so far have been centered on the forestry sector and have had limited impact on development policies in other sectors.

APPROACH

The development objective of this activity is to come up with innovative cross-sectoral methodologies and stakeholder processes that inform the decision-making process on large mining and associated infrastructure developments, enabling decision makers to reduce forest loss and the resulting negative environmental and social impacts. Activities included:

1. Lessons learned from relevant initiatives; and
2. Participatory land-use planning. The team conducted a land-use planning and road map exercise, and developed sector-specific recommendations for the Republic of Congo (ROC).

RESULTS

This activity led to the development of an informed process – applicable at both the national and sub-national level -  for how the Government of ROC can move forward on land use planning. The activity stressed the significance of inclusive and participatory methods, as well a mechanism for settling disputes, and a process that works across sectors. The introduction of spatial analysis tools enabled government authorities to (i) develop a clearer understanding of how they can pull together information related to competing interests, such as economic development and social and environmental impacts; and (2) advance practices that can help harmonize development initiatives, even if it is not possible to resolve every conflict.

The ROC Ministry of Land Use Planning and Public Works led much of the exercise, which was also supported by the World Resources Institute. While there is still implementation work to be done, investments in the forest, agriculture and mining sectors have sought out how to incorporate the practices, tools and processes that were highlighted in this activity. There has also been greater coordination the different sectoral ministries. Results from this activity will also inform ongoing investments, including REDD+ activities under the Forest Investment Program (FIP), and were used in the preparation of the Congo Commercial Agriculture Development Project.

In addition, this activity helped to consolidate knowledge, best practices and tools on land use planning, and share them with multiple stakeholders in the Republic of Congo, including government ministries, NGOs, civil society organizations and indigenous peoples’ groups. Since participants from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are undergoing a similar process, they benefited from learning about the experience in ROC.  

For stories and updates on related activities, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to our mailing list for regular updates.

CHALLENGE

Deforestation in the Congo Basin is expected to increase significantly in the future as investment in productive sectors grows. Thus, it will be essential to assist Congo Basin countries in ensuring that forestland development is planned and implemented in such a way as to avoid, minimize and/or offset unnecessary economic losses and social hardship and to draw optimal benefits from sustainable forest resource use. In 2013, the World Bank published a study on “Deforestation Trends in the Congo Basin – Reconciling Economic Growth and Forest Protection,” with support from PROFOR. One of the sectors covered by the study was the mining sector.

Early planning for the development of mineral resources, including the associated infrastructure (roads, railroads and energy, in particular) may help to reduce future impact, create development benefits at the local level, and enhance the sustainability of mining-driven development. However, land-use planning and zoning exercises in the Congo Basin so far have been centered on the forestry sector and have had limited impact on development policies in other sectors.

APPROACH

The development objective of this activity is to come up with innovative cross-sectoral methodologies and stakeholder processes that inform the decision-making process on large mining and associated infrastructure developments, enabling decision makers to reduce forest loss and the resulting negative environmental and social impacts. Activities included:

1. Lessons learned from relevant initiatives; and
2. Participatory land-use planning. The team conducted a land-use planning and road map exercise, and developed sector-specific recommendations for the Republic of Congo (ROC).

RESULTS

This activity led to the development of an informed process – applicable at both the national and sub-national level -  for how the Government of ROC can move forward on land use planning. The activity stressed the significance of inclusive and participatory methods, as well a mechanism for settling disputes, and a process that works across sectors. The introduction of spatial analysis tools enabled government authorities to (i) develop a clearer understanding of how they can pull together information related to competing interests, such as economic development and social and environmental impacts; and (2) advance practices that can help harmonize development initiatives, even if it is not possible to resolve every conflict.

The ROC Ministry of Land Use Planning and Public Works led much of the exercise, which was also supported by the World Resources Institute. While there is still implementation work to be done, investments in the forest, agriculture and mining sectors have sought out how to incorporate the practices, tools and processes that were highlighted in this activity. There has also been greater coordination the different sectoral ministries. Results from this activity will also inform ongoing investments, including REDD+ activities under the Forest Investment Program (FIP), and were used in the preparation of the Congo Commercial Agriculture Development Project.

In addition, this activity helped to consolidate knowledge, best practices and tools on land use planning, and share them with multiple stakeholders in the Republic of Congo, including government ministries, NGOs, civil society organizations and indigenous peoples’ groups. Since participants from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are undergoing a similar process, they benefited from learning about the experience in ROC.  

For stories and updates on related activities, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to our mailing list for regular updates.

CHALLENGE

Deforestation in the Congo Basin is expected to increase significantly in the future as investment in productive sectors grows. Thus, it will be essential to assist Congo Basin countries in ensuring that forestland development is planned and implemented in such a way as to avoid, minimize and/or offset unnecessary economic losses and social hardship and to draw optimal benefits from sustainable forest resource use. In 2013, the World Bank published a study on “Deforestation Trends in the Congo Basin – Reconciling Economic Growth and Forest Protection,” with support from PROFOR. One of the sectors covered by the study was the mining sector.

Early planning for the development of mineral resources, including the associated infrastructure (roads, railroads and energy, in particular) may help to reduce future impact, create development benefits at the local level, and enhance the sustainability of mining-driven development. However, land-use planning and zoning exercises in the Congo Basin so far have been centered on the forestry sector and have had limited impact on development policies in other sectors.

APPROACH

The development objective of this activity is to come up with innovative cross-sectoral methodologies and stakeholder processes that inform the decision-making process on large mining and associated infrastructure developments, enabling decision makers to reduce forest loss and the resulting negative environmental and social impacts. Activities included:

1. Lessons learned from relevant initiatives; and
2. Participatory land-use planning. The team conducted a land-use planning and road map exercise, and developed sector-specific recommendations for the Republic of Congo (ROC).

RESULTS

This activity led to the development of an informed process – applicable at both the national and sub-national level -  for how the Government of ROC can move forward on land use planning. The activity stressed the significance of inclusive and participatory methods, as well a mechanism for settling disputes, and a process that works across sectors. The introduction of spatial analysis tools enabled government authorities to (i) develop a clearer understanding of how they can pull together information related to competing interests, such as economic development and social and environmental impacts; and (2) advance practices that can help harmonize development initiatives, even if it is not possible to resolve every conflict.

The ROC Ministry of Land Use Planning and Public Works led much of the exercise, which was also supported by the World Resources Institute. While there is still implementation work to be done, investments in the forest, agriculture and mining sectors have sought out how to incorporate the practices, tools and processes that were highlighted in this activity. There has also been greater coordination the different sectoral ministries. Results from this activity will also inform ongoing investments, including REDD+ activities under the Forest Investment Program (FIP), and were used in the preparation of the Congo Commercial Agriculture Development Project.

In addition, this activity helped to consolidate knowledge, best practices and tools on land use planning, and share them with multiple stakeholders in the Republic of Congo, including government ministries, NGOs, civil society organizations and indigenous peoples’ groups. Since participants from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are undergoing a similar process, they benefited from learning about the experience in ROC.  

For stories and updates on related activities, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to our mailing list for regular updates.

CHALLENGE

Deforestation in the Congo Basin is expected to increase significantly in the future as investment in productive sectors grows. Thus, it will be essential to assist Congo Basin countries in ensuring that forestland development is planned and implemented in such a way as to avoid, minimize and/or offset unnecessary economic losses and social hardship and to draw optimal benefits from sustainable forest resource use. In 2013, the World Bank published a study on “Deforestation Trends in the Congo Basin – Reconciling Economic Growth and Forest Protection,” with support from PROFOR. One of the sectors covered by the study was the mining sector.

Early planning for the development of mineral resources, including the associated infrastructure (roads, railroads and energy, in particular) may help to reduce future impact, create development benefits at the local level, and enhance the sustainability of mining-driven development. However, land-use planning and zoning exercises in the Congo Basin so far have been centered on the forestry sector and have had limited impact on development policies in other sectors.

APPROACH

The development objective of this activity is to come up with innovative cross-sectoral methodologies and stakeholder processes that inform the decision-making process on large mining and associated infrastructure developments, enabling decision makers to reduce forest loss and the resulting negative environmental and social impacts. Activities included:

1. Lessons learned from relevant initiatives; and
2. Participatory land-use planning. The team conducted a land-use planning and road map exercise, and developed sector-specific recommendations for the Republic of Congo (ROC).

RESULTS

This activity led to the development of an informed process – applicable at both the national and sub-national level -  for how the Government of ROC can move forward on land use planning. The activity stressed the significance of inclusive and participatory methods, as well a mechanism for settling disputes, and a process that works across sectors. The introduction of spatial analysis tools enabled government authorities to (i) develop a clearer understanding of how they can pull together information related to competing interests, such as economic development and social and environmental impacts; and (2) advance practices that can help harmonize development initiatives, even if it is not possible to resolve every conflict.

The ROC Ministry of Land Use Planning and Public Works led much of the exercise, which was also supported by the World Resources Institute. While there is still implementation work to be done, investments in the forest, agriculture and mining sectors have sought out how to incorporate the practices, tools and processes that were highlighted in this activity. There has also been greater coordination the different sectoral ministries. Results from this activity will also inform ongoing investments, including REDD+ activities under the Forest Investment Program (FIP), and were used in the preparation of the Congo Commercial Agriculture Development Project.

In addition, this activity helped to consolidate knowledge, best practices and tools on land use planning, and share them with multiple stakeholders in the Republic of Congo, including government ministries, NGOs, civil society organizations and indigenous peoples’ groups. Since participants from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are undergoing a similar process, they benefited from learning about the experience in ROC.  

For stories and updates on related activities, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to our mailing list for regular updates.

CHALLENGE

Deforestation in the Congo Basin is expected to increase significantly in the future as investment in productive sectors grows. Thus, it will be essential to assist Congo Basin countries in ensuring that forestland development is planned and implemented in such a way as to avoid, minimize and/or offset unnecessary economic losses and social hardship and to draw optimal benefits from sustainable forest resource use. In 2013, the World Bank published a study on “Deforestation Trends in the Congo Basin – Reconciling Economic Growth and Forest Protection,” with support from PROFOR. One of the sectors covered by the study was the mining sector.

Early planning for the development of mineral resources, including the associated infrastructure (roads, railroads and energy, in particular) may help to reduce future impact, create development benefits at the local level, and enhance the sustainability of mining-driven development. However, land-use planning and zoning exercises in the Congo Basin so far have been centered on the forestry sector and have had limited impact on development policies in other sectors.

APPROACH

The development objective of this activity is to come up with innovative cross-sectoral methodologies and stakeholder processes that inform the decision-making process on large mining and associated infrastructure developments, enabling decision makers to reduce forest loss and the resulting negative environmental and social impacts. Activities included:

1. Lessons learned from relevant initiatives; and
2. Participatory land-use planning. The team conducted a land-use planning and road map exercise, and developed sector-specific recommendations for the Republic of Congo (ROC).

RESULTS

This activity led to the development of an informed process – applicable at both the national and sub-national level -  for how the Government of ROC can move forward on land use planning. The activity stressed the significance of inclusive and participatory methods, as well a mechanism for settling disputes, and a process that works across sectors. The introduction of spatial analysis tools enabled government authorities to (i) develop a clearer understanding of how they can pull together information related to competing interests, such as economic development and social and environmental impacts; and (2) advance practices that can help harmonize development initiatives, even if it is not possible to resolve every conflict.

The ROC Ministry of Land Use Planning and Public Works led much of the exercise, which was also supported by the World Resources Institute. While there is still implementation work to be done, investments in the forest, agriculture and mining sectors have sought out how to incorporate the practices, tools and processes that were highlighted in this activity. There has also been greater coordination the different sectoral ministries. Results from this activity will also inform ongoing investments, including REDD+ activities under the Forest Investment Program (FIP), and were used in the preparation of the Congo Commercial Agriculture Development Project.

In addition, this activity helped to consolidate knowledge, best practices and tools on land use planning, and share them with multiple stakeholders in the Republic of Congo, including government ministries, NGOs, civil society organizations and indigenous peoples’ groups. Since participants from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are undergoing a similar process, they benefited from learning about the experience in ROC.  

For stories and updates on related activities, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe to our mailing list for regular updates.