1. Identifiers:
Project Number: / CO-GM-PO66750
Project Name: / Conservation and Sustainable Development of the MatavenForest
Duration: / 3 years
Implementing Agency: / World Bank
Executing Agency: / ETNOLLANO
Requesting Country or Countries: / Colombia
Eligibility: / Colombia ratified the CBD on 24 November 1994 in national law 165 of 1994
GEF Focal Area: / Biodiversity
GEF Programming Framework: / Forest Ecosystems (OP 3)
2. Summary:
The objective of the project is to support the indigenous communities of the MatavénForest to plan the management and conservation of its biodiversity in a sustainable way, thereby contributing to an improvement in the quality of life and the preservation of their natural and cultural heritage.
3. Costs and Financing:
Preparation:
GEF Block A:
Co-financing:
Total Preparation
Implementation:
GEF MSP:
Co-financing
TOTAL Implementation
TOTAL GEF (PDF+MSP) / US$
25,000
9,700
34,700
725,000
641,000
1,366,000
750,000
4. Operational Focal Point endorsement:
Name: Mr. Juan Mayr
Organization: Ministry of the Environment
Name: Mr. Juan Mayr
Organization: Ministry of the Environment / Title: Minister
Date: 29 June1999
Title: Minister
Date: 13 June2000
6. IA Contact: / Christine Kimes, Global Environment Coordinator
Latin America and the Caribbean
Tel. 202-473-3689, Fax 202-614-0087
Internet:
1
Colombia: Conservation and Sustainable Development of the Matavén Forest
GLOBAL
ENVIRONMENT
FACILITY
COLOMBIA
Conservation and Sustainable Development of the MatavenForest
GEF Medium-Sized Project
Project Brief
146NovemberJune 2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of acronyms used in the project
1. Project Summary
2. Project Description
Maps: Indigenous Resguardos
Project Areas
ANNEXES:
Annex 1. Detailed Information on Resguardos
Annex 2. Colombia GEF Portfolio
Annex 3 . References
Acronyms
AECIAgencia Española de Cooperación Internacional
ASPRISOMAsociación de Promotores Indígenas de Salud del Orinoco Medio
CBDConvention on Biological Diversity
CESIPCentro de Salud Indígena Piapoco
COAMAConsolidación de la Región Amazónica (Programa)
COPRISComité de Promotores Indígenas de Salud de Santa Rita
ETNOLLANOFundación para el Etnodesarrollo de los Llanos Orientales de Colombia
GEFGlobal Environment Facility
INCORAInstituto Colombiano de la Reforma Agraria
IUCNInternational Union for the Conservation of Nature
MSPMedium-Sized Project
OPROSRIVIMOrganización de Promotores de Salud Rural Indígena del Vichada Medio
PNDAPlan Nacional de Desarrollo Alternativo de la Presidencia de la República
UAESPNNUnidad Administrativa Especial del Sistema de Parques Nacionales Naturales
UICNUnión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza
PROJECT SUMMARY
PROJECT IDENTIFIERS1. Project Name
Conservation and Sustainable Development of the MatavénForest / 2. GEF Implementing Agency
The World Bank
3. Country in which the project is being implemented
Colombia / 4. Country Eligibility
Convention on Biological Diversity (ratified: November 28, 1994).
5. GEF Focal Area
Biodiversity / 6. Operational Program/Short-term Measure
Operational Programme No.3 - Forest ecosystems
7. Project linkage to national priorities, action plans, and programs
The project contributes to the development of the National Biodiversity Policy, Strategy and Action Plan, as proposed by the Colombian Government: it seeks alternatives that will halt the further deterioration of biodiversity, through the strengthening of traditional indigenous knowledge and the promotion of systems for the sustainable use of the environment. The National Biodiversity Policy (1996) and proposed Strategy and Action Plan[1] (1998) concentrate on three lines of action: conservation, equitable and sustainable use, and improved knowledge. In the National Biodiversity Report[2] (1998), the Orinoquian and Amazonian regions are identified as leading regional priorities in terms of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. The project is also consistent with the Land Use Planning, and with local government development plans (municipal and departmental), within which the Matavén Forest region is included as a zone destined for biodiversity conservation.
The reality in Latin America is that protected areas, although they serve an important function for ‘in situ’ conservation for natural resources, need to fulfill a social function and respond to the needs and rights of local (mainly indigenous and peasant) populations.
The Colombian Government following the reccomendation of the 1st Latin American Congress on National Parks and Other Protected Areas - Santa Marta, Colombia ( May 1997), started to work on the creation of a new category of protected areas : indigenous natural parks. The Environment Ministry is supportive of resguardos and other indigenous territories as an appropriate means for biodiversity protection.
The project is also consistent with the current Government Policy for the development of a system of regional protected areas, based on social participation for biodiversity conservation (UAESPNN, 1999). In addition, there is new legislation for the development of the private and/or collectively-owned protected areas ( Nov. 1999). The reality in Latin America is that protected areas, although they serve an important function for “in situ” conservation for natural resources, need to fulfill a social function and respond to the needs and rights of local (mainly indigenous and peasant) populations.
8. GEF National Operational Focal Point and Date of Country Endorsement
Block A: The project was given the official support of the Ministry of the Environment of Colombia. Correspondence from Mr. Juan Mayr Maldonado, Minister of Environment, to Ms. Christine Kimes, 13 June 19992000.
MSP Brief: pendingThe project was endorsed by the Ministry of the Environment of Colombia. Correspondence from Mr. Juan Mayr Maldonado, Minister of the Environment, to Ms. Christine Kimes, 13 Jjune 2000.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
9. Project Rationale and Objectives
The rationale for the project is the conservation of biodiversity in the Matavén Forest, based on the inter-relationship between health, nutrition and the environment, and on the strengthening of indigenous communities, their knowledge and techniques for natural resource management.
The objective of the project is to support the indigenous communities of the Matavén Forest to plan the management and conserveation ofthe area’s its biodiversity in a sustainable way, thereby contributing to an improvement in quality of life and the preservation of their natural and cultural heritage..
The rationale for the project is that conservation and sustainable use of the environment based on the inter-relationship between health, nutrition and the environment can be profitable for the local communities and constitutes the only alternative to an extractivist economy that assures the future of the local population, its health and well-being and the protection of the biodiversity in the Matavén Forest. / Indicators
• Effective management in at least 50% of the Matavén Forest, by indigenous communities with conservation criteria.
• Ecological and cultural description and zoning of the central Matavén region, (“Corazon de la salud” -Heart of Health).
• Management Plans of this central region, in co-ordination and agreement with the traditional indigenous authorities.
• Management plans for at least 75% of the sixteen (16) indigenous resguardosestablished around the Central Mataven Forest, in co-ordination and agreement with traditional authorities and local leaders.
10. Project Outcomes
1. Ecological, socio-economic and cultural information, relevant to the land use plans; compiled by the indigenous communities and presented in an accessible and useable (educational) format.
2. Ecological zoning and environmental managementLand UsePplans for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the central zone and the resguardos, designed in consensus with the indigenous authorities and implemented with the active participation of the communities.
3. Local leaders trained in technical and legal aspects of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, to management the resguardos and the central conservation zone of the sustainable use of biodiversity.
4. Local initiatives for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, identified and being implemented. / Indicators
1.1 Description of ecosystems, with partial inventories of their natural resources.
1.2 Cartographic survey of the toponomy, for at least twelve (12) of the sixteen (16) indigenous resguardos.
1.3 Maps of land use, sacred and historical areas in the Matavén Forest, in accordance with the perspective of the local indigenous cultures.
1.4 An educational set about the region and its characteristics (with posters, booklets and maps), for use in the community schools.
2.1 Indigenous participation in the ecological zoning and leadership in the design of the environmental management plans.
2.21 Documents and maps of the zoning and environmental management plans, for at least twelve (12) of the sixteen (16) indigenous resguardos.
2.32 Indigenous participation leadership in the management of the central zone of Matavén (# of indigenous leaders part of the Mataven Natural Area Management Committee).
3.1 Twenty-four (24) local leaders trained in these themes (six (6) in each zone).
3.2 Increased capacity of four (4) organisations of indigenous health promotors,.
3.3 Increased capacity of an association of cabildos and traditional indigenous authorities (AATIs) of the Matavén Forest, or other type of organisation, which is considered appropriate by the 16 resguardos, for the management of the central conservation zone.
4.1 Identification of four lines of productive activities (one in each zone).
4.2 Twelve (12) community grassroots associations implementing their own sustainable productive microprojects.
5. Matavén Forest positioned nationally and internationally as a special protected area under indigenous management. / 5.1 Mention of Matavén as a conservation area, within the Municipal Land Use Plansg, and the Departmental Development Plans.
5.2 Reference to Matavén in national and international publications.
11. Planned Activities to Achieve Outcomes
1. Increase the collection and systematization of ecological, socio-economic and cultural information about the region, through participatory research currently being carried out with participation from local indigenous communities.
2. Suport the inter-cultural dialogue, as the focal point of a process of training, education and communication, based on the relationship between health, nutrition and biodiversity conservation, for the management plans of the central zone and the surrounding resguardos.
3. Strengthen the associations and organisations of indigenous leaders, promotors, and teachers, of the Matavén Forest.
4. Develop local initiatives for the sustainable use of biodiversity.
5.Strengthen the institutional and operative capacity of Etnollano Foundation for the project management, and support inter-institutional co-ordination within the framework of the COAMA Programme, as articulated in processes. / Indicators
1.1 Twelve (12) participatory and multi-cultural reconnaissance trips to the central zone of Matavén.
1.2 Detailed cartographic survey of the indigenous territorial perception of the region (6 maps): to include geographical toponomy, and places of historical or sacred significance in the memory of the different ethnic groups.
1.3 Compilation of traditional knowledge and techniques for the management of territory and its natural resources: an educational monography.
1.4 Description of the five (5) different landscapes present in Matavén.
2.1 Educational materials on the Matavén Forest: 17 maps, 4 leaflets, 4 booklets, 8 posters.
2.2 Four (4) exchange visits, between leaders of different ethnic groups in the Matavén Forest, to raise awareness about the ecological unity and shared problems of the region.
2.3 Three (3) publications for a wider audience: 1 book, 1 multi-media, 1 web-site.
3.1 Six (6) training events on legal and technical aspects of sustainable use of biodiversity for leaders of the organisations of indigenous promotors.
3.2 Three (3) visits by indigenous leaders from Matavén to other protected areas, for the exchange of experiences.
4.1 Four (4) community meetings for the analysis of regional and local problems, and the search for sustainable development alternatives.
4.2 Twelve (12) productive microprojects, identified and in operation.
5.1 Upgrading of the accounting systems of the Etnollano Foundation.
5.2 Strengthening of capacity in editing, media and communication channels.
5.3 Strengthening of COAMA as a network of NGOs.
12. Estimated Budget (in US dollars)
Preparation:
Block A (GEF): $25,000
Co-financing: $9,700
Total Preparation $34,700
Implementation:
GEF: $725,000
Co-financing: $581641,000
Total Implementation $1,3066,000
INFORMATION ON INSTITUTION SUBMITING PROJECT BRIEF
13. Information on Project ProposerEtnollano is a Colombian NGO with fifteen years of experience working with indigenous communities and organisations in the resguardos around the Matavén Forest. The focus has been on adapting government policies and programmes to the situation and culture of the region, and supporting local experiences in health, education and sustainable development.
Etnollano is a private, non-profit organization, with no political or religious affiliation of any kind, established in 1984 and duly accepted by the Colombian government by Act No. 2287 of the Justice Department, dated September 27, 1985. According to its bylaws the Foundation's mission is to promote and improve communities' quality of life by applying scientific research to designing, adapting, implementing and evaluating programs in the areas of health, education and social and economic improvement that can strengthen the cultural assets of those communities and promote their independent and sustainable development in favor of biodiversity conservation.
Through its 15 years of activities, the Foundation has expanded its actions to different areas of Colombia, particularly to the Amazon and the Caribbean regions. Its work has focused in training community leaders by means of a method based on participative research.
Etnollano, with the support of different organizations, has developed projects in the areas of environmental health, bilingual education, the recovery of indigenous food, strengthening of organization structures, tourist management from within the communities, promotion of traditional crafts and search of other sustainable alternatives for biodiversity conservation. All of these projects are fully documented in many publications, radio programs, and videos and project reports.
14. Information on executing agency (if different from above): Same as above
15. Date of initial submission of project concept: 29 June 1999
INFORMATION TO BE COMPLETED BY IMPLEMENTING AGENCY
16. Project identification number: PO6675017. Implementing Agency contact person:
Christine Kimes Juan Pablo Ruiz
Global Environment Coordinator, LCR Task Manager
1818 H St, NW Diagonal 35, No. 5-98
Washington, DC Bogotá, DC, Colombia
(tel) 202-473-3589 (tel) (571) 320-3577
Paola Agostini
Natural Resources Economist
World Bank/FAO
(tel) (3906) 570-54325
18. Project linkage to Implementing Agency program(s)
The project is consistent with the Country Assistence Strategy of the World Bank Group for Colombia, which identifies the protection and the conservation of the environment together with macroeconomic stability as the essential elements to ensure sustainable development. In particular it identifies that special attention should be paid to (i) enhance capacity of environmental management autorities (indigenous people within them) and seek opportunities for partnership with other government agencies and the private sector, NGOs, and academia: and (ii) promote economic opportunities for the less-favored sectors of the population through environmentally sustainable activities.
The Bank has been financing Natural Resources Management Program, through the loan WB/3692-CO, including demarcation of indigenous territories, as well as supporting the National Parks System in the Choco Region (1993-2000).
The WB country's current GEF portfolio falls within the biodiversity thematic area and includes initiatives under three different Operational Programs (#2, #3, #4, #12) and the crosscutting issues of Land Degradation and Watershed Management. GEF resources are critical for supporting the global incremental costs of biodiversity conservation and for providing a platform for strengthening national coordination in the sector, as a complement to regional action at the field level.
The natural resources and GEF portfolio projects share the same vision and strategy whose main characteristics are:- 1) the conservation of biodiversity of global importance, through the sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources; 2) the identification and removal of barriers for Sustainable Production Systems, as part of the strategy to prevent biodiversity loss; 3) the participation of the local communities, and civil society in the definition and execution of the conservation strategy; 4) the identification and implementation of a broad range of protected area management categories for a more comprehensive conservation strategy; and 5) decentralized environmental management at the regional and local level, as a necessary factor for the success of any biodiversity conservation strategy.
The WB’s Colombian GEF biodiversity portfolio comprises seven projects that are under implementation (2), and preparation (5). A summary of project partners, objectives, and status is described below.
1. Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in the Western Slope of the Serranía del Baudó (Choco) –Medium Sized GEF .Executing Agency: Foundation Natura Colombia. The objective of this MSP is the development of a strategy for the sustainable use of biodiversity in the western slope of the Serranía del Baudó and the marine resources of its coastal area (Choco- Pacific Coast) in a joint effort between governmental institutions and civil society, designed to benefit local communities, within OP#2, Coastal, Marine, and Freshwater Ecosystems) and OP#3, Forests (GEF Approval April 1999; WB Approval June 1999; project start up September 1999).
2. . Caribbean Archipelago Biosphere Reserve: Regional Marine Protected Area System –Medium Sized GEF. Executing Agency: CORALINA. The objective of the project is to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable use of coastal and marine resources in the Archipelago, while enhancing equitable benefit distribution for the community, within OP#2, Coastal, Marine, and Freshwater Ecosystems (GEF-Council approval, May 2000; WB Approval June 2000; Project start up September 2000).
3. Conservation of Biodiversity in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – Full Size GEF. Executing Agency: Fundación Prosierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The objective of this project is to conserve, restore and promote sustainable use of the mosaic of tropical ecosystems in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, within OP #4, Mountain Ecosystems, and OP# 3, Forests (GEF-Council approval, Dic 1999).
4. Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the Andes region. – Full Size GEF –. Executing Agency: Institute von Humboldt. The project's development objective is to increase conservation, knowledge, and sustainable use of globally important biodiversity in the Colombian Andes, within OP #4, Mountain Ecosystems, and OP# 3, Forests (GEF-Council approval, May 2000).
5.Community Based Management for the Naya Conservation (Choco)–Medium Sized GEF –Executing Agency: Foundation Proselva, CIPAV and Asociación de Cabildos del Cauca. The objective of this project is to develop and implement a community-based biodiversity management and monitoring plan, endorsed by local communities and government, to be the long term guide for future development in the Naya river basin of the Choco region, within OP#3, Forests, and OP#4, Mountain Ecosystems (Block A granted).
6. Regional (Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia) Integrated Silvo-Pastoral Approaches to Ecosystem Management – Full Size GEF – Executing Agency: Nitlapan (Nicaragua), Catie (Costa Rica), CIPAV (Colombia). The objective of this project is to improve ecosystems functioning in three countries through the development of intensified silvopastoral systems that provide global ecological services and local socio-economic benefits, within OP#12. In Colombia, the area selected for the project is a corridor in departments of Quindío and Valle del Cauca which connects the protected areas of Las Hermosas, Los Nevados and Tatamá Natural Parks (Project Concept Approved for GEF Pipeline Entry, October 2000 – Block B request Submitted).