Co-management of Protected Areas in Nicaragua
Case Study C0157
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| Date | May 2002 |
| Agency | Ministerio del Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (MARENA), Nicaragua and USAID |
| Donor/support agency | Associates in Rural Development (ARD) Inc. US Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Nicaragua |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/landscape |
| Development focus | Local communities |
| Conservation goals | Protect biodiversity in priority protected areas in Nicaragua |
| Poverty reduction goals | Develop sustainable economic activities for communities living within and around protected areas |
Summary
The project 'Co-management of Protected Areas in Nicaragua (COMAP)' focuses on strengthening the capacity of local NGOs to co-manage selected priority protected areas in coordination with Nicaragua's Environment and Natural Resources Ministry (MARENA). COMAP provides local NGOs with financing for co-management of six priority protected areas and for developing sustainable economic activities in nearby communities, which in some way exert pressure on the sustainability of natural resources within and around the protected areas. One of the main activities to be promoted with project support is ecotourism. In addition, support is provided to MARENA to strengthen the national system of protected areas, in its dual role of accompanying project development and regulating and setting norms within the framework of co-managing protected areas. An agreement between the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and MARENA provides support to eight protected areas. Associates in Rural Development (ARD), was hired by USAID to implement this co-management component.
Conservation impact
Six protected areas are being co-managed with an equal number of national NGOs.
Poverty reduction impact
Family- or community-run small businesses, which are environmentally sustainable, are being developed. Communities, local/municipal authorities, and landowners are now much more involved in the co-management of protected areas, and as a consequence two local co-management committees have been formed for protection and control.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Enabling local participation in policy-/decision- making processes
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Reference 1
http://www.eco-index.org/search/results.cfm?projectID=279
Reference 2
http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/programs/neocomm/newsletter/2002/may02-1.html
More information
Carlos A. Rivas A. and Fernando Palacios, Project directors
Phone: +505 263 2622
E-mail: ard@ibw.com.ni
Related records above this one:
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID) (Organisation O0100)