Thematic Guidelines

on

Nature Conservation

Main Text

October 2003

Japan International Cooperation Agency

Table of Contents

1. Present State of the Natural Environment ................................................................. 1

2. What Does Nature Conservation Mean? ................................................................... 1

3. The Significance and Philosophy of JICA Cooperation ............................................. 2

4. Strategies for Nature Conservation Cooperation ....................................................... 3

4.1 Underlying Concept ........................................................................................... 3

4.2 Development Objectives for Nature Conservation............................................. 5

5. Capacity Development based on the Relationship between the Natural Environment

and Society................................................................................................................ 7

6. Priority Areas for Nature Conservation Cooperation.................................................. 8

7. Project Identification and Formulation Methods for Nature Conservation Cooperation

................................................................................................................................ 10

7.1 Understanding the Actual State of the Natural Environment ........................... 10

7.2 Combining Capacity Development Measures to Achieve Specific Results ..... 11

7.3 Matrix for Project Identification and Formulation ............................................. 11

8. Considerations for Implementing Nature Conservation Cooperation....................... 19

Prologue

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) implements cooperation schemes for sustainable development that support environmental conservation and development in tandem. Nature conservation constitutes a major part of the environmental sector, and JICA has made various efforts to develop effective assistance measures in this field. The “Study on Assistance for Biodiversity Conservation (July 1995)” was conducted with the objective of presenting a basic direction for technical cooperation that should be extended to developing countries in order to maintain and perpetuate global biodiversity. It also aimed to clarify matters that require careful consideration when implementing technical cooperation. The “Guidebook for Project Identification and Formulation, Project-type Technical Cooperation on Natural Environment Conservation (January 2000)” compiled methods for identifying and formulating projects in the field of nature conservation. Most recently, the “Development of Cooperation Schemes and Methodology in the Forestry Field (April 2003)” was prepared based on analyses of business strategies and policies advocated by relevant organizations in their efforts to address forestry issues, and contains issues and considerations for providing cooperation in the forestry field.

However, cooperation for nature conservation has not only become more wide-ranging than

ever before in terms of its demand, implementation methods, and evaluation, but it has become technically more complex. Furthermore, we are seeing a shift in cooperation methods from the conventional scheme-type cooperation to program-type cooperation. In this context, it is necessary for JICA to systematically review the experiences and knowledge it has accumulated over the years regarding major development issues to further raise the efficiency and effectiveness of its activities and to improve the feasibility of its country-specific project implementation plans. Furthermore, JICA is expected to clarify its fundamental policies regarding these priority issues. Based on this understanding, JICA has set out to define its policies for activities in the field of nature conservation and to present considerations for project formulation as a sector development strategy for nature conservation.

This sector development strategy for nature conservation first determines what capacity development measures are needed in developing countries and which of these require JICA assistance, and re-categorizes JICA’s assistance strategies in terms of their impact on both the natural environment and society. It also presents important points that must be considered when implementing cooperation activities for nature conservation. In regard to the methods and matrix of project identification and formulation, it provides a point of view for considering capacity development measures based on the actual situation in developing countries and for

establishing specific capacity development activities. Finally, it contains cross-sectoral matters related to the implementation of nature conservation cooperation.

From the above perspectives, this sector development strategy was created with the objective

of helping project stakeholders to select appropriate cooperation frameworks and address environmental issues more effectively, efficiently, and easily, by providing a clear understanding of the actual state of the natural environment and measures required for its conservation.

Development issues are apt to keep changing, as are assistance trends and approaches, and

with these changes and new developments will arise the need to revise the contents of this sector development strategy. In order for it to be more effective, it is important that we receive your frank input when you feel certain aspects of this sector development strategy need to be revised in connection to changes in on-site situations or in the process of plan formulation. We ask for your kind understanding and cooperation in this matter.

For the compilation of this sector development strategy, a team was formed and headed by Mr.

Takahisa Kusano who is presently Chief Advisor to the Borneo Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation Program in Malaysia (ex-Director of Planning Division, Forestry and Natural Environment Cooperation Department). It was succeeded and completed by Mr. Kazuo Sudo, the present Director of the said division. During the examination stage, we received considerable assistance from many people inside and outside of JICA. We would like to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to the efforts of all those who have cooperated in preparing this sector development strategy. It is our sincere hope that this sector development strategy will form the cornerstone for strengthening sectoral cooperation strategies.

October 30, 2003 Kazuo Sudo Director of Planning Division, Forestry and Natural Environment Department Leader of Nature Conservation Team

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1. Present State of the Natural Environment

Mankind has been blessed with forests, lakes, and rivers, and receives the bounty of the natural

environment. It has depended on and shaped that natural environment to develop diverse societies.

However, advances in technology and social systems and the increase in population have intensified

human utilization of the natural environment to the point where the impact on the ecosystem is

tremendous.

The expansion of human societies has so far caused such global-scale environmental problems as

forest depletion, desertification, global warming, and loss of biodiversity. During the decade between

1990 and 2000, tropical forests have shrunk at a rate of 14,200,000 hectares a year (almost 40% of

Japan’s total land area). In recent years, economic globalization and changes in consumption patterns

in developed countries are exacerbating large-scale and rapid environmental destruction as well as

the concentrated and exploitative utilization of natural resources. In developing countries, the

overuse of resources for people’s daily needs in many local communities is threatening the existence

of the healthy natural environment that is the very basis of their survival. The degradation of the

natural environment may destroy the foundation for survival of future generations and reduce the

potential development of human society. Moreover, combined with poverty, starvation, and

population growth, it is becoming the cause of grave societal problems such as regional conflicts.

Today, humanity faces the urgent need to rethink its relationship with the natural environment, and

to work toward the formation and development of a society in harmony with the environment. Given

the advancement of globalization, nature conservation is now a global-scale issue contributing not

only to the further growth of developed countries, but also to halting the vicious cycle of

environmental degradation and poverty in developing countries, and to contributing to the

development of healthy local communities. International cooperation for nature conservation is thus

an important issue related to the security of humankind today.

2. What Does Nature Conservation Mean?

Japan’s Natural Environment Conservation Law recognizes that “nature not only has a role in

providing resources for economic activities, but that nature in and of itself is an essential element for

the enrichment of human life.” In addition to its being a source of natural resources, the natural

environment helps maintain the cycle of physical matter such as air and water, and cultivates culture

and tradition. In other words, it forms the foundation of people’s lives in diverse ways. Thus, nature

conservation means sustaining it and working to achieve harmony between the natural environment

and human activities from a cross-sectoral approach that take into account the wide range of human

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economic activities (not only in the primary industries, but in the energy industry and in the areas of

trade and investment). This involves improving people’s capacity to understand the natural

environment and to properly utilize and conserve natural resources.

Among the various components of the natural environment, forests are especially important in

terms of their impact on the global environment, not to mention their value and potential as natural

resources. They have many functions, including the function to provide timber and other useful

materials, functions related to sustaining the environment, such as soil and wildlife conservation,

cultivation of water sources, and absorption of carbon dioxide, and functions for protecting the

landscape and culture. Yet, particularly in developing countries, forests have long been regarded

primarily as a source of timber and as land needed for large-scale agricultural development. They are

being destroyed on a massive scale with unabated speed, and are in serious danger of disappearing.

Broadly speaking, nature conservation can be addressed by either global-scale initiatives or local

community-scale initiatives. Global-scale initiatives are those cooperative efforts made by various

countries to conserve the functions of the global ecosystem, such as the ratification of multilateral

agreements concerning nature conservation and the concerted efforts to implement them. Local

community-scale initiatives refer to the proper management of local natural resource utilization and

reproduction, and include maintenance of forest functions, prevention of soil erosion, and assistance

for local development that takes into consideration the environment of the area surrounding reserves.

By linking these global-scale initiatives with local community initiatives, it becomes possible to

sustain the global ecosystem and to secure the necessary resources for present and future generations

to lead a healthy life.

3. The Significance and Philosophy of JICA Cooperation

International consideration of development and the environment began with the discussion on

“environmentally sound development” at the United Nations Conference on the Human

Environment held in 1972. With respect to forests, the Tropical Forest Action Plan (TFAP) was

formulated soon after the depletion of tropical forests was statistically proven in the early 1980s, and

this was immediately followed by the conclusion of the International Tropical Timber Agreement

(ITTA) and the establishment of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). These

movements raised international interest concerning the depletion of tropical forests and its causes,

and prompted aid agencies to place greater importance on forestation cooperation. However, in the

final analysis, they have not been able to achieve adequate results in stopping the depletion of

tropical forests. Japan has been drastically increasing its import volume of timber since the 1960s,

making it one of the world’s largest timber importers today.

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To coincide with the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in 1992,

the Japanese government passed a Cabinet resolution on the ODA (Official Development Assistance)

Charter, which states, “Environmental conservation and development should be pursued in tandem”

as one of its four principles. In 1997, it announced the Initiatives for Sustainable Development

toward the 21st Century (ISD), and presented a proactive stance toward environmental cooperation,

upholding (1) global human security, (2) ownership, and (3) sustainable development as the basic

principles of environmental ODA. “Environmental sustainability” was also advocated in the

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) announced by the United Nations in 2001. Against this

background, the Japanese government presented the Environmental Conservation Initiative for

Sustainable Development (EcoISD) at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development. It

contained action plans for addressing (a) global warming, (b) pollution control, (c) fresh water issues,

and (d) conservation of the natural environment, based on five basic policies: (1) capacity

development in environment, (2) active integration of environmental considerations, (3) Japan’s

leading role, (4) cooperation under broad and comprehensive frameworks, and (5) application of

Japanese experience and scientific knowledge.

Cooperation for nature conservation through ODA involves efforts to find solutions to global

environment problems, which are issues confronting all of humanity. This cooperation also aims to

create sustainable societies in developing countries within the context of an international community

built on interdependence. It is the obligation of developed countries to initiate this cooperation, as

they consume a larger portion of the earth’s natural resources. Furthermore, efforts to give

consideration to ethnic minorities and the politically weak, and efforts to achieve harmony between

the livelihoods of local residents and the natural environment will break the vicious cycle of

environmental degradation and poverty, contribute greatly to the alleviation of poverty, and lead to

the preservation of culture and traditions. Based on an awareness of the importance of nature

conservation, it is essential that Japan actively promote nature conservation cooperation through

ODA.

4. Strategies for Nature Conservation Cooperation

4.1 Underlying Concept

The ultimate goal of JICA’s cooperation for nature conservation is to “to achieve harmony

between the natural environment and human activities.”

In order to sustain the natural environment and achieve harmony with human activities, it is

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necessary to understand the current state of the natural environment scientifically and empirically

(understanding), to establish technologies to halt the degradation of the natural environment and a

framework for utilizing those technologies (protecting), and to create societies capable of employing

them through sustainable methods (using). As regards understanding, it is important that capacity

development for research at the governmental level be combined with environmental education at

the private sector level and the citizen level. In terms of protecting, a political and institutional

framework for conservation must be established and appropriate conservation techniques be

developed to improve the capacities of implementing agencies. Finally, in regard to using, it is

essential to combine the development of relevant technologies with efforts to change user attitudes

and efforts to maintain the basis of their livelihoods.

From these perspectives, capacity development that is needed to achieve the ultimate goal can be

organized into six categories representing JICA’s strategies for nature conservation cooperation. Also,

because the natural environment is closely connected with a broad range of human activities and

livelihoods, it is important that each of these strategies contribute to capacity development from a

multi-sectoral standpoint. Furthermore, it is essential for all entities involved with the natural

environment—including the central government, local governments, the private sector, and local

communities—to develop capacities for conserving the natural environment.

Systematic framework of objectives Ultimate goal To achieve harmony between the natural environment and human

activities

◆To strengthen institutions and policies for nature conservation

◆To develop the operational and management capacities of implementing agencies of nature conservation ◆To raise awareness of nature conservation

◆To develop and disseminate technologies for nature conservation

◆To develop capacities for research and survey for nature conservation

Objectives

◆To keep a balance between nature conservation and local community development

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4.2 Development Objectives for Nature Conservation

(1) To strengthen institutions and policies for nature conservation

Create policies, legislations, and systems that will serve as the bases for activities relating to

nature conservation.

Review existing policies and systems so that they incorporate the concept that nature

conservation is indispensable to all economic and societal activities.

With respect to activities relating to nature conservation, develop systems that would increase

transparency to the general public and local residents, achieve accountability, and properly

reflect the views of the general public and local residents.

Improve the effectiveness of environmental impact assessment accompanying development

projects, and aim to prevent and control industrial and general pollution.

(2) To develop the operational and management capacities of implementing agencies of

nature conservation

Clarify the responsibilities of each governmental agency and strengthen overall coordination

functions. Establish the necessary organizations and institutions (departments, research

institutes, information centers) and work to secure a working budget.

Effectively utilize the human resources within the organizations, and establish and implement

a system for training the needed personnel from a long-term perspective.

Formulate conservation activity plans that clarify objectives and implementation procedures.

Implement the plans effectively using appropriate monitoring and evaluation methods, while

maintaining motivations for their implementation.

Promote coordination among governmental agencies, and between governmental agencies and

research institutes, NGOs, private companies, and local resident organizations. At the same

time, strengthen the support system for those organizations.

(3) To raise awareness of nature conservation

Through school education, increase opportunities for education and learning that will promote

an understanding of the relationship between the natural environment and human activities.

To promote a better understanding of the relationship between economic activities and the

natural environment, strengthen the implementation of adult education, public education

campaigns, corporate training, and information networks.

Prepare manuals and tutorials of educational and awareness-raising activities relating to nature

conservation, and promote the development of instructors.

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(4) To develop and disseminate technologies for nature conservation

Develop appropriate technologies in a wide range of fields that meet local and social

conditions, taking into consideration local operating costs and the maintenance and

management system.

Gather local traditional knowledge and information about successful cases in neighboring

countries, and use them to contribute to the development and dissemination of technologies.

Through training and practical work, foster the needed experts, engineers, and technology

disseminators, and assign them to organizations and departments where they are needed.

(5) To develop capacities for research and survey for nature conservation

Understand the relationship between the multiple functions of the ecosystem in the target area

and local residents from both the scientific and socioeconomic perspectives, and promote

nature conservation based on that understanding.

Promote the gathering and accumulation of information about the natural environment. At the

same time, build a system for disseminating this information widely, and support efforts to

apply it to concrete policies and activities.

To develop research capacities, support programs that help people acquire academic degrees

and programs for joint studies.

(6) To keep a balance between nature conservation and local community development

Promote activities that will help local residents understand the public-benefit functions of the

natural environment (cultivation of forests and water sources, natural disaster prevention, the

purifying functions of tidal flats, etc.) and realize the importance of conserving it.

Support efforts to promote nature conservation in conjunction with the economic self-reliance

of local communities by helping local residents improve their livelihoods and income through

the rational utilization of local natural resources and the land (agroforestry, tourism

development, etc.).

Encourage the participation of local residents beginning with the planning stage of activities

for nature conservation, so that all stages of the cooperation can be implemented through the

cooperative efforts and improved relationships of administrators, disseminators, local residents,

private initiatives, research institutes, and NGOs.

When promoting development projects such as for forest resources and tourism, provide

opportunities for local residents and the socially vulnerable to express their opinions, and

work to promote mutual understanding between project agencies and local residents.

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5. Capacity Development based on the Relationship between the Natural Environment and Society

Focusing on its relationship with society, natural environment requiring environmental

conservation can be classified into three situations which must be addressed by different capacity

development measures.

(1) Areas where degradation of the natural environment occurs as a result of local

residents’ utilization of natural resources

In the past, natural resources were utilized according to a certain set of rules, but the

increase in population and recent changes in lifestyles have disrupted the balance with the

natural environment.

The expansion of development activities by parties from outside the area has caused the

previous pattern of resource utilization to become unsustainable, and is posing a threat to

the livelihoods of the residents.

Local residents’ previous pattern of resource utilization has been restricted by the

establishment of reserves, and their livelihoods are being threatened.

Necessary capacity development measures

Support efforts that promote nature conservation in conjunction with economic self-reliance

by providing local residents with alternative means of sustenance.

Provide education on environmental issues and secure access to natural resources in order

to raise awareness of resource management among local management bodies.

Utilize and disseminate local traditional knowledge and systems to achieve the sustainable

utilization of resources.

(2) Areas where destruction of the natural environment occurs at a rapid pace due to

development activities lacking environmental considerations

The survival of local ecosystems is threatened by large-scale and sudden changes in the

natural environment.

Sustainable local development cannot be anticipated in the middle to long term due to

development methods lacking environmental considerations.

Large-scale or sudden changes and losses that may have a significant impact on the global

ecosystem, such as massive forest fires, are evident in the local ecosystem.

Necessary capacity development measures

Formulate comprehensive utilization and management plans for land and natural resources,

and take the necessary steps to implement the plans in order to prevent unregulated

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developments.

Conduct environmental impact assessment and appropriate impact studies when planning

development projects, and take the necessary measures as indicated by the results of the

assessment and studies.

Reflect the opinions of local residents in plans for natural resource utilization and

management by sharing information three ways, among developers, administration bodies,

and local residents.

(3) Areas where the rich natural environment remains, but with a serious risk of

destruction or degradation in the near future

A natural environment having a high level of biodiversity or scarcity at the ecosystem

level or at the species or genetic level remains as a heritage of mankind.

A natural environment remains that is widely recognized as having public-benefit

functions and worthy of conserving as a common asset of the local community.

Necessary capacity development measures

If the area has not already been designated as a reserve, develop a reserve system and

designate the area as such. If the area is a designated reserve, reinforce management

policies, systems, and the management framework, and train and develop the research

capacities of personnel responsible for the management of reserves.

Promote activities for protecting rare species by gathering and accumulating information

needed to protect them, and strengthen domestic and international networks for their

protection.

Implement measures for the development of capacities to cope with factors generating

concerns about the destruction and degradation of the natural environment in the near

future, such as the utilization of natural resources by local residents and the development

of surrounding regions, as mentioned in (1) and (2) above.

6. Priority Areas for Nature Conservation Cooperation

It is essential that JICA increase transparency of its projects, achieve accountability, and provide

effective cooperation for conserving the natural environment of developing countries in line with

Japan’s cooperation policies as provided in the ODA Charter and the EcoISD, as well as with such

international efforts for environmental conservation as the World Summit on Sustainable

Development (WSSD) and the formulation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In implementing its cooperation for nature conservation, JICA is expected to consider the

following points.

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(1) to improve the capacity of local residents to manage natural resources

Nature conservation requires a long-term perspective, so naturally, the local residents who are

most affected by those conservation activities over the long term are the ones who realize the true

significance of conservation. They are therefore expected to play their part in conserving the natural

environment. At the same, without their understanding and cooperation, conservation activities will

be subjected to various restraints. Thus, the traditional framework of nature conservation involving

the monitoring and management of forests and reserves by the government is gradually giving way

to one emphasizing the participation of local residents and management by their own hands. Given

this situation, JICA will cooperate in promoting “management of resources by local residents

(community)” with the objective of promoting nature conservation (natural resource management) in

conjunction with the improvement of people’s livelihoods.

In order to enable communities to manage natural resources on their own, it is essential to

establish a management system that is appropriate to each situation, and is based on an accurate

understanding not only of the actual state of the natural environment, but the social, economic, and

political circumstances of the local communities as well. In addition, while making efforts to raise

environmental awareness in local residents, technologies compatible with the environment must be

applied to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries to ensure the sustainable utilization of natural resources.

The effective implementation of nature conservation requires the strong leadership and

capabilities of the local government having authority of the project site. Especially in terms of the

recent trend toward decentralization in developing countries, project implementing agencies must

cooperate not only with local governmental agencies, but also with local autonomies, the local

residents, NGOs, and research institutes.

(2) To conserve areas and ecosystems with high biodiversity

Among the various components of the earth’s natural environment, areas that must be conserved

for future generations, such as coral reefs, tropical forests, mangrove forests and other types of

marshlands having an especially rich biodiversity, are gradually being identified through studies and

proposals presented by international bodies and NGOs. As part of its conservation efforts for these

areas, JICA will develop the infrastructure for gathering data on the natural environment, manage

national parks, and provide environmental education. When designating areas as conservation

reserves, thorough surveys of living species and ecosystems in the area must be conducted, and

appropriate management methods must be selected. If there are people living in the reserves or the

buffer zones, it is important to promote the proper management of those areas by improving local

residents’ livelihoods so that human beings and the natural environment can co-exist in harmony.

(3) To rehabilitate vegetation in degraded lands

When a forest is destroyed and is turned into grassland, it takes years for it to recover naturally.

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Forests are not only valuable as a natural resource, but they are multifunctional, and serve to

cultivate water sources and conserve soil. To restore vegetation and to prevent sediment discharge, it

is necessary to promote the afforestation of devastated lands in the upper basins of major rivers and

the greening of semi-arid regions, as well as to restrict fires and grazing in these areas. However,

their implementation and management are not always sufficient. JICA will support the establishment

of an implementation framework and will work to develop capacities for technologies and

management systems needed to restore vegetation in devastated lands.

7. Project Identification and Formulation Methods for Nature Conservation Cooperation

To formulate projects for nature conservation, the appropriate capacity development measures

contained in the six objectives must be incorporated in consideration of the actual state of the natural

environment and the causes of the problem. Fundamental approaches for selecting capacity

development measures are presented below.

7.1 Understanding the Actual State of the Natural Environment

The first step in addressing nature conservation is acquiring an understanding of various

phenomena, such as global warming, forest depletion, and loss of wildlife, that are rapidly emerging

as global environmental issues (see Fig. 1), and exploring relevant countermeasures. Or better yet, it

is to devise appropriate countermeasures for preventing the occurrence of environmental problems

that could affect the valuable ecosystem of the natural environment.

Environmental issues are usually brought about by the complex interrelationships in the

ecosystem, and they are greatly influenced by the interaction of human beings with the natural

environment. For this reason, the causes of environmental problems are often intricately related to

local residents’ utilization of the environment and development activities by external initiatives.

Furthermore, the causes and effects of environmental problems may sometimes be geographically

separated, as is the case where deterioration of a forest in the upper basins of a river adversely

affects areas downstream, or where urban demand for firewood accelerates forest depletion in rural

areas.

For the reasons described above, activities for nature conservation must be preceded by a precise

determination of what direct and indirect factors are causing the problem from the broad perspective

of the ecosystem and the natural cycle of physical matter.

7.2 Combining Capacity Development Measures to Achieve Specific Results

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When formulating cooperation projects for nature conservation, it is necessary to envision a

certain set of results within a limited timeframe, and to combine the necessary capacity development

measures to achieve those results. If there are multiple causes, there should also be multiple capacity

development measures to cope with them. What is important is for these capacity development

measures to have a direct bearing on solving the problem.

The duration of cooperation projects depends on what their goals are, and what kind of results is

expected from them. In most cases, it takes a long time for improvements to appear, because

deteriorations of the natural environment are often brought on by multiple factors. Thus, nature

conservation cooperation requires projects to be formulated as a comprehensive program with

long-term prospects linking together donors and NGOs, and to include support for the economic

activities of industries deeply connected to the local community and to the natural environment.

7.3 Matrix for Project Identification and Formulation

(1) Program selection

A matrix for selecting programs based on the project identification and formulation methods

described in paragraph 7 on “Project identification and formulation methods for nature conservation

cooperation” is shown in Figure 1. The vertical axis shows examples of target ecosystems, and the

horizontal axis shows activities that aim to develop capacities for nature conservation. Cooperation

programs are formulated by combining the activities shown in each cell along the vertical and

horizontal axes.

Figure 1 shows the Earth’s ecosystems comprehensively, and presents examples of environmental

problems in each ecosystem, although these issues differ with the situation in each country and

region. Necessary capacity development measures are to be selected after considering the current

state of ecosystems affected or at risk of being affected by environmental problems and determining

their causes.

The characteristics of programs formulated using this matrix are described below.

Programs aiming to develop capacities for conserving an entire ecosystem (A) These programs provide assistance primarily for the development of specific capacities for nature

conservation, and aim to create the capacities needed to deal with a variety of ecosystems and

environmental issues. They can be arranged with any cooperation that requires the qualitative

improvement of human beings and organizations. For example, they can help raise environmental

awareness in local residents and users of natural resources and promote the management capacity of

governmental agencies. They are especially effective when formulating projects that target

governmental agencies and research institutes.

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Programs that focus on environmental issues in a specific ecosystem (B) When projects are formulated with a focus on ecosystems, sometimes a single ecosystem such as a

forest or a lake is targeted for cooperation, and at other times, multiple ecosystems spanning a wide

area or even an entire country are targeted for cooperation. The target ecosystem is selected

according to the details of the environmental issue and the scale of cooperation. This approach is

important for the formulation of conservation programs targeting a specific area.

Programs aiming to develop specific conservation capacities in a given ecosystem (C) These cooperation programs focus on a particular ecosystem, and aim to develop specific

capacities for conservation. Where the target or goal is relatively simple, a program may constitute a

single project in and of itself. This approach is effective for the formulation of programs in which

local governments, NGOs, and local residents are the primary authorities.

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Method of project identification and formulation from the standpoint

of capacity development for environmental conservation

Examples of target ecosystems

Examples of target environmental issues

Strengthening institutions and policies for nature conservation

Developing the

operational and m

anagement capacities

of implem

enting agencies of nature conservation

Raising aw

areness of nature conservation

Developing and

disseminating

technologies for nature conservation

Developing capacities for

research and survey for nature conservation

Keeping a balance betw

een nature conservation and local com

munity developm

ent

Global warming Global ecosystem Acid rain

Loss of wildlife

Forest fire

Deforestation (tropical forest) / Land conversion

Pollution and degradation of water sources

Deforestation / Land conversion

Forest ecosystems

Mountains

Soil erosion

Agricultural lands

Soil degradation / Saltwater intrusion / Desertification / Impacts of chemical contamination

Grazing lands Overgrazing / Desertification

Grasslands and savannas

Soil erosion

Land conversion / Overgrazing / Desertification

Shrubs Soil erosion

Degradation of grasslands / Expansion of deserts Deserts and

semi-deserts Expansion of degraded lands

Terrestrial ecosystems

Non-forest ecosystem

s Tundra Degradation / Decrease in area

Loss of wildlife

River and basin ecosystems

Changes in species composition due to increase of foreign species

Water pollution

Lake ecosystems Changes in species composition due to increase of foreign species

Inland water ecosystem

s Wetland ecosystems Water pollution

Loss of biological resources and species

Mangroves Decrease in area / Shore erosion

Coral reefs Degradation / Decrease in area

Seaweed beds

Degradation / Decrease in area / Loss of spawning area

Tidal flats Decrease in area / Loss of waterbirds

Water pollution

Coastal (shallow

water)

ecosystems

Enclosed coastal seas Oil spill pollution

Method of project identification and form

ulation from the standpoint of environm

ental issues and ecosystems

Marine ecosystem

s

Open sea ecosystems Marine pollution

Figure 1: Matrix for project identification and formulation

Reference: UNEP-WCMC.2000. Global Biodiversity, Earth’s living resources in the 21st century.

Specific activities

Ｂ

Ａ

Ｃ

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(2) Specific program activities

After a program is selected, capacity development measures need to be broken down into more

specific activities and considered in terms of the three categories described below. Details of

activities for cooperation programs must be examined on the basis of their necessity and feasibility

as regarded by the implementing agencies (government, local autonomies, NGOs, private sector,

local residents, etc.).

Activities for directly conserving the natural environment

Are there needs for capacity development measures in promoting activities that have direct

impact on nature conservation, such as the designation of reserves, strengthening of

management systems, forestation efforts by administrations and local residents, and wildlife

protection?

Activities aiming to support people’s economic activities in conjunction with nature

conservation

Are there needs for capacity development measures that aim to support people’s economic

activities in conjunction with nature conservation? Such measures would include the promotion

of agroforestry and ecotourism, the introduction of proper technologies in agriculture and

fisheries, conversion to alternative energies, and the diffusion of construction methods in civil

works that help protect the environment.

Measures to restrict economic activities that cause degradation of the natural

environment

Are there needs for control measures to prevent the degradation of the natural environment,

such as environmental impact assessment of economic activities, restrictions for the utilization

of natural resources, and regulations for trading wildlife?

The details of specific activities for addressing the ecosystem and other environmental issues are

presented in a separate table as examples of program components. These components will be

organized into cooperation projects based on JICA’s concrete project implementation scheme.

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Matrix for project identification and formulation Methods of project identification and formulation from the standpoint of capacity development for nature conservation

Examples of

target ecosystems

Target environmental

issues Strengthening institutions and

policies for nature conservation

Developing the operational and management capacities of implementing agencies of

nature conservation

Raising awareness of nature conservation

Developing and disseminating technologies

for nature conservation

Developing capacities for research and survey for

nature conservation

Keeping a balance between nature conservation and

local community development

Inte

rmed

iate

obj

ectiv

es

・ Promotion of international cooperation and processing of international treaties

・ Development of relevant legal systems

・ Formulation of related policies

・ Reflecting the opinions of citizens and local residents in policies and administration

・ Increasing the effectiveness of environmental assessment

・ Strengthening of organizational systems

・ Strengthening of the implementation framework (staff, activities)

・ Development of plan formulation and monitoring methods

・ Promotion of inter-organizational collaboration

・ Support for NGOs and research institutes

・ Environmental education in schools

・ Environmental education as social education

・ Consensus building in local communities for environmental conservation

・ Publicity campaigns ・ Introduction of

educational activities and production of tutorials

・ Technical development appropriate to local situations

・ Technology transfer ・ Technology extension

programs ・ Training of relevant

personnel (educators, researchers, etc.)

・ Training of technology extension personnel

・ Gathering/accumulation of information pertaining to nature conservation

・ Research and survey of natural sciences

・ Research and survey of social sciences

・ Degree programs (bachelor, master, doctoral)

・ Mutual understanding between local residents and the administration

・ Industrial promotion and improvement of livelihood compatible with nature conservation

・ Recovery of natural functions for living in the local community

・ Develop and strengthen residents’ organizations

・ Guidance on the utilization of natural resources compatible with nature conservation

・ Natural disaster prevention

Glo

bal w

arm

ing

・ Execution of the Framework Convention on Climate Change

・ Formulation of national medium to long-term strategies for prevention of global warming, including agriculture and forestry, mining, and manufacturing industries

・ Enactment of control laws on greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) / introduction of an environmental tax

・ Establishment of support systems for businesses contributing to reduction of greenhouse gas in the agriculture and forestry, mining, and manufacturing industries

・ Establishment of support systems for the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

・ Development of legal systems for forest management (such as prohibition of illegal logging, etc.)

・ Development of administrative organizational structures

・ Strengthening of the government implementation system (personnel, budget)

・ Strengthening of private implementation systems for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

・ Human resources development program

・ Strengthening of the assessment and monitoring functions of plans

・ Environmental education in schools (energy conservation, alternative energies, forestation, etc.）

・ Publicity campaigns (transformations in lifestyles, etc.)

・ Technical development for alternative energy (solar power, small-scale hydropower, and wind power energies)

・ Proactive adoption of cleaner production by businesses

・ Development of greenhouse gas sinks

・ Prediction of adverse impacts caused by climate change, assessment of vulnerability, economic and technical studies

・ Studies of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

・ Studies on calculation methods of greenhouse gas emissions and appropriate implementation of long-term monitoring

・ Development of forestry technology that takes into account CO2 sinks

・ Introduction of greenhouse gas sinks (forestation) into local industries

・ Adoption of clean energies

・ Programs for rural communities (energy conservation, alternative energy, forestation, etc.)

Glo

bal e

cosy

stem

Aci

d ra

in

・ Promotion of cooperation among regions and countries

・ Formulation of national medium to long-term strategies

・ Restriction of acid rain gas emissions (SOx, NOx) (CAP program)

・ Introduction and promotion of certification systems (such as ISO) in manufacturing industries, including the auto industry

・ Support systems for the development of technologies to reduce acid rain gas emissions

・ Support systems for the introduction of technologies to reduce acid rain gas emissions into industrial circles

・ Examination into an emission allowance trading system

・ Formulation of short to medium-term strategies

・ Development of administrative organizational structures

・ Strengthening of implementation systems (personnel, budget)

・ Strengthening of emission restrictions on causative agents of acid rain by the private sector

・ Human resources development program

・ Strengthening of the assessment and monitoring functions of plans

・ Technical development competitions and awareness-raising programs designed for industries (thermal power stations, auto industry)

・ Air pollution control campaigns targeting citizens

・ Environmental education in schools

・ Development of desulfurization and denitration technologies

・ Development of technologies to control automobile exhaust emissions

・ Examination into cleaner production and zero emission corresponding to technical levels

・ Calculation standard of acid rain gas emissions

・ Introduction and strengthening of acid rain monitoring systems and appropriate implementation of long-term monitoring

・ Studies of economic and social impacts of acid rain

・ Monitoring and reporting of impacts on local ecosystems (acidification of lakes, adverse effects on historical structures, etc.)

・ Encouragement of interested parties’ participation in the establishment of relevant systems

・ Development of residents’ organizations

・ Adoption of support systems for small and medium companies

Deg

rada

tion

of tr

opic

al fo

rest

s /

Dec

reas

e in

are

a

・ Development of legal systems and policies for tropical forest conservation

・ Selection of forest reserve areas

・ Formulation of national medium to long-term strategies for the conservation of tropical forests

・ Development of implementation standards for environmental assessment

・ Strengthening of implementation systems for the management of tropical forest reserves

・ Promotion of planning and management related to the administration of tropical forest reserves

・ Strengthening of surveillance systems for burn agriculture and forest fires

・ Strengthening of the assessment and monitoring functions of plans

・ Implementation of environmental awareness programs in rural communities

・ Implementation of environmental awareness programs designed or citizens in basin zones

・ Environmental awareness activities through the use of various media

・ Education on forest preservation in schools

・ Human resources development of educators, researchers, engineers, technology extension personnel, etc.

・ Development of appropriate technologies (forestation technology, utilization of non-lumber forest products, etc.)

・ Introduction of tourism styles compatible with the natural environment

・ Support for the acquisition of forest certification

・ Development of data systems related to conservation

・ Academic studies of tropical forests

・ Implementation of tropical forest monitoring

・ Socioeconomic studies of forests

・ Evaluation of public-interest functions of forests

・ Management of reserves through community participation (classification of reserve areas and utilization areas, forestation, autonomous management groups)

・ Introduction of alternative industries (agroforestry, ecotourism) into local communities

・ Organization of urban support groups for rural communities

Met

hods

of p

roje

ct id

entif

icat

ion

and

form

ulat

ion

from

the

stan

dpoi

nt o

f env

ironm

enta

l iss

ues

and

ecos

yste

ms

Terr

estri

al e

cosy

stem

s

Fore

st e

cosy

stem

s

Man

agem

ent o

f com

mon

fore

sts

・ Clarification of management policies for reserve forests, common forests, and commercial forests

・ Development of community-based forest management systems (CBFM)

・ Development of land-ownership systems

・ Strengthening of implementation systems relating to land registration and surveillance activities

・ Support for NGOs engaging in conservation activities in regional lands, mountains and forests surrounding villages

・ Support for the establishment of regional networks

・ Implementation of awareness-raising programs concerning public-interest functions of forests in rural communities

・ Environmental awareness activities concerning public-interest functions of forests through the use of various media

・ Environmental education on the public-interest functions of forests in schools

・ Development of appropriate technologies (forestation technology, utilization of non-lumber forest products, etc.)

・ Development of extension workers or forestry technologies

・ Training of relevant personnel (educators, researchers, etc.)

・ Development of technologies for alternative energies

・ Socioeconomic studies on the management of common forests

・ Evaluation of public-interest functions of forests

・ Implementation of monitoring of the present state of forests

・ Development of technologies for alternative energies

・ Development of zoning technologies for the optimal utilization of common forests

・ Industrial promotion compatible with the conservation of common forests

・ Formation and operation of autonomous work groups for the management of common forests, natural disaster prevention, etc.

・ Activities for reducing the consumption of life resources

・ Organization of citizens in basin zones to support rural communities

16

Mou

ntai

ns

Deg

rada

tion

of w

ater

sou

rce

area

s / S

oil l

oss ・ Clarification of land-use

regulations in sloping lands

・ Enactment of regulations for the conservation of water source forests

・ Enactment of regulations against burn agriculture

・ Development of forestation support systems (subsidies, loans)

・ Strengthening of implementation systems for the conservation of water sources

・ Strengthening of forest surveillance systems in regard to drainage, logging, agricultural chemicals, dumping, etc.)

・ Formulation of short to medium-term strategies for the conservation of water source areas

・ Strengthening of cooperation among autonomous bodies

・ Support for and collaboration with NGOs engaged in forest conservation

・ Implementation of environmental awareness programs in rural communities

・ Implementation of environmental awareness programs in each individual basin

・ Environmental awareness programs through the use of various media

・ Development of appropriate technologies (development of terraces, agroforestry, soil saving technology)

・ Training of relevant personnel (educators, researchers, engineers, administrative officers, sanitation management staff, etc.)

・ Natural science studies (ecology, microbiology, etc.)

・ Social science studies (traditional forest utilization, etc.)

・ Production of water source area maps, monitoring and reporting

・ Hydraulic studies (water balance)

・ Improvement of local residents’ livelihoods and industry promotion measures compatible with the conservation of water source forests

・ Formation and operation of autonomous work groups for water source forests

・ Clarification of utilization standards by zoning

・ Organization of citizens in basin zones to support forest management

17

Methods of project identification and formulation from the standpoint of capacity development for nature conservation

Examples of

target ecosystems

Target environmental

issues Strengthening institutions

and policies for nature conservation

Developing the operational and management

capacities of implementing agencies of nature

conservation

Raising awareness of nature conservation

Developing and disseminating

technologies for nature conservation

Developing capacities for research and survey for

nature conservation

Keeping a balance between nature

conservation and local community development

Terr

estri

al e

cosy

stem

s

Non

-fore

st e

cosy

stem

s

Des

erts

/ S

emi-d

eser

ts

Exp

ansi

on o

f deg

rade

d la

nd

・ Execution of the Convention to Combat Desertification

・ Clarification of land-use regulations

・ Strengthening of regulations concerning logging of trees and livestock farming

・ Support for the preparation and review of desertification prevention plans

・ Strengthening of implementation systems for activities addressing overgrazing and illegal logging

・ Strengthening of the assessment and monitoring functions of desertification prevention plans

・ Support for NGOs and research organizations engaged in desertification prevention and forestation activities

・ Support for the establishment of regional networks

・ Implementation of environmental awareness programs in rural communities

・ Implementation of environmental awareness programs designed for residents in dust-affected areas

・ Environmental awareness activities through the use of various media

・ Environmental education in schools

・ Development of appropriate technologies (monitoring and assessment, improvement of water usability, soil conservation, management of grazing lands, improved furnaces, conservation-oriented cultivation, underground dams, etc.)

・ Development of afforestation technology

・ Development of technologies for alternative energies

・ Extension workers and dissemination systems for controlling burn agriculture, over-cultivation, and overgrazing

・ Construction of reservoirs

・ Development of appropriate technologies for water resource management

・ Studies into factors causing damage to the natural environment by local residents

・ Studies and research (monitoring, assessment, improvement of water usability, groundwater movement, soil conservation, management of grazing lands, improved furnaces, conservation-oriented cultivation, underground dams, etc.)

・ Promotion of forestation

・ Introduction of forestation into local industries

・ Reduced consumption of firewood by spreading the use of furnaces, etc.

・ Introduction and promotion of activities relating to reusable resources, energy conservation and alternative energies

・ Development of alternative means of livelihood for local residents

・ Securing of alternative energy sources

Riv

er a

nd b

asin

eco

syst

ems

Loss

of m

arin

e w

ildlif

e

・ Execution of the Ramsar Convention and the registration of designated areas

・ Development of legal systems and policies concerning the conservation of rivers and marshes

・ Selection of reserve areas in rivers and shores

・ Introduction of the environmental impact assessment system

・ Strengthening of implementation systems for the conservation of basins

・ Formulation of management plans for the administration of rivers and shores

・ Strengthening of surveillance systems for the conservation of basins (drainage, logging, agricultural chemicals, waste disposal, etc.)

・ Formulation of short to medium-term strategies for the conservation of marshes and lakes

・ Support for and collaboration with NGOs engaged in the preservation of wildlife in rivers and basins

・ Implementation of environmental awareness programs in surrounding areas

・ Environmental awareness activities through the use of various media

・ Development of facilities (visitor centers in reserves, etc.)

・ Development of wastewater treatment methods suitable for a given area

・ Training of relevant personnel (educators, researchers, engineers, administrative officers, sanitation management staff, etc.)

・ Natural science studies pertaining to basins (zoology, ecology, microbiology, pedology, etc.)

・ Social science studies (traditional utilization of resources, etc.)

・ Production of basin maps, monitoring, and reporting

・ Basic research into potential areas for registration under the Ramsar Convention

・ Guidance for the improvement of farming and forestry methods in surrounding areas

・ Introduction of ecotourism featuring various wildlife

Inla

nd w

ater

eco

syst

ems

Lake

eco

syst

ems

Cha

nges

in s

peci

es c

ompo

sitio

n du

e to

fore

ign

spec

ies

/ P

rodu

ctiv

ity d

ecre

ase

in fi

sher

ies

・ Development of regulations for the management of aquaculture

・ Development of legal systems pertaining to inland water fishery

・ Development of legal systems pertaining to the releasing of foreign species

・ Selection of reserve areas in marshes and lakes

・ Strengthening of the implementation system for the conservation of marshes and lakes

・ Formulation of plans for the management of marsh and lake reserves

・ Strengthening cooperation among autonomous bodies

・ Collaboration with other sectors (marine and tourist industries, etc.)

・ Strengthening of surveillance and monitoring systems for the conservation of marshes and lakes (illegal release, etc.)

・ Formulation of medium to long-term strategies for the conservation of marshes and lakes

・ Support for and collaboration with NGOs

・ Implementation of awareness-raising programs in surrounding areas

・ Environmental awareness activities through the use of various media

・ Development of facilities (visitor centers in lake reserves, etc.)

・ Development of measures to exterminate foreign species appropriate to the local situation (concentrated capture of targeted species, etc.)

・ Training of relevant personnel (educators, researchers, engineers, administrative officers, etc.)

・ Natural science studies pertaining to marshes and lakes (biology, ecology, microbiology, etc.)

・ Social science studies (residents’ awareness, etc.)

・ Production of maps of marshes and lakes, monitoring, and reporting

・ Survey on interrelationships between foreign and local species

・ Introduction of effective fishing methods for the extermination of foreign species

・ Introduction and dissemination of appropriate fishing methods

・ Resident-initiated management of fishery resources

・ Organization of fishermen

Met

hods

of p

roje

ct id

entif

icat

ion

and

form

ulat

ion

from

the

stan

dpoi

nt o

f env

ironm

enta

l iss

ues

and

ecos

yste

ms

Coa

stal

(sha

llow

wat

er) e

cosy

stem

s

Man

grov

es

Dec

reas

e in

are

a

・ Development of policies and legal systems for the conservation of mangroves (coastal)

・ Legislation for regulations concerning logging, utilization, and land-use

・ Designation of reserve areas

・ Development of implementation standards for the environmental impact assessment of mangrove development (including aquaculture, etc.)

・ Formulation of short to medium-term strategies for the conservation of mangrove forests

・ Development of administrative organizational structures

・ Strengthening of implementation systems (personnel, budget)

・ Human resources development program

・ Strengthening of the assessment and monitoring functions of plans

・ Awareness-raising programs designed for residents in surrounding areas

・ Environmental conservation awareness programs designed for citizens

・ Development of a mangrove information center

・ Development of forestation and nursery technologies

・ Utilization technology of non-lumber forest products (honey sources, feedstuffs, etc.)

・ Promotion of ecotourism and tourism

・ Development of appropriate fishing methods in mangrove forests

・ Development of aquaculture technology in harmony with mangroves

・ Survey on flora and fauna (ecosystems) in mangrove forests

・ Research on the cycle of physical matter in marine ecosystems

・ Folklore studies (traditional utilization methods, etc.)

・ Monitoring system for mangrove forests

・ Gathering and accumulation of information related to mangroves

・ Management of reserves (resources) through resident participation

・ Formation and strengthening of residents’ organizations

・ Development and introduction of alternative livelihoods for local residents

・ Securing of alternative energy sources

18

Cor

al re

efs

Deg

rada

tion

/

Dec

reas

e in

are

a

・ Development of legal systems and policies for the conservation of coral reefs (prohibition of destructive fishing methods, etc.)

・ Selection of marine reserve areas

・ Participation in Reef Check (worldwide survey of coral reefs) and Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN)

・ Strengthening of implementation systems for the conservation of coral reefs

・ Formulation of management plans for the administration of marine reserves

・ Strengthening of surveillance systems for the conservation of coral reefs (destructive fishing methods, poaching, etc.)

・ Formulation of short to medium-term strategies for the conservation of coral reefs

・ Support for and collaboration with NGOs

・ Implementation of environmental awareness programs in coastal areas

・ Environmental awareness activities through the use of various media

・ Development of facilities (visitor centers and monitoring centers in reserves, etc.)

・ Development of alternative fishing methods

・ Technology dissemination (fishing equipment and methods) programs (technical transfer)

・ Training of relevant personnel (educators, researchers, engineers, etc.)

・ Training of technology extension personnel (fishing equipment and methods)

・ Natural science studies pertaining to coral reefs (ecology, microbiology, etc.)

・ Social science studies (traditional utilization and religious significance, etc. of coral reefs)

・ Production of coral reef maps, monitoring and reporting

・ Management of reserves (resources) through resident participation

・ Introduction of alternative industries (ecotourism, etc.) to local residents

・ Guidance for the improvement of farming methods in coastal areas

・ Introduction of alternative fishing methods to local residents

Enc

lose

d co

asta

l sea

s

Wat

er p

ollu

tion

・ Promotion of international cooperation and execution of international conventions

・ Development of legal systems and policies for enclosed coastal seas (drainage restrictions based on water quality standard, etc.)

・ Adoption of the environmental impact assessment system

・ Formulation of policies for the utilization of coastal land

・ Strengthening of implementation systems for the conservation of enclosed coastal seas

・ Strengthening of surveillance systems for the conservation of enclosed coastal seas (drainage, poaching, etc.)

・ Formulation of short to medium-term strategies for the conservation of enclosed coastal seas

・ Strengthening of collaboration among autonomous bodies

・ Support for and collaboration with NGOs (participation in migratory bird networks, etc.)

・ Implementation of environmental awareness programs in coastal areas

・ Environmental awareness activities through the use of various media

・ Development of facilities (visitor centers, etc.)

・ Implementation of seminars on water conservation intended for businesses

・ Development of waste water treatment facilities

・ Technology dissemination (fishing equipment and methods) programs (technical transfer)

・ Training of relevant personnel (educators, researchers, engineers, etc.)

・ Training of technology extension personnel (fishing equipment and methods)

・ Natural science studies pertaining to enclosed coastal seas (water quality science, hydrodynamics, ecology, biology, microbiology, etc.)

・ Production of maps of tidal flats, seaweed beds, etc. in enclosed coastal seas, monitoring and reporting

・ Elucidation of the mechanism of red tide occurrences

・ Guidance for the improvement of farming methods in surrounding areas

・ Introduction of alternative industries (ecotourism, etc.) to local residents

・ Guidance for the improvement of farming methods in coastal and catchment basins

・ Introduction of alternative fishing methods to local residents

M

arin

e ec

osys

tem

s

Ope

n se

a ec

osys

tem

s

Mar

ine

pollu

tion

・ Promotion of international cooperation and execution of international conventions

・ Enactment of regulations for the prevention of marine pollution (TBT, PCB, ballast wastewater, oil spills, etc.)

・ Development of systems related to port state control (PSC)

・ Strengthening of surveillance systems for marine pollution sources

・ Strengthening of the assessment and monitoring functions of plans

・ Implementation of port state control (PSC)

・ Development of emergency measures for oil pollution (production of maps indicating weaknesses, oil recovery drills, etc.)

・ Aware-raising activities intended for shipping companies and crews of ships

・ Publicity campaigns for marine pollution prevention (prohibition of waste dumping into oceans, etc.)

・ Training of relevant personnel (educators, researchers, engineers, etc.)

・ Technical development of water pollution countermeasures

・ Technical development of oil pollution countermeasures

・ Marine pollution monitoring (red tides, etc.) and reporting

・ Research on circulation systems in open seas, such as ocean currents

・ Ecological studies of marine life

・ Guidance on preventing waste material dumping into oceans

・ Guidance on preventing oil spills

・ Region-initiated activities to prevent tourism from causing marine pollution

19

8. Considerations for Implementing Nature Conservation Cooperation

Cooperation with a long-term outlook

In many cases, nature conservation requires a long time for results to become apparent, so projects

must be planned and implemented with a long-term outlook. In addition, cooperation should be

approached as programs, and the appropriate funding timeframe and scale of the programs should be

decided in consideration of the economic constraints of developing countries. It is also important to

give some flexibility to the planning of projects, such as allowing plans to be reconsidered based on

mid-term evaluations.

Poverty reduction activities implemented by local residents

When the daily activities of local residents living in poverty are directly responsible for the

degradation of the natural environment, cooperation must incorporate efforts to reduce poverty in

that region. It is important to promote harmony between local livelihoods and nature conservation by

proposing sustainable, alternative means of livelihood to the people who are, due to poverty, unable

to continue traditional livelihoods in harmony with nature, and are compelled to depend on the

unsustainable utilization of the natural environment.

Consideration for minority groups

To promote mutual understanding and coordination with local residents, cooperation must

consider gender issues and encourage the participation of a broad range of stakeholders. Adequate

consideration must be given to the wishes and future prospects of indigenous peoples and the poor

who are politically and socially weak, and to children’s welfare.

Providing incentives for self-initiated conservation activities

In order for local residents and other stakeholders to conduct sustainable, self-initiated nature

conservation activities, measures that would link conservation activities to various benefits (e.g.,

guaranteed land ownership, income increase through agroforestry and ecotourism, etc.) must be

created.

Exploring appropriate methods

When attempting to apply Japan’s policies, systems, and technologies to cooperation efforts in

developing countries, it is important to fully examine the social and economic situations in the

developing country as well as its efforts to address environmental problems in neighboring

developing countries, and based on this understanding, to verify the applicability of Japan’s methods.

Examination of appropriate evaluation methods

In many cases, the achievements of technical cooperation in the field of nature conservation

20

cannot be evaluated by conventional evaluation indices and methods. Thus, in order to evaluate

cooperation results comprehensively, it is necessary to establish criteria capable of appropriately

evaluating the multiple functions of the natural environment and their social impacts, as well as to

incorporate both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods. Since some activities require a few

years to several decades for their results to become apparent, evaluation indices and methods must

be examined from a long-term perspective.

Coordination with other aid agencies

There are many natural environment issues that cannot be solved by JICA assistance alone.

Coordination with the assistance efforts of other donors, international agencies, and international

NGOs must be strengthened so that systematic effects could be gained through multilateral efforts

and cooperation.

Strengthening the cooperative system with NGOs and other organizations

It is necessary to expand the scope of cooperation to problems and groups which

government-level cooperation cannot reach, by strengthening the cooperation projects of Japanese

and third-world NGOs. In addition, measures must be taken to provide NGOs with information

pertaining to cooperation activities, and to reflect their opinions in JICA’s project implementation

policies. When cooperating with an NGO, specific cooperation methods should be examined after

giving adequate consideration to the scale, specialty area, and guiding principles of the NGO.

Developing and strengthening Japan’s foundation for cooperation

In order to train experts in the field of nature conservation, projects must be implemented in a way

that would help develop such personnel, for example, by presenting clear future prospects of the

projects and carrying them out systematically. It is important for local governments, universities,

governmental agencies, and private companies in Japan to support the establishment of joint projects

with institutions and organizations of developing countries. Furthermore, it is necessary to encourage

publicity and awareness-raising activities within Japan for the conservation of the natural

environment. Finally, these efforts must also be made to promote public understanding of nature

conservation cooperation by providing information relating to the degradation of the natural

environment in developing countries, international trends (globalization, structural adjustments, etc.),

and the relationship between the consumption of natural resources and people’s lifestyles in

developed countries.