Informative publication regarding WWF’s work in Bolivia

WWFolio Bolivia5th Edition – March 2006

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Publication printed in 100% recycled paper

Faithful to our mission in contributing to stopenvironmental degradation and promote a world inwhich humans live in harmony with nature, WWFBolivia is opening up a new field of institutionalaction: that of promoting economic agents as actorsof change contributing in an informed and decidedmanner, through the goods they purchase, inpromoting the management and responsiblepurchasing of forest resources.

Not withstanding the achievements reached in termsof certification under the Forest Stewardship Council(FSC) in Bolivia, we see that there is still much tobe done so that a greater number of forest resourceusers, along the entire productive chain, feel thatthe responsible management of this resource is themeans to construct a strong and solid forest economywhile at the same time conserving the forests.

For this reason we felt encouraged in working towards

promoting local buyers to gain awareness in termsof responsible forest management through a changeof attitude in terms of buying trends that contributeto reduce the commercialization of wood from illegalor unknown sources/origin (at least 50% of the woodthat is consumed in Bolivia comes from illegal orunknown origin). Without giving up in terms of oursupport to fix new external markets for traditional orlesser known species, we have decided to focus ona change of attitude regarding national consumers.

With much hope and enthusiasm we will launch ourinitiative of Responsible Purchasing of ForestProducts at the IV Bolivian Tropical Forest TradeFair, Expoforest in which we hope to involve thegovernment (national, departmental and municipal),corporations and institutions in adopting policies andcommitments that favor the purchase of wood thatcomes from forests that are under legal and technicalmanagement and if possible and in a gradual manner,with FSC certification.

We hope that you will join us in helping to spreadthe word on this initiative believing that, at the endof the day, it is our attitude and daily choices thatcan contribute to serious, real and long-lastingchanges that will lead to the conservation of ourforest resources.

Adolfo MorenoConservation Director

WWF Boliviapromotes

responsibleforest trade

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WWFOLIO • EDITORIAL

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Editorial

Reaction to the Puerto Busch StudyAs informed in the last edition of the WWFolio inDecember, the Puerto Busch Study was widelydistributed at both the national and internationallevel producing a series of reactions which aresummarized below.

At the local level, the authorities from the Municipalityof Puerto Suárez interpreted the publication as adocument that went against the consolidation of theProject and thus asked WWF to close its office inPuerto Suarez. For this reason, since the end of2005 WWF ceased implementing projects in thismunicipality which covers approximately 24% of theBolivian portion of the Pantanal ecoregion.

At the national level, in October 2005 a discussionbegan between the Ministry of SustainableDevelopment and the Ministry of Public Works dueprimarily to contradictions identified in WWF´s Studyversus the infrastructure Project proposal for PuertoBusch presented by the Bolivian Port-Railway Society(referred to in Spanish as SFPB). The discussionwas taken to the National Council for EconomicPolicies (referred to in Spanish as CONAPE), calling

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¡The world´slargest tropical

wetland!

Pantanal

upon both Ministries to compare and verify theinformation.

Under this scenario, in November, the Ministry ofPublic Works requested a field verification ofinformation but in which WWF did not participaterespecting the decision of the Municipal Governmentof Puerto Suárez asking WWF to suspend its activitiesin its jurisdiction. The Ministry of SustainableDevelopment drafted a totally independent reportbut that coincided with WWF results presented inthe Study. The Ministry of Public Works, on the otherhand, presented a totally contrary report ratifyingthe SFPB Project.

With these two, contrary reports the CONAPEsuggested that same month to hire an independent

consultant in order to respond to a technicalquestionnaire developed by both ministries as ameans of arbitration. The answers presented by theconsultant were accepted by the CONAPE; however,WWF, through a document analyzing the resultsproduced by the consultant demonstrated that thesedo not support the viability of the SFPB proposal.

In December, the National School for AdvancedStudies and the Superintendence for RenewableNatural Resources (referred to in Spanish asSIRENARE) organized a public debate regardingthe issue and in which WWF presented its findings. At this time, the General Director of River andLacustrine Transportation from the Ministry of PublicWorks gave a presentation on the project whichended up being a manoeuvre to attack WWF and

Aerial view of northern section ofthe Pantanal

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WWFOLIO • PANTANAL

PANTANAL • WWFOLIO

make accusations against the organization and itsparticipation in the process.

In addition, the League for Environmental Defence(referred to in Spanish as LIDEMA) and the BolivianEnvironmental and Development Forum (referredto in Spanish as FOBOMADE) showed great interestin the results from WWF´s Study and took it upontheir own initiative to independently disseminate theresults to the general public. In addition, they calledupon competent authorities to take into account theresults presented in WWF´s study.

Furthermore, there are other studies which werecarried out at the request of the government (Ministryof Public Works and financed by the World Bank)and presenting similar results to those of WWF butwhose distribution was obstructed by the previousgovernmental authorities responsible for makingdecisions regarding the project.

WWF considers the construction of a port and railwayin the Pantanal as a positive alternative even if ittakes place in the Dionisio Foianini Triangle but onlywhen and if these are well constructed and fullycomply with the social, economic and environmentalaspects that would guarantee their long termsustainability.

To see a complete copy of Study in Spanish or theExecutive Summary in English as well as the fe deerrata please access the fol lowing l ink:

http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/latin_america_and_caribbean/where/bolivia/publications/publication.cfm?uNewsID=24336&uLangid=4

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Souvenirs to support the AmboroNational ParkIn 2005, the Foundation for the Development of theNational System for Protected Areas (referred to inSpanish as FUNDESNAP) together with the AmboroProtected Area, and in collaboration with WWF andfunds from USAID, supported the initiation of aprocess to produce and sell souvenirs as a strategyto generate funds in support of the financialsustainability of the Amboro National Park.

The Amboro Protected Area is considered one ofBolivia’s most important natural patrimony treasures. Its 637,600 has encompass four ecoregions(Amazon, Chaco, Cerrado and Andes) and includea rich array in terms of biodiversity includingapproximately 3,000 species of plants, 100amphibians, 100 reptiles, 800 birds and 120mammals. Its beautiful landscape and closeness to

Amazon

AMAZON • WWFOLIO

the largest city in the Department of Santa Cruzmake Amboro a highly visited protected area withhundreds of tourists visiting to enjoy its rivers,waterfalls, forests and mountains.

The official launching of the souvenir initiative wasin December of 2005 and currently much of thesouvenir stock as been depleted.

The success of the initiative lies in that the fundsgenerated from the sale of souvenirs will re- financethe production costs of the material (25%) and 75%of the funds generated will be invested specificallyin the running of the Amboro Interpretation Center. In addition, it is hoped that this initiative willencourage other protected areas to duplicate theexperience.

Itenez Fishing CommitteeMeetings and workshops are being carried out withthe participation of diverse actors in order to definethe role and composition of the Itenez FishingCommittee located on Bolivia’s border with Braziland forming part of the Southwest Amazon ecoregion. The objective of this committee is to support thefishing actors enabling them to carry out a soundmanagement as well as a sustainable use of thehydro-biological resources.

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Social and civic strengthening forsustainable managementThe Institute for Man, Agriculture and Ecology(referred to in Spanish as IPHAE), together withWWF, implemented a process regarding modalitiesto contribute to sustainable community developmentthrough organizational strengthening. The effortwas aimed at promoting the participation of theinhabitants from nine communities in the Iténez(Bella Vista, Puerto Chávez, Cafetal, Bahía La Salud, San Borja, La Soga, Piedritas, Nueva Bremaand Buena Vista) regarding decision making processfor issues related to the sustainable managementof natural resources.

The process consists of two levels; the first is relatedto training and technical assistance provided at thecommunity level (including authorities) in areas ofcitizen rights and community organizationalstrengthening and secondly, focuses on social, legaland organizational promoters that have beendemocratically elected in each community.

“A total of 1,272 community members participatedin the two phases of the Project implemented byIPHAE” indicated Ms. Roxana Salas, a specialist in

FaunAgua, in collaboration with WWF, is promotingthis initiative together with the Mamore Fishermen’sAssociation, fishermen, Itenez Departmental Parkand ANMI, the Office for Natural Resources and theEnvironment from the Prefecture of the Beni, theBeni Autonomous University and other conservationNGOs.

The initial function of this committee is purelypromotional considering that fishing committees arenot yet considered under Bolivian law. Thus, theproposals and consensus must be standardizedthrough prefectural resolution or municipalregulations.

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the organizational strengthening of grassrootsorganizations and responsible for this workshop.

At the request of the community members, the needemerged to continue with the training which will bepossible for 2006 thanks to the generous supportfrom the Swedish International DevelopmentCooperation Agency (Sida) and WWF Sweden.

Handicrafts in the IténezThe production of handicrafts can become animportant source of income for the communitieslocated in the Iténez. With this in mind, the NGOFaunAgua, in collaboration with WWF, haspromoted the production of handicrafts made fromfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) and caiman(Caiman crocodiles yacare) skin from animals thatwere legally hunted and thus generating incomefor the community of Bella Vista. In addition, themanagement plans have also helped learn aboutthe importance of preserving the hydro-biologicalresources.

In its first stage, the Project worked with surubileather and produced only one product, notebookcovers, and received an order to produce 200 coverswhich were exported to Europe.

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An example of land use planningInterview with Mr. Máximo Aillón Martínez, Mayor ofBolpebra and Vice President of the Amazon UnionAssociation of Filadelfia-Bolpebra (referred to as MUAFB)

With the regional planning framework that allows for theadequate use of renewable natural resources, the MUAFBis developing Municipal Plan on Land Use Regulation (referredto as PMOT in Spanish) for the municipalities that make upthe Association. If land use planning takes into account, inaddition to the socio economic considerations, theenvironmental aspects as well then it will contribute to thesustainable use of natural resources.

What is MUAFB objective regarding land use planning?

Specifically the objective is to expand alternatives for theconservation of the forest through a strategy that seekscreating sustainable productive opportunities that allow forthe adequate use of the natural renewable resources and at

the same time improve the standard of living of the localpopulation.

What expectations does the municipality have regarding thisactivity?

The inhabitants are expecting that common activities, suchas clearing of plots of land for crops, become regulated. Inaddition, through the PMOT, a more equal distribution of thebenefits will be planned. Once this is organized there will beadditional and better opportunities for continued existencefor current and future generations. In addition, once we haveour PMOT we can prioritize our investment in accordancewith the demands that emerged during the process.

What is the next step after the PMOT?

We will aim to implement the PMOT believing that it can bea pilot experience to show results at the departmental andnational level and thus also be an example for othermunicipalities.

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PARTNER PROFILE

Amazon Union Association ofFiladelfia-Bolpebra (MUAFB)

Created in July 2004 based on a process for landplanning, the Association concentrated on theconservation and natural resource use in themunicipalities of Bolpebra and Filadelfia, located inthe Department of Pando and covering an area of14.199 Km2 with a population of 5,264 inhabitants.

The objectives of MUAFB are:- Promote the sustainable development and conservation in both municipalities- Jointly manage the resources shared by both municipalities- Capture financial resources to carry forward the activities of the Association- Strengthen the municipal management of both municipal governments.

The MUAFB is the implementing organization underthe framework of the Bosque y VIDA Project (inwhich CARE, CI, SNV, TBI, TNC and WWFparticipate) and thus responsible for the projects“Generation of institutional and grass root capacitiesfor land use planning” and “Formulation of the LandUse Planning Plan in Border Municipalities (Filadelfiaand Bolpebra)”.

Part of the Municipality of Filadelfia encompassesa portion of the Manuripi Wildlie National Reserve.The Municipalities of Filadelfia and Bolpebraencompass primary forest where the extraction offorest products such as rubber, Brazil nut, palmitoand wood constitutes the main economic activitiesfor the areas inhabitants followed by agriculture andcattle ranching.

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AMAZON • WWFOLIO

Strategic tri-national proposal forthe sustainable management of theforestIn view of the Southwest Amazons ecoregionalrichness based on its important biological diversity,the Bosque y VIDA Project, “An Integral Vision forDevelopment in the Amazon” is developing a secondphase concentrating on the construction of a regionalstrategic vision developed under a participatoryplanning process.

This process aims to recover the experience andvision of the involved sectors in terms of conservationand development issues in the tri-national regionthat includes Pando (Bolivia), Madre de Dios (Perú)and Acre (Brazil). It is based on the thematicguidelines defined during the first phase of the pilotProject between 2004 and 2006 (land use planning,management of forest resources and institutionalstrengthening).

For the strategic proposal for the second phasethree sets of meetings are being held with localactors that have been organized into two workinggroups and which are working on the basis for thedevelopment of the proposal under a common visionfor the region, identifying threats, opportunities andformulating more adequate strategies in terms ofthis context.

Once the consultation process is finalized theinformation will be systematized in order to draft apreliminary proposal that will later be discussed andvalidated before being presented to the Embassyof the Netherlands in May.

WWFOLIO • AMAZON

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Manuripi - Pando

Exchange of experiences betweenBolivia and PeruWWF Bolivia’s Forestry Program promoted theexchange of experiences with specialists from WWFin the area of forest management and certification.

Aiming to improve as well as strengthen WWF Boliviatechnical staff and partner organizations in the areaof Voluntary Community Certification, Mr. MiguelPacheco from WWF Peru, an expert in groupcertification and Step Wise Approach, visited Bolivia. Mr. Pacheco visited the Bajo Paraguá IndigenousCommunity Organization (referred to in Spanish asCIBAPA), located in the north eastern section of theDepartment of Santa Cruz to provide support in thefist evaluation for compliance with the SAGC asstipulated in their General Forest Management Plan.

In addition Mr. Pacheco visited Concepción(Department of Santa Cruz) where he met withrepresentatives from the NGO APCOB (“Supportfor Farmers from Eastern Bolivia”) and exchangedexperiences regarding the application of the forestregency management model for communitycertification under the FSC scheme. ©

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Forest

Visits were also made to certified bolivian companiesfor both forest management and chain of custodyand which received recognition last year at thenational and international level for their role in helpingBolivia achieve its leadership position in terms ofFSC certified tropical forest.

WWF will bring international buyersto the 2006 ExpoforestDuring the last three years, Bolivia’s Wood Industryand Natural Forest Business Trade Fair (known asthe Expoforest) held in Santa Cruz has become ahighly recognized specialized event. Initiated byBolivia’s Forest Superintendence, the event is heavilypromoted and organized by a group of public andprivate organizations linked to the management,

conservation and transformation of forest resources.

WWF and the Global Forest and Trade Network(referred to in English as GFTN), are participatingin the IV Expoforest with financial support form theInternational Finance Corporation - World BankGroup enabling the visit of five foreign companiesthat are potential buyers of timber products fromBolivia and which will also participate in the 2ndBusiness Roundtable of Bolivia’s Wood Industryscheduled for March 23 – 24, one of the Expoforest´smost important activities.

In addition, WWF and the GFTN for Bolivia willpromote the 2nd Business Roundtable of Bolivia’sWood Industry as well as the 2006 Expoforest 2006through the 30 member countries of the GFTNlocated in the United States, Africa, Asia and Europe. Support will also be given so that IndigenousCommunal Lands (TCO in Spanish) from differentforestry areas in Bolivia can participate in theExporforest. The event will also offer presentationsby international experts specialized in markets forcertified products and other relevant topics underthe general timber commerce context. This is anexceptional event considering Bolivia leadership roleworldwide in terms of its more than 2 million ha ofFSC certified forest.

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WWFOLIO • FOREST

Practical Guide for Using a GPS andProducing MapsThis practical guide was developed in order to providethe know how on using a GPS (Global PositioningSystem) and map making as useful tools in the planningfor the sustainable use of forest resources on behalfof community forest owners.

This guide includes clear and summarized informationorganized as a series of lessons and facilitatingactivities such as inventories, census, opening of trailsand access roads, community planning and draftingof Forest Annual Operating Plans as well as theirrespective reports of harvesting and other issues.

For further information please contact Marcelo Ruizat: mruiz@wwfbolivia.org

Community and ForestThis guide is aimed at the participatory evaluationrelated to the socio-economic impact of communityforestry management projects and suggests practicalexercises that allow forestry staff from NGOs andcommunity forest enterprises to consolidate or re-direct actions during the management of projectsbased on the evaluation carried out by the membersfrom the indigenous forest unit, technicians and stafffrom supporting organizations.

For further information please contact OrlandoMelgarejo omelgarejo@wwfbolivia.org

Publications

FOREST • WWFOLIO

WWF BoliviaAv. Beni, calle Los Pitones 2070Tel.: +591-3-3430609Fax: +591-3-3430406Santa Cruz, Boliviawwfbol iv ia@wwfbol iv ia.org

WWFThe global conservation organization

WWF’s ultimate goal is to stop and eventually reverse environmental degradation and to build afuture where people live in harmony with nature. Our promise to the world is that through workingtogether, we will find the best solutions to save nature. For more than 40 years our passion,commitment, and inspiring actions have made us the most recognized independent conservationorganization on Earth.

Produced by: WWF Bolivia • Graphic design: Barbián Comunicación • Print: Imprenta SIRENA

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