Karst Ecosystem Conservation GEF Project

closed

The development objective of the Karst Ecosystem Conservation Project is to seek stakeholder participation towards recommended best practices in biodiversity conservation, and protection of the Karst environment. To this end, the project components will: 1) build the national capacity for biodiversity conservation, by strengthening the environmental, and biodiversity legal, and regulatory framework regarding sectoral strategies. The component will finance training; the preparation of protected area management, and planning guidelines based on market analysis and a financing strategy; and as well, feasibility studies for other eligible protected areas, comprising a biodiversity analysis, assessment of water management issues for expansion of species under legal protection. Furthermore, biodiversity inventory, mapping, and monitoring will be financed through consultant services, and necessary equipment; 2) establish community-based mechanisms for biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource uses, through capacity building and activities for protected area management. This entails the promotion of nature-based tourism, increased public awareness, and, improved management and services for protected area management and biodiversity conservation. Additionally, a rural revitalization program will link conservation goals, and, a regional cooperation program for the Karst ecosystem conservation will be financed; and, 3) finance project management, and monitoring, which includes donor cooperation, and technical assistance.