General

Using policy engagement, pilot interventions, in-depth case studies, and quantitative and qualitative analysis, the USAID Tenure and Global Climate Change project is advancing knowledge and practice on how land tenure and resource rights relate to global efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Burma is experiencing rapid economic transformation across multiple sectors in urban, peri-urban and rural areas. This transition is creating risks for the environment and economic opportunities for Burma’s diverse population, and placing new importance on responsible governance of land and natural resources, as secure land tenure is a cornerstone for peace and stability. As policies and legislation are developed to better govern these resources, existing communal and customary rights must be incorporated. At the same time, new policies must be piloted in various communities to demonstrate broad applicability before national activities are launched. Land-based natural resources in the country, including farmland and forests that are needed for urban expansion or infrastructure projects, will be essential components of a more equitable approach to national economic development. Decisions on how land will be used, by whom, and for what purposes could have far reaching consequences for the people of Burma, the majority of whom are currently smallholder farmers living in the countryside. USAID works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC), multiple civil society organizations and other groups, both public and private, to ensure the successful implementation of this project. OBJECTIVES USAID’s Land Tenure Project has a number of inter-related objectives focused on contributing to the goals of broad-based economic development, improving livelihoods in rural areas, promoting sustainable land use management and achieving resilient community development. Specific goals include: Supporting the development and implementation of a National Land Use Policy and related laws that clarify rights and encourage sustainable use of land and natural resources; Strengthening the land tenure, resource, and property rights of rural individuals, households and communities, with particular attention to women, ethnic minorities, smallholder farmers and other vulnerable groups; and, Increasing consultation among government, civil society and business on issues of broad public concern related to land tenure and land use. ACTIVITIES USAID is supporting the above activities through the following activities: Providing technical assistance to further develop the policy, legal and regulatory framework for land governance through a focus on land, forests and other natural resource rights and management; Conducting pilots that include participatory mapping, formal recognition of customary land and resource tenure and approaches to alternative land dispute resolution; Raising public awareness and participation on the policy and pilot implementation process with educational and outreach materials; and, Conducting research and monitoring that will inform further legal development and policy implementation.

General

The USAID ProParque team is helping Honduras develop sound management of its natural resources in a way that complements the country’s economic and social development. The project works with the Government of Honduras to strengthen the nation’s protected area management system, improve biodiversity and natural resource management, and facilitate rural enterprise growth, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, land tenure, and clean energy development. The goal: improve Honduran biodiversity conservation, create local jobs, and strengthen national capacity for mitigating and adapting to global climate change. Honduras and its Bay Islands have rich natural resources—stunning coral reefs, mangroves, rainforests, cloud forests, mountain ranges, and an abundance of endemic plant, and animal species. ProParque works side-by-side with the government, private sector, and civil society to protect these resources and leverage their natural and economic value for the benefit of the country and people who live within these sustainable and productive landscapes. ProParque and its partners—The Nature Conservancy, CARE Honduras, and Zamorano University—are collaborating with numerous associates, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; Honduran Institute of Tourism; and Institute of Forest Conservation, Wildlife, and Protected Areas, among others. For more information about ProParque, visit http://en.usaid-proparque.org/about-us.

General

Support Program for Economic and Enterprise Development (SPEED) is a USAID project to improve the business environment through better trade and investment policies. SPEED’s goal is to have more companies doing more business, resulting in increased trade and investment and a stronger competitive position for Mozambican firms, thus creating local opportunities for jobs and income growth. The project focuses on reforming trade and investment policies and also emphasizes the policy implementation process, including monitoring implementation of reforms. SPEED’s work also focuses on increasing transparency around the legal framework for obtaining land use rights in Mozambique. The SPEED team delivers training and technical assistance that builds the capacity of business associations and corresponding government institutions and catalyzes trade and investment in Mozambique. Objectives Reduce the cost of doing business Enhance Mozambique’s competitiveness Create local opportunities for job and income growth Improve the business environment in trade and investment Outcomes The recommendations and reforms at the municipal level in Maputo promise to save businesses more than 200 days to obtain their construction permits, with an estimated total savings to the private sector of nearly $25 million per year The development of a legal framework that would formalize public participation in the policy process and support to the Mozambique Institute of Directors (IOD) to develop a corporate code of ethics Supported more than 30 capacity-building events in support of its technical programs, with a total of around 1,700 participants, including around 326 women