Environmental Organizations Support Reauthorization of the Tropical Forest Conservation Act
Washington, DC—September 7, 2004—The House of Representatives today passed HR 4654 by a unanimous vote, reauthorizing the Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA) of 1998 for another three years. Over that period the bill authorizes appropriations of $75 million. Since 1998, TFCA has funded conservation activities on more than 8,000 square miles of forest in developing countries, an area larger than New Jersey, and wiped out millions of dollars in debt.
Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund and the Wildlife Conservation Society praise the House of Representatives for reauthorizing the bill and U.S. Congressmen Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Tom Lantos (D-Calif.) for their efforts to ensure that the legislation continues to be a cost-effective way to protect the world’s tropical forests. These groups are proud to have participated in the protection of millions of acres of environmentally significant tropical forests and watersheds that this act has enabled and are enthusiastic about what can be accomplished in the future.
Since its enactment, the TFCA has been a valuable tool for achieving important conservation outcomes in some of the world’s most biodiverse regions while simultaneously easing the foreign debt burden of developing nations. The tens of millions of dollars — including more than $5 million from private donors — that have been channeled into conservation as a result of the act have served to better protect millions of acres of tropical forests, from the Philippines to Peru.
The funds generated by the act are used for a variety of conservation activities including:
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the establishment, restoration, protection and maintenance of parks, protected areas and reserves;
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the development and implementation of scientifically sound systems of natural resource management, including land and ecosystem management practices;
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training programs to increase the scientific, technical and managerial capacities of individuals and organizations involved in conservation efforts;
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restoration, protection, or sustainable use of diverse animal and plant species;
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research and identification of medicinal uses of tropical forest plant life to treat human diseases, illnesses, and health-related concerns; or
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the development and support of the livelihoods of individuals living in or near a tropical forest in a manner consistent with protecting such tropical forest.
Earlier this year a debt-for-nature swap using TFCA funds was signed with Colombia, which has pledged to invest at least $10 million over the next 12 years to protect nearly 11 million acres of its tropical forests. Among the areas that will benefit is Tuparro National Park, a UNESCO Natural Biosphere Reserve in the Orinoco River basin. The park is home to dozens of unique species including jaguars, river dolphins, the endangered giant armadillo and the critically endangered Orinoco crocodile, which is found only in this part of South America. The area is also a major nesting ground for migrating bird species from North America.
Reauthorization of the TFCA ensures conservation of threatened tropical forests in many more countries around the world.
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Learn more online about the topics discussed in this press release:
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News Release: The Nature Conservancy Contributes to $11 Million Panama and U.S. Debt-for-Nature Swap
U.S. and Panama governments protect more than one million acres of one of the continent’s last wild frontiers. (August 19, 2004)
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News Release: Colombia Debt Swap Yields $10 million For Tropical Forest Conservation
Colombia unveils a debt-for-nature swap with the United States that will allow it to invest at least $10 million over the next 12 years to protect nearly 11 million acres of its tropical forests. (April 23, 2004)
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News Release: Landmark Deal to Protect Rainforests in Belize
The Nature Conservancy joins forces with U.S. government to help reduce half of Belize's debt and conserve 23,000 acres of tropical rainforest habitat. (August 2, 2001)
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Tropical Forest Conservation Act
The Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA) was enacted in 1998 to offer eligible developing countries options to relieve certain official debt owed the U.S. while at the same time generating funds to support local tropical forest conservation activities.
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Conservation International
Conservation International's (CI) mission is to conserve the Earth's living natural heritage, our global biodiversity, and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature.
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Wildlife Conservation Society
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) saves wildlife and wild lands through careful science, international conservation, education, and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks. These activities change attitudes toward nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in sustainable interaction on both a local and a global scale.
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World Wildlife Fund
The World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
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