Bio-diversity

The primary goal of the proposed project is to empower communities to take management responsibility for the environmental protection of the Sibun River watershed, and develop mechanisms for dialogue with regulatory and development entities. The Sibun Watershed Association seeks to increase and institutionalize the participation of local people in the natural resource management of where they live and work. Through a number of specific community-based mechanisms, SWA efforts are expected to result in sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. Project objectives include the following: 1. To train village representatives in community-based resource inventories and environmental monitoring. 2. To increase community and stakeholder awareness concerning natural resource issues through the implementation of community-driven environmental education programs, public awareness and information dissemination. 3. To develop community-based advocacy to address natural resource issues, including environmental practices that threaten biodiversity and watershed health. 4. To initiate a watershed-based marketing program that promotes community-based ecotourism destinations within the Sibun River watershed.

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