BRAZILIAN BIODIVERSITY FUND
FUNBIO
ANNUAL REPORT
2000
Brazilian Biodiversity Fund - FUNBIO
GOVERNING COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT
Roberto Konder Bornhausen
President
Pedro Leitão
Executive Director
Jean Marc von der Weid
Vice-President
Maria Clara Soares
Promotional Department
VOTING MEMBERS
Arminda Campos
Promotional Department
Academic Community
Ângelo Barbosa M. Machado – UFMG
Benjamin Gilbert – Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)
Luiz Antonio Maciel de Paula – UFC
Virgilio Mauricio Viana – ESALQ-SP
Francisco
Financial Department
Claudia Esquioga
Administrative Department
Environment
Garo Batmanian – WWF/Brazil
Gustavo A.B. Fonseca – Conservation International
Ibsen de Gusmão Câmara – FBCN
Jean Marc von der Weid – AS-PTA
Business Community
José Luiz Magalhães Neto – Grupo Belgo Mineira
Roberto K. Bornhausen – Unibanco
Roberto Leme Klabin – SOS Mata Atlântica
Roberto Paulo C. de Andrade – BRASCAN
Government
Antônio Sérgio L. Braga – Ministry of the Environment
José Pedro de O. Costa – Ministry of the Environment
ALTERNATE MEMBERS
Text
Márcia Soares
Revision
Eloí Calage
Graphics Project and Lay-out
Traço Design
English Translation
Christopher Peterson
Academic Community
Antonio Carlos Diegues – NUPAUB/USP
Cláudio Benedito V. Pádua – Fundação Universidade de Brasília
Roberto Brandão Cavalcanti – UnB
Environment
Adriano Campolina – Action Aid
José Adalberto Verissimo – Instituto Homem e Meio Ambiente
Muriel Saragoussi – Fundação Vitória Amazônica
Business Community
Carlos Affonso de A. Teixeira – Petrobras
Manoel de Freitas – International Paper do Brazil Ltda.
Maria Mercedes von Lachmann – Grupo Lachmann
Maurício Lima Reis – CVRD
Government
Braulio F. Souza Dias – Ministry of the Environment
Fredmar Corrêa – Ministry of the Environment
FUNBIO
Largo do Ibam, 01 / 6th floor
Humaitá – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
22.271-020 Brazil
Tel: (55-21) 579-0809
E-mail: funbio@funbio.org.br
Website: www.funbio.org.br
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Contents
1. Letter from the President
2. An Overview of Biological Diversity
4
5
The Convention on Biological Diversity: our ideals
5
Biodiversity in the Year 2000
7
3. FUNBIO
Background
Mission
Organization
Results
10
10
11
12
13
4. Programs
Partnership Funds
Ford Foundation/FUNBIO
Support for Sustainable Production
Best Practices in Ecotourism
Call for Projects, 1996-97
5. Prospects
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1. LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
The mission of FUNBIO is to serve as a catalyst for resources to
support strategic actions for the conservation and sustainable use
of biological diversity in Brazil.
The year 2000 was a period of major activity and change in the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund in light
of its short but dynamic history. From the point of view of the Fund’s objectives, 2000 was a takeoff period for the two main promotional programs, both focused on developing relations with the
private sector, attempting to involve private enterprise in activities for the conservation and
sustainable use of Brazil’s biological diversity.
The Partnership Funds Program is an important step in fundraising with larger-scale stakeholders
to develop environmental projects of common interest to these parties and FUNBIO. By contracting
these funds, FUNBIO has raised some US$ 4 million and matched this amount with similar funds
of its own. In addition to the inherent importance of these projects, the Program has demonstrated
the possibility of involving the private sector in pursuing the objectives of the Convention on
Biological Diversity in Brazil.
Meanwhile, the Program to Support Sustainable Production has emerged with the goal of
continuing and expanding sustainable production projects that had already been launched and
funded by other sources and whose economic base is associated with Brazilian biological
resources. FUNBIO supports economic feasibility studies for such initiatives, backing the drafting
of business plans that foster not only better prospects for producing and marketing their products,
but also the possibility of raising additional funds from public and private investment agencies. This
program line aims to benefit and ensure the continued work of micro and small entrepreneurial
interests in sustainable business.
In addition, the Program for Better Practices in Ecotourism has begun to demonstrate the
relevance of its proposal as well as its potential to recruit partners for projects of interest to multiple
stakeholders, meanwhile ensuring the resources needed to implement such initiatives.
2000 was thus a year of maturity and progress for FUNBIO’s programs.
From the institutional standpoint, 2000 marked the end of the period during which FUNBIO was
hosted by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. This transition has meant not only creating and
formalizing a new institution, but also developing a whole set of administrative and financial
support units focused on controlling the funds transferred both to support projects and to
administer the institution itself. This was a new and unforeseen challenge for the Fund’s team, who
have gone to great efforts in tackling it.
4
I see the Fund’s work as a set of excellent examples of how to combine the private sector with
environmental and social causes. I can also foresee new opportunities opening up in innovative
fields of business, with the private sector taking a closer approach to these issues. Again, I call on
all interested parties, particularly from industry, to participate actively in this experience in the
conservation and sustainable use of our country’s biological diversity. I am certain that it will be a
rewarding experience and will lead to interesting developments in the near future.
Roberto Konder Bornhausen
President of the Governing Council
2. AN OVERVIEW OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
The Convention on Biological Diversity: our ideals
The environment and sustainable development are issues of major international debate. Despite
the importance and gravity of these issues, their formal inclusion on the international diplomatic
agenda only took place for the first time at the United Nations Conference on the Human
Environment in Stockholm in 1972. Since this event, the issue of biological diversity/sustainable
development has been discussed in a context which involves guaranteeing basic conditions for the
survival of human beings.
Human and environmental degradation began to be seen as intrinsically related, making it
imperative to achieve the sustainability of natural resources to promote decent conditions for the
survival of families and a healthy and productive environment. From this premise emerged the
recognition of the need to adopt a new development model - sustainable development emphasizing the value of natural resources, particularly the diversity of living beings, or biological
diversity, for economic and social development.
In 1988, the realization that biological diversity is a common good for all humankind and that it is
indispensable to maintain the biosphere led the United Nations to draft a legal instrument as the
basis for future actions related to biodiversity. The Convention on Biodiversity was signed by the
participating nations in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, held in
Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is both innovative and especially daring in its
proposals, since it is based on the conservation/use dyad (two apparently antagonistic premises).
The CBD proposes that natural resources not merely be contained in conservation units, but rather
5
be used by everyone conscientiously, in such a way as to guarantee the development of those who
use them directly or indirectly. Proper utilization of resources should generate decent living
conditions, especially in the developing countries where most of the natural habitats are found. The
Convention includes 42 articles and two appendices.
Article 1 of the Convention on Biological Diversity deals with “the conservation of biological
diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits
arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, including by appropriate access to genetic
resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies and appropriate funding”. Other
articles define the terms and means to achieve these objectives and deal with operational and
functional issues.
The articles of the Convention on Biological Diversity can be divided into different groups. Some
deal specifically with the conservation of biological resources. They recommend the identification
and monitoring of ecosystems with high biological diversity, which contain endemic species or
species threatened with extinction, or that contain medicinally or agriculturally valuable species,
among others. They also deal with the need to identify activities whose impact may threaten the
conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
The Convention on Biological Diversity recommends the establishment of protected areas and the
adequate management of these areas and the promotion of sustainable activities in areas adjacent
to them (Article 8). It also highlights the importance of recovering the knowledge of indigenous and
local communities to properly meet the Convention’s goals, recognizing the right of these
communities to share in the benefits from the use of their knowledge. In addition, the CBD
recommends that measures be adopted for ex situ conservation (Article 9), preferably in the
country of origin.
The document ensures that countries with biological resources retain their sovereign right to exploit
such resources, in conformity with their own national legislation. The Convention also determines
liability for the improper use of biological resources and the effects of environmental degradation
that may reach areas beyond a country’s national jurisdiction (Articles 3 and 4). Signatory
countries, according to their possibilities, should adopt national strategies and programs to
promote conservation and sustainable use and to mitigate environmental impacts, or adapt existing
strategies and programs, besides promoting cooperation between the public and private sectors,
nongovernmental organizations, and foreign governments (Articles 5, 10, 11, 14, 17, and 18). From
this perspective, it is of the utmost importance to promote educational policies that encourage and
especially shed light on measures adopted for conservation and sustainable use, in addition to
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incentives for scientific practices capable of generating information on the functioning of
ecosystems, thereby fostering their appropriate management (Articles 12 and 13).
The Convention on Biological Diversity recommends that cooperation between governments not be
limited merely to the exchange of technical and scientific information (Articles 15, 16, 19, 20, and
22) and suggests facilitating access to genetic resources by countries with limited biological
diversity, but which detain financial and technological resources (developed countries). In addition,
the Convention suggests the transfer of appropriate technology and financial support to countries
rich in biological diversity, but with less economic and technological capability (developing
countries). However, this transfer should respect the patent laws and property rights established
under the respective legislation or obligations arising from other international agreements, in all
cases reiterating the importance of sharing the benefits.
The Brazilian government took measures to respond to the challenges launched by the Convention
on Biological Diversity in two stages. The first, within the scope of the Ministry of the Environment,
was the creation of the National Biodiversity Program (Pronabio) and the General Coordinating
Body for Biodiversity (Cobio). Subsequently, within the scope of these two policy tools, Probio and
FUNBIO were created, the first focused on supporting policy-making and the second on
implementing projects in conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
The main mechanisms for implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity, as described in
Articles 21, 23, 24, and 25, are:
 The facilitating mechanism (better known as the “Clearing-house mechanism”), responsible for
technical and scientific cooperation;
 the Secretariat, already established, of a purely administrative and executive nature;
 the Conference of the Parties (COP), consisting of delegations from all the signatory countries,
observers, and representatives from civil society, held periodically with the purpose of
reviewing issues pertaining to implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity;
 a Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), whose
function is to advise the COP;
 a financial mechanism, exercised by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF).
Biodiversity in the Year 2000
According to data from Conservation International, among
the 17 richest countries in biological diversity in the world,
Brazil is far and away in first place, with 23% of all the
species on the planet.
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With regard to implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the year 2000 was
marked by major progress in the agreements. January witnessed the signing of the International
Biosafety Protocol during a meeting convened by the United Nations Environment Program
(UNEP) in Montreal. In addition, the 5th Conference of the Parties, held in Nairobi, Kenya,
determined that this organization’s work thenceforth be oriented according to the principles of the
Ecosystem Approach, aimed at integrated management of land, water, and biological resources.
The year 2000 was one of unmistakable growth in the awareness of, and commitment towards, the
protection of wild areas and biological diversity. Still, this increased awareness proved insufficient
to stop the massive loss of forests or the greatest crisis in species extinction that the world has
ever witnessed. Progress was limited to the sphere of treaties, while the planet’s biological
diversity has continued to suffer aggression from both large-scale environmental accidents and the
prioritization of economic policies over environmental and social ones.
The debate on the merits of economic globalization and the best way to ensure human and
ecological progress in the coming decades permeated the year 2000. A study sponsored by the
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on the basic causes of the loss of biological diversity concluded that
poverty plays a central role in this process: ecological and social problems are interconnected and
fuel each other. In addition, the excessive concentration of wealth characterizing modern economic
systems generates further poverty and environmental decline
Responsibility for the planet’s current health– including its biological diversity – and that of its
human inhabitants continued to be divided unequally among rich and poor nations. For example,
the United Nations Conference on Climate Change held in 2000 in the Hague, Netherlands, was
intended to establish rules for carbon gas emissions in the atmosphere, the main factor in the
greenhouse effect. However, the United States, Japan, and Canada, the largest polluters, refused
to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, which thus continues to lack legal force.
The conclusion of the Biosafety Protocol – a multilateral agreement ruling on biosafety conditions
for trade in genetically modified organisms – was an important step in 2000. The United Nations
Environment Fund (UNEP) convened a meeting in Montreal, Canada, in January, and after five
days of negotiations, representatives from 138 attending countries finally passed the Protocol. The
subsequent phase will be the implementation of the agreement. The issue is controversial, since
there is both heavy pressure for free trade in transgenic products and a lack of information on the
impact of these products on both the environment and human health.
At the 5th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP5), held in Nairobi, one of the key
decisions was to orient work thenceforth based on the Principle of the Ecosystem Approach. This
8
principle provides for a broad association between local and public interests, as well as a due
appreciation of natural systems and their services. Based on the hierarchical nature of biological
diversity, i.e., interaction among genes, species, and the ecosystem, the Principle should be
implemented by adaptive practices, taking into account gaps in knowledge and the complex nature
and dynamics of ecosystems and social factors.
Another international development spawned by the COP5 was the Millennium Ecosystem
Assessment (MA), the first global assessment of ecosystems, intended to focus on goods and
services, anthropic pressure, and other forms of pressure that are jeopardizing ecosystems
throughout the planet. The idea is to gather scientific information on ecosystems over the course of
four years as material for the meetings of the Conference of the Parties and thus help back its
decisions.
During the year 2000, implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Brazil reflected
the international scenario. There was real progress in establishing environmental policies, like the
Provisional Measure regulating access to genetic heritage, the creation of a large number of
Private Natural Heritage Reserves, mobilization of organizations from civil society for major
ecological causes, and the success of environmental programs like the one to protect the golden
lion tamarin, salvaging this species from the near-extinct category. But while there was progress,
the year 2000 was also marked by major environmental accidents, like the oil spill in Guanabara
Bay and the increased deforestation of the Amazon.
One of the main breakthroughs in 2000 was the Provisional Measure on access to genetic
heritage, intended to regulate the issue until an Act of Law has been passed by the Brazilian
Congress. The measure was a significant step in efforts to control access to Brazil’s genetic
heritage. Another important Provisional Measure signed in late 2000 corrected distortions in the
role and responsibilities of the CTNBio (National Technical Commission on Biosafety) providing a
better definition of the role of the environment in this area. Plans for the year 2001 include a review
of this Provisional Measure and the creation of a governing board for genetic heritage in Brazil.
In 2000, a Congressional Committee also attempted to amend the Brazilian Forestry Code
(Federal Act # 4.771/65) in such a way as to expand deforestation in all of Brazil’s ecosystems.
The reaction was a huge outcry by Brazilian society, effectively blocking the amendment, forcing
the Federal government to turn the resolution negotiated by CONAMA (the National Environment
Council) with several organized sectors of society into a Provisional Measure. The text is still in
force through Provisional Measure 2.080-62, which is up for review in 2001.
In drafting its bills of law, the Brazilian Administration has consulted the public in order to involve
9
society n the definition of a national biodiversity policy. This consultation process has involved
nongovernmental organizations, researchers, companies, and other sectors of society. The results
are now being consolidated and should be made public during the year 2001.
Another government measure was a series of regional seminars organized by PROBIO in an effort
to identify and establish priority measures for the conservation of biological diversity in Brazilian
biomes. These workshops had a participatory format and the results were consolidated in
publications representing an important set of back-up material for public policy-making in the
environmental area.
The legislative domain also included the creation of the National Forest Program (Decree # 3.420).
Its objectives include encouraging the sustainable use of native and planted forests, promoting
reforestation activities, recovering permanently protected forests or ones belonging to legal
reserves or altered areas, supporting the economic and social initiatives of forest peoples,
combating illegal deforestation and predatory extraction of forest products and by-products, and
encouraging the protection of biological diversity and forest ecosystems.
In addition, the Jaú National Park in the State of Amazonas and the Pantanal (Wetlands) Complex
in the States of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, encompassing the Pantanal Matogrossense
National Park and the Dorochê, Acurizal, and Penha Private Natural Heritage Reserves were
recognized by UNESCO as Natural Heritage of Humanity. The Brazilian proposal was passed by
the World Heritage Committee during a meeting held in Cairns, Australia. Brazil now has five areas
classified as Natural Heritage of Humanity and another nine as Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a
major triumph for the preservation of biological diversity.
3. FUNBIO
Background
FUNBIO seeks a different scope of activity, distinguishing it from
other national environmental funds and allowing it to achieve its
objectives with standards of excellence.
Founded in 1995, the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (FUNBIO) is a nonprofit private organization
whose objective is to complement government actions for the conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity in Brazil, in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity and the
National Biodiversity Program (PRONABIO).
Based on the premises of conservation of the planet’s biological heritage and the search for
10
solutions to other global problems, the Global Environmental Facility – GEF – was created with the
objective of funding environmental projects around the world. In 1995 the Brazilian Ministry of the
Environment received a donation from the GEF for the conservation of biological diversity in the
country. FUNBIO was created to manage a portion of this funding and received US$ 20 million.
A condition for the donation made through the World Bank was that an efficient and transparent
promotional mechanism be established, capable of attracting the private sector as a partner in
achieving the Fund’s objectives. The funding received from the GEF was thus to be supplemented
by fundraising from different sources in order to ensure the Fund´s continuity in the long term.
Previously linked to the Getúlio Vargas Foundation, FUNBIO changed addresses in 2000,
conquering its own space and dealing with the complex task of institutional reorganization.
FUNBIO´s incubation process inside the Getúlio Vargas Foundation was crucial to its
consolidation. The Fund succeeded in establishing its autonomy by demonstrating its management
capability in both the projects themselves and with the financial resources provided by the GEF
and its partners.
Mission
As its vision for the future, FUNBIO intends to establish itself as a private
fund with resources from different sources and in sufficient volume to
support actions that serve as a reference for biological diversity.
FUNBIO’s work involves identifying, raising, potentiating, and distributing financial and material
resources as well as creating the conditions for participation by civil society in the process of
conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. This mission is part of a vision of the
future, aimed at guaranteeing that the funds raised from various sources always be sufficient to
contribute significantly in supporting projects which, if fully implemented, will serve as a reference
for actions in conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
FUNBIO encourages the development of environmentally and financially sustainable projects. This
goal has been achieved by establishing expert professional relations with the Fund’s partners. The
credibility achieved through the competent management of resulting funds allows FUNBIO to
establish partnerships and receive donations from companies and other institutions interested in
joining efforts for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in Brazil.
The Fund’s target public consists of the business community, nongovernmental organizations with
relevant projects for the conservation and sustained use of biological diversity, and local
communities benefiting from these actions.
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Organization
FUNBIO operates in an agile, streamlined, flexible, transparent, and effective way,
stimulating the development of ecologically and socially sustainable projects and
involving civil society in the process.
FUNBIO is led by a Governing Council consisting of 28 individuals who occupy outstanding
positions in various sectors of society and involved in the biodiversity issue in Brazil. Council
members are representatives of nongovernmental environmental organizations, private
companies, and renowned Brazilian academic institutions, in addition to four members of
government from the Ministry of the Environment. The Fund is operated by an Executive
Committee, six Technical Commissions, and an Executive Secretariat, which currently includes a
team of 15 professionals from various fields.
Governing Council
It is up to the Governing Council to define FUNBIO’s overall action policy and priorities, in
addition to directly promoting projects. The Council is divided into two chambers (voting
members and alternate members). Members of the Governing Council also belong to the Executive
Committee and the Technical Commissions.
Executive Committee
Consisting of the president and vice-president of the Governing Council and the coordinators of
the Technical Commissions, with a total of seven members, the Executive Committee is the
coordinating body for the work of the Commissions, besides supervising and orienting the work of
the Executive Secretariat.
Technical Commissions
The Commissions serve to analyze, orient, monitor, and evaluate, together with the Council and
Executive Secretariat of FUNBIO, and are organized according to specific areas of expertise:
Planning and Strategy, Promotion, Fundraising, Finances and Auditing, Monitoring and
Evaluation, and Biological Prospecting.
Executive Secretariat
The Executive Secretariat implements FUNBIO’s strategy and work program, involving both its
technical and administrative/financial aspects, meanwhile providing back-up and resource
materials for the Governing Council’s decisions in the form of proposals, analyses, and
information. The Secretariat is currently divided into an executive directorate, two coordinating
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divisions for promotion, an administrative department, a financial department, an information
department, and a secretariat of collegiate bodies.
Results
As of December 2000, FUNBIO had raised approximately US$ 3 million for
biodiversity projects. The forecast is that by the end of 2001 the Fund will
have raised US$ 5 million, thus reaching the goal set by the GEF.
During the year 2000, FUNBIO grew over 100% both in the number of projects funded and the
amount spent to ensure progress in the preservation/conservation of biological diversity and the
sustainable use of natural resources in Brazilian territory. This growth expresses the efficiency and
credibility achieved over the course of the institution’s brief history.
In addition, during this same period FUNBIO launched a search for partners to fund projects and
succeeded in expanding the involvement and participation of private companies, who are now
responsible for over half – 57.1% of the financial resources allocated in the Partnership Funds
Program. The public sector participated directly with 7.1% of these funds, with the rest coming
from foundations and institutes (24%) and nongovernmental organizations (11.9%).
[atenção: no gráfico abaixo, substituir vírgula com ponto nos percentuais, p. ex. 11,9% >> 11.9%,
etc., e inserir do lado direito os seguintes termos, por cor: amarelo - Companies; vermelho - Public
Agencies; azul - Foundations/Institutes; verde - NGOs]
Fundraising by type of institution as of December 2000
(US$ 2,954,456)
Empresas
11,9%
Orgãos Públicos
24,0%
Fundações/
Institutos
57,1%
ONGs
7,1%
To illustrate FUNBIO’s scope of action, suffice it to cite the agreement signed with the Ford
Foundation, responsible for funding nine projects which directly and indirectly benefit 500
13
thousand people, the equivalent of the population of a medium-sized Brazilian city. The programs
supported by FUNBIO cover all the regions of the country, with the following biomes: Cerrado
(Savannah), Atlantic Forest, Araucaria (Paraná Pine) Forest, Caatinga (Scrub Forest), the Amazon,
and Mangroves.
[atenção: no gráfico abaixo, inserir os seguintes termos, por cor: amarelo - Cerrado (Savannah);
verde - Atlantic Forest; azul claro - Araucaria Forest; vermelho - Caatinga (Scrub Forest); blueAmazon; lilás - Mangroves]
FUNBIO activity by biome
Cerrado
6%
19%
Mata Atlântica
19%
Floresta de Araucária
Caatinga
6%
9%
41%
Amazônia
Manguezais
[atenção: no gráfico abaixo, inserir do lado direito os seguintes termos, por cor: amarelo - CentralWest; vermelho - Southeast; azul claro - South; verde - North; rosa - Northeast]
FUNBIO activity by region
centro-oeste
8%
14%
sudeste
sul
22%
34%
22%
norte
nordeste
FUNBIO’s thematic areas include non-lumber forest management, agrobiodiversity, and
management of fishing resources, areas in which positive action is crucial to both the preservation
of biological diversity and the production of food and wealth in the context of the new world
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order. A new front, ecotourism, was also launched in 2000 and will continue in 2001, focuses on
training all the sectors involved in developing non-predatory tourism.
[atenção: no gráfico abaixo, mudar o título para “Support by Thematic Area” e inserir do lado
direito os seguintes termos, por cor: verde - Ecotourism; azul - Non-Lumber Forest Management;
lilás - Lumber Forest Management; amarelo - Management of Fishing Resources; vermelho Agrobiodiversity; laranja - Dissemination of Experiences; azul claro - Conservation]
Ecoturismo
Apoio por áreas temáticas
40
Manejo Florestal Nãomadereiro
38%
35
Manejo Florestal
Madeireiro
30
Manejo dos Recursos
Pesqueiros
25
20
14%
15
10
8%
8%
8%
14%
Agrobiodiversidade
8%
5
Disseminação das
experiências
0
Conservaçao
Analyzed according to the types of institutions that have been funded, FUNBIO focused primarily
on supporting the work of nongovernmental organizations, with 53% of all the projects, followed
by consortiums involving the public sector and NGOs, with 13%, and community associations and
cooperatives, with 11% each. In addition to these work fronts, FUNBIO also acts in partnership
with nationally and internationally renowned research institutes and academic organizations, thus
highlighting direct involvement by important segments of Brazilian society.
[atenção: no gráfico abaixo, inserir do lado direito os seguintes termos, por cor: amarelo Government Organizations; rosa - Foundations; azul - Companies; verde - NGOs; laranja Community Associations; azul claro - Cooperatives; vermelho - Consortiums of Public Agencies
and NGOs]
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Types of institutions supported
13%
5%
5%
5%
8%
Organização
Governamental
Fundação
Empresa
ONG
11%
Assoc.comunitária
Cooperativa
53%
Consórcio orgão
público e ONGs
Beyond the quantitative importance of the scope of FUNBIO’s work, this distribution by region
and biome and the involvement of such different segments of the populations has a strong
qualitative significance: the excellence of these projects constitutes a positive reference for
stimulating more and similar initiatives.
Such facts express the work of FUNBIO, which intends to consolidate itself as an outstanding
institution among the organizations focused on the preservation of biological diversity and
sustainable use of Brazil’s natural heritage, always with a view toward better living conditions and
human development.
According to a survey by Conservation International, of the l7 countries on Earth with the richest
biodiversity, Brazil occupies first place, with 23% of all the species on the planet. In the Brazilian
Amazon alone there are 20,000 endemic species, i.e., ones that are only found in Brazilian territory.
Within the current planetary context of scarce natural resources, this rich biological diversity can
mean wealth and power. But it can also mean an immense challenge and a huge responsibility, a
challenge and responsibility that are faced by FUNBIO and all its collaborators, as illustrated by
the figures below.
TOTAL FUNDS CONTRACTED BY DECEMBER 2000
TO SUPPORT PROJECTS1
Funds contracted from FUNBIO
US$ 4,384,617
1
Partners’ matching funds
US$ 5,166,205
Total
US$ 9,550,822
Approximate values, based on an exchange rate of US$1 = R$2.
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PROJECTS FUNDED BY YEAR AND VALUE DISBURSED
YEAR
NO. OF PROJECTS
VALUE DISBURSED
1997
10
US$ 77,070
1998
10
US$ 953,307
1999
13
US$ 431,853
2000
28
US$ 915,750
Total funds disbursed by 2000
US$ 2,377,980
,,
4. PROGRAMS
Partnership Funds
The Program that raised the most funding for FUNBIO was
the Partnership Funds Program. Of the total amount
committed by December 2000, on the order of US$2.6
million, private institutions provided approximately US$1
million.
The aim of the partnership funds is to provide associated funding for projects of common interest
to partner institutions in priority thematic areas for the conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity in Brazil. Each fund consists of a donation by the partner (a minimum of 50%
of the project’s total value), matched by FUNBIO. In absolute terms, this donation must be at least
US$200 thousand, but there is no upper limit to the allocation of resources for these funds.
The projects supported by the partnership funds can be proposed by one of the partners or
selected from a call for projects and should fit into one of the following areas: direct and/or
indirect use of genetic and biological resources; and creation or implementation of conservation
units (public or private).
Call for Projects 01/98 (called the formation of Partnership Funds), launched in October 1998,
remained open to new proposals throughout the year 2000. The process of negotiating the
partnership funds will conclude its first phase in 2001, having reached the US$5 million threshold.
Thus, FUNBIO will have met its contractual obligations to the World Bank in order to receive the
17
second portion of the donation from the GEF, i.e., US$10 million.
Six new proposals were received in 2000 within the scope of this Call for Projects, and various
proposals presented in 1999 were also approved during this period.
P R O JEC TS FR OM THE P AR TN E RS HIP FU N DS P R OG R AM
Project: Environmental Education and Recovery of the Atlantic Forest in the Rio Doce Valley
Location: Aimorés (Minas Gerais State, on the border with Espírito Santo State)
Project Executor: Instituto Terra
Objectives: Develop an educational and research process focused on recovering degraded areas,
using the forest recovery activities to be conducted on the Bulcão Farm as demonstration and study
areas, providing back-up for research and education.
Starting date: January 2000
Contracted value: R$ 1,748,429.17
Value spent: R$ 318,843
Evaluation: The project underwent an initial phase involving the organization of staff and facilities.
Recovery activities began in the demonstration modules and with the construction of an
Environmental Recovery Research Center.
Project: Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity as an Economic Activity for Coastal
Communities in Espírito Santo.
Location: Espírito Santo State
Project Executor: Fundação Promar
Objective: Development of shellfish-raising activities.
Starting date: March 2000
Contracted value: R$ 1,053,000.00
Amount transferred: R$ 50,784.00
Evaluation: The project was canceled by the FUNBIO Governing Council.
Project: Cicuta – Recovery of Forest Ecosystems and Environmental Services in the Atlantic Forest
along the Middle Paraíba Valley (Rio de Janeiro State)
Location: Volta Redonda (Rio de Janeiro)
Project Executor: Fundação CSN (Foundation of the Brazilian National Steel Company)
Objectives: Recovery of ecosystems adjacent to the Cicuta Forest, combined with environmental
education activities, aimed at improved protection of the forest reserve area.
Starting date: April 2000
Contracted value: R$ 1,890,000.00
Value spent: R$ 492,588.00
Evaluation: The project underwent an initial phase involving staff organization. During the year 2000
the implementation of basic infrastructure was practically concluded for carrying out other activities
(construction of the Visitors’ Center, basic renovation of researchers’ facilities and recreational
areas, and installation of a seedling nursery).
Project: Monte Alegre
Location: Telêmaco Borba (Paraná State)
Project Executor: Klabin do Paraná Produtos Florestais – KPPF (Klabin Forest Products, Paraná)
18
Objectives: Implementation of commercial activity involving biological prospecting combined with
conservation of biological diversity in native forest areas, maintained as a legal reserve by the KPPF
company.
Starting date: July 2000
Contracted value: R$ 5,122,000.00
Value spent: R$ 240,000.00
Evaluation: Activities were launched in all the project’s lines of work, although with some delay. The
project team expects to make up for this delay in 2001.
Ford Foundation/FUNBIO Program
Sustainable management of forest resources, introduction of
agroforestry systems, and promotion of training and
community organization are some of the pro-biodiversity
actions developed by the Ford/FUNBIO projects.
One of the Calls for Projects issued in 2000 resulted from the establishment of a Partnership Fund
between the Ford Foundation and FUNBIO. Targeting financial support for community-based local
sustainable development projects, the Call for Projects determined that the activities be developed
in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest biomes. A total of R$1,720,000.00 was allocated for the Fund.
This Call for Projects resulted in 11 proposals, of which nine were approved and contracted.
Among the main products involved in these projects are various tropical fruit species (like banana,
jackfruit, pineapple, genipap, and cashew), vegetables, spices, coffee, medicinal plants, hearts of
palm, and piassaba, in addition to handicrafts using arumã and wood. All of these activities are
carried out by traditional local communities.
P R O JEC TS FR OM THE F OR D /F U NB IO P AR TN E RSHIP
Project: Participatory Management of Natural and Forest Resources – Building a Sustainable
Development Proposal in Rural Communities in the Itacaré-Serra Grande Region
Location: southern Bahia State
Project
Executor:
IESB
Partners: 1) Marambaia Farmers’ Association (Rural Association); 2) Camboinha Farmers’
Association (Rural Association); 3) Serra Grande Farmers’ Association (Rural Association);
4) Bahia State Work Cooperative (COOTEBA) (Technical Assistance Cooperative); 5) Una
Farmers’ Cooperative (COOPERUNA) (Farm Produce Cooperative); 6) Center for
Environmental Resources (CRA)
Objectives: Improve living conditions in rural communities in the Itacaré- Serra Grande
Environmental Protection Area, while preserving the forests and natural resources.
Starting date: September 1, 2000
Contracted value: R$ 238,082.96
Value spent: R$ 59,409.97
Evaluation: 1st evaluation pending
Project: Synergism for Sustainability and Citizenship in the Amazon and Atlantic Forests
Location: Novo Airão, Amazonas State
Number of beneficiaries: 15 thousand
19
Project
Executor:
Fundação
Vitória
Amazônica
FVA
Partners: 1) Municipal Government, Sete Barras, São Paulo; 2) Association of
Residents and Friends of the Guapiruvu Neighborhood (AGUA); 3) Association of
Craftspersons, Novo Airão (AANA); 4) Municipal Government, Boa Vista do Ramos,
Amazonas; 5) Federal Agrotechnical School in Manaus (EAFM); 6) String
Instrument Crafts School of the Amazon (OELA); 7) Boa Vista do Ramos Crafts
Association (AABVR); 8) Community Association of Farmers and Extractors of
Forest Products (ACAF)
Objectives: Develop a sustainable economic alternative for a local craftspersons’ association based
on harvesting, processing, and transforming plant fibers.
Starting date: Sept. 1, 2000
Contracted value: R$ 144,460.00
Value spent: R$ 27,450.00
Evaluation: 1st evaluation pending
Project: Synergism for Sustainability and Citizenship in the Amazon and Atlantic Forests
Location: Boa Vista do Ramos, Amazonas State
Number of beneficiaries: 12 thousand, in 43 communities
Project
Executor:
Imaflora
Partners: 1) Municipal Government, Sete Barras (SP); 2) Association of Residents
and Friends of the Guapiruvu Neighborhood (AGUA); 3) Association of
Craftspersons, Novo Airão (AANA); 4) Municipal Government, Boa Vista do Ramos,
Amazonas; 5) Federal Agrotechnical School in Manaus (EAFM); 6) String Instrument
Crafts School of the Amazon (OELA); 7) Boa Vista do Ramos Crafts Association
(AABVR); 8) Community Association of Farmers and Extractors of Forest Products
(ACAF)
Objectives: Promote a participatory process in the definition of Agenda 21; transform the existing
lumbering system into a sustainable forestry system; develop a Business Plan for the production of
certified forest-friendly wooden objects.
Starting date: Sept. 1, 2000
Contracted value: R$ 138,820.00
Value spent: R$ 22,375.00
Evaluation: 1st evaluation pending
Project: Synergism for Sustainability and Citizenship in the Amazon and Atlantic Forests
Location: Ribeira Valley, São Paulo State
Number of beneficiaries: 150 families
Project Executor: Partners: 1) Municipal Government, Sete Barras (SP); 2) Association of Residents
Vitae Civilis
and Friends of the Guapiruvu Neighborhood (AGUA); 3) Association of
Craftspersons, Novo Airão (AANA); 4) Municipal Government, Boa Vista do
Ramos, Amazonas; 5) Federal Agrotechnical School in Manaus (EAFM); 6) String
Instrument Crafts School of the Amazon (OELA); 7) Boa Vista do Ramos Crafts
Association (AABVR); 8) Community Association of Farmers and Extractors of
Forest Products (ACAF)
Objectives: Promote the conservation and sustainable use of the Atlantic Forest by strengthening
partnerships between NGOs and local communities and bolstering forest management, ecological
studies, and certification initiatives to consolidate the use of medicinal plants and handicrafts as
sustainable economic alternatives.
Starting date: Sept. 1, 2000
Contracted value: R$ 166,340.00
Value spent: R$ 35,940.00
Evaluation: 1st evaluation pending
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Project: Economic Sustainability Based on Enhancement of Biological Diversity in Family Farming
Systems
Location: central-southern Paraná State
Number of beneficiaries: 419 thousand, in 22 municipalities
Project Executor: ASPTA
Objectives: Expand actions for the promotion and economic consolidation of family farming
systems.
Starting date: Sept. 6, 2000
Contracted value: R$ 137,500.00
Value spent: R$ 10,139.00
Evaluation: 1st evaluation pending
Project: Economic Sustainability Based on Enhancement of Biological Diversity in Family Farming
Systems
Location: Prado – southernmost region of Bahia State
Number of beneficiaries: 2000 families, in 25 land settlements
Project Executor: Terra Viva
Objectives: Expand actions for the promotion and economic consolidation of family farming
systems.
Starting date: Sept. 6, 2000
Contracted value: R$ 107,863.00
Value spent: R$ 14,660.00
Evaluation: 1st evaluation pending
Project: Economic Sustainability Based on Enhancement of Biological Diversity in Family Farming
Systems
Location: Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais State
Number of beneficiaries: 1,900 families
Project Executor: CTA – ZM
Objectives: Expand actions for the promotion and economic consolidation of family farming
systems.
Starting date: Sept. 6, 2000
Contracted value: R$ 98,500.00
Value spent: R$ 34,033.10
Evaluation: 1st evaluation pending
Project: Handicrafts Production and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources by Communities
in the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve
Location: Santarém, Pará State
Number of beneficiaries: 85 families, in two communities
Project
Executor:
IPAM
Partners: 1) Nuquini Community Association (ASCON); 2) Small Farmers’
Association, from Amorim to Vista Alegre, Tapajós River Valley (AMPRAVAT)
Objectives: Establish community workshops for the production of household utensils using wood
and plant fibers, oils, and dyes; draft a community forest resources management plan.
Starting date: Dec. 4, 2000
21
Contracted value: R$ 89,700.00
Value spent: R$ 7,327.00
Evaluation: 1st evaluation pending
Project: Sustainability and Forest Certification in the Atlantic Forest
Location: Atlantic Forest
Number of beneficiaries: NA
Project Executor: SOS Partners: 1) National Council of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve; 2)
Mata Atlântica
IMAFLORA; 3) IESB
(Atlantic Forest
Coalition)
Objectives: Promote the sustainable management of forest resources in the Atlantic Forest; train
local communities, auditors, and small farmers; draft guidelines for forest certification.
Starting date: Sept. 4, 2000
Contracted value: R$ 354,440.90
Value spent: R$ 50,066.66
Evaluation: 1st evaluation pending
Program to Support Sustainable Production (PAPS)
The Program to Promote Sustainable Production
directly reaches some 3,000 families in three
different Brazilian biomes, thereby improving their
quality of life.
The Program to Support Sustainable Production (PAPS) helps empower small-scale innovative
initiatives already under way that are linked to the sustainable use of biological diversity. By
investing in projects that are receiving funding from other organizations, FUNBIO avoids the
interruption of these initiatives, fostering expansion of the projects’ scope.
During an experimental stage, PAPS funded three projects, all of which were concluded during the
year 2000, providing approximately R$ 240 thousand in funds. Based on this pilot experience,
FUNBIO issued the first call for projects under the Program to Support Sustainable Production –
PAPS (ED 01/00), which allocated a total of R$ 1 million 300 thousand in funds. Of the 32
proposals presented, 10 were selected for funding in the first phase of the Program, which involved
a diagnosis and drafting of a strategic plan.
The Business Plan methodology used by the PAPS has shown that projects presenting an
alternative to economic activities with a high environmental impact can achieve commercial
success, expanding the capacity to generate work and income for local populations. By analyzing
the project executor’s environmental sustainability, economic feasibility, and management
capability and the market characteristics associated with these projects, the Business Plan helps
spawn a proposal for consistent financial support, in keeping with the project’s funding needs,
22
thereby favoring its chances of success.
Among the positive results of the projects financed by PAPS are the reduction in pressure on
surviving forests, creation of forest corridors, sustainable management of coastal resources for the
recovery of fishing resources, and implementation of agroforestry systems, helping ensure
maintenance of biological diversity and avoiding erosion. From the social point of view, there is
major family involvement in agroextractive activities and increased income for the population with
the sustainable production of natural resources as an alternative to predatory practices.
The second phase of PAPS will be developed in 2001 and will consist of a review of the Business
Plans drafted by the projects in order to select those that will receive FUNBIO support for the
following stage, involving implementation of the respective strategic plan.
PROJECTS IN THE PROGRAM TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION (PAPS)
Project: Management of Quilombola* Territories [*Descendants of Escaped Slaves, or Maroon
Communities] – Introducing the Quilombola Brand Name
Location: Oriximiná, Pará State
Number of beneficiaries: 770 families in 27 communities
Project
Executor: CPISP
Partners: 1) EMBRAPA - Eastern Amazonia, Emílio Goeldi Museum, Pará School of
Agricultural Sciences, Foundation for Research Support and Development; 2) Brazilian
Institute for Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA)/Saracá-Taquera
National Forest; 3) Fala Preta (Organization of Black Women); obs.: partnership with
IMAFLORA under negotiation.
Objectives: Define a Business Plan for launching the Quilombola Brazil nut brand name in order
to market the product abroad; certification plan for Brazil nuts produced by the quilombolas,
descendants of escaped slaves.
Starting date: Nov. 1, 2000
Value contracted in the 1st phase: R$ 29,648.21
Value spent: R$ 12,890.53
Project: Support for Community Organizations and Handicrafts Producers’ Associations in Saco do
Mamanguá
Location: Paraty, Rio de Janeiro State
Number of beneficiaries: 120 families
Project
Executor:
AMAM
Partners: 1) Antônio Diegues (Coordinator, NUPAUB-USP); 2) Virgílio Vianna
(Coordinator, LASTROP)
Objectives: Organize production and marketing of caixeta wood handicrafts; stimulate and develop
ecotourism in mangrove areas.
Starting date: Nov. 22, 2000
Value contracted in the 1st phase: R$ 28,750.00
Value spent: R$ 12,500.00
23
Project: Sustainable Exploration of Native Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Quilombola
Communities in the Ribeira Valley, São Paulo State
Location: Ribeira Valley, São Paulo State
Number of beneficiaries: 100 families
Project Executor:
Associação Quilombo de
Ivaporunduva
Partners: Ivaporunduva Quilombo Association; São Paulo State
Foundation for Conservation and Production; Federal University in
Santa Catarina; Paulista State University (UNESP); University of São
Paulo – NUPAUB; Forest Foundation (Fundação Florestal).
Objectives: Empower the traditional extraction and use of medicinal plants; quality assessment of
resulting products; develop market surveys; implement an infrastructure for local processing of
produce; train farmers to process medicinal products.
Starting date: Sept. 28, 2000
Value contracted in the 1st phase: R$ 26,400.00
Value spent: R$ 12,000.00
Project: Consolidation of the Cananéia Oyster Producers’ Cooperative
Location: Cananéia, São Paulo State
Number of beneficiaries: 43 families
Project Executor:
COOPEROSTRA
Partners: 1) São Paulo State Foundation for Conservation and Production;
2) Fishery Institute; 3) Gaia Environmental Center for Ecological Studies; 4)
NUPAUB – USP
Objectives: Reach the consumer market with the oysters produced; improve the cooperative
production and management system; environmental certification.
Starting date: Sept. 29, 2000
Value contracted in the 1st phase: R$ 26,950.00
Value spent: R$ 12,250.00
Project: Improvement of Production and Marketing Processes for Vegetable Oils from Communities
in the Tapajós National Forest (Pará State)
Location: Tapajós National Forest, Santarém, Pará State
Number of beneficiaries: 78 families in 9 communities
Project Executor:
ASMIPRUT
Partners: 1) Tapajós Inter-Community Association (AITA); 2) Belterra Rural
Workers’ Association (STR B); 3) Health and Happiness Project (Projeto
Saúde and Alegria).
Objectives: Identify the market potential for andiroba and copaíba oils and by-products; feasibility
study for community processing of products; identify storage, packaging, and preservation
conditions; conduct training in all phases of the production process.
Starting date: Nov. 1, 2000
Value contracted in 1st phase: R$ 25,687.00
Value spent: R$ 10,703.00
Project: The Savannah [Cerrado] is Life
Location: São Raimundo das Mangabeiras, Maranhão State
Number of beneficiaries: 100 families
Project Executor:
COOPEVIDA
Partners: 1) Amazonian Work Group (GTA); 2) Carajás Forum; 3) National
Rubber-Tappers’ Council (CNS); 4) Rural Workers’ Center for Education and
Culture (CENTRU-MA).
24
Objectives: Process agroextractive production of cashew nuts; technical assistance; social
organization and income generation; environmental conservation strategy within the project’s
scope of action.
Starting date: Nov. 1, 2000
Value contracted in the 1st phase: R$ 27,600.00
Value spent: R$ 11,500.00
Project: Fruits of the Savannah [Cerrado] - Consolidation of Produce Processing in the Villages
Associated with Vyty-Cati
Location: States of Tocantins and Maranhão
Number of beneficiaries: 5 indigenous communities
Project
Executor: CTI
Partners: DED - German Service for Technical and Social Cooperation
Objectives: Promote and support harvesting of native fruits; improve processing and storage of
fruit pulp; transportation of climatized fruit; product standardization and certification; youth
training; technical assistance.
Starting date: Nov. 1, 2000
Value contracted in 1st phase: R$ 32,013.36
Value spent: R$ 13,338.90
Project: Economic Feasibility of Agroecological Coffee-Growing in the Area Adjacent to the
Caratinga Biology Station, Minas Gerais State
Location: Caratinga, Minas Gerais State
Number of beneficiaries: 300 families
Project
Executor: REDE
Partners (note: partnerships to be formally consolidated: 1) Biodiversitas
Foundation; 2) Caratinga Biology Station; 3) Caratinga Educational Foundation;
4) Presbyterian Society for Education and Research; 5) EMATER; 6) Federal
University in Viçosa; 7) Mary Lucca Chagas State School.
Objectives: Disseminate agroecological coffee-growing systems; implement processing structures;
train the association for produce management and marketing.
Starting date: Nov. 1, 2000
Value contracted in the first phase: R$
23,874.00
Value spent: R$ 10,380.00
Project: Economic Dynamics and Sustainable Use of Agrobiodiversity: a strategic interface in the
family farming development process in central-southern Paraná State.
Location: southern Paraná State
Number of beneficiaries: 390 families
Project Executor: CODEC Partners: AS-PTA (Consultancy and Services for Projects in Alternative
/ ASPTA
Agriculture)
Objectives: Processing and direct marketing of black beans and other foodstuffs; diagnosis of
obstacles and needs in the project; systematize and publish the results.
Starting date: Nov. 17, 2000
Value contracted in 1st phase: R$ 21,600.00
Value spent: R$ 9,000.00
FUNBIO Strategic Studies – This set of activities focuses on maintaining the proactive stance in
25
FUNBIO’s work, especially by generating back-up and resource materials for fundraising and
promotional areas. During the year 2001, two strategic studies will be selected and developed
whose results may, based on a decision by the Governing Council, become areas of activity for
FUNBIO: one on carbon sinks and another on activities in areas adjacent to conservation units.
Better Practices in Ecotourism (BPE)
Ecotourism is an excellent economic alternative for
communities living in places with peculiar natural beauty,
besides including important components for conservation
of biological diversity.
FUNBIO began to investigate ecotourism as a potential work area in 1999, within the "Strategic
Studies Program", with the aim of seeking new fields of activity for the Fund. Research pointed to
a gap in the training of teams working in ecotourism projects, usually consisting of local
community members.
The answer to this issue was the development of a training program for Best Practices in
Ecotourism (BPE), with the objective of defining a set of "best practices" serving as a reference for
ecotourism projects located in remote areas of Brazil. The program proposes to prepare and train
various groups in loco who are directly or indirectly related to the environment and tourism and
are interested in turning ecotourism into a sustainable economic alternative.
Training planned under the program Best Practices in Ecotourism involves the preparation of
multidisciplinary teams (with varied skills and expertise) to act as instructors, in addition to
training local community members in best operational and financial practices in ecotourism and
specialized tourism. Partnerships are needed to develop this program, budgeted at R$1,823,430.
In order to debate this program and present it to potential funders, FUNBIO held a meeting in
Brasília in May 2000, with participation by consultants and representatives from government
promotional and funding agencies. BPE was evaluated positively by part of the 26 participants,
and from that event onward the prospects began to materialize for establishing partnerships.
By late 2000 BPE included three partners: FINEP (Funding Agency for Studies and Projects), which
committed R$ 410 thousand to the project; Bank of the Amazon (BASA) with R$ 180 thousand, and
FUNBIO itself, with R$ 200 thousand, totaling some R$ 600 thousand. In 2001 the program
activities will focus on seeking new partners to complete the necessary financial resources, forming
26
the BPE executive secretariat, and initiating the training work.
Proposals Submitted to the 1996-97 Call for Projects
The 1996-97 Call for Projects approved 10 projects and
allocated a total of some 1.2 million dollars in funding by
FUNBIO for biodiversity conservation projects..
Of the proposals approved under the 1996-97 Call for Projects, only two had still not been
concluded by December 2000. The others were finalized in 1999. Operations during this pilot
phase of FUNBIO were crucial not only for the experience acquired by the institution but also in
terms of the conservation of Brazilian biological diversity.
With an average duration of 22 months, this group of projects, launched in late 1997, handled
approximately US$ 1.8 million in funds2, with US$ 1.2 million provided by FUNBIO and US$ 660
thousand as matching funds by the institutions conducting the projects. In order to evaluate this
first experience by FUNBIO in project funding, the “Seminar for the Evaluation of Projects
Supported by the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund under the 1996-97 Call for Projects” was held in July
2000.
The event included participation by representatives from eight projects (two were absent), plus two
advisors, members of the Executive Secretariat, and guest participants committed to various
environmental causes. The challenge was to evaluate the results, determining to what degree the
Convention for Biological Diversity’s principles were implemented by the Fund. In addition, the
seminar served as an important tool for sharing experiences and learning processes and to jointly
evaluate FUNBIO as a project funder.
Seminar participants presented suggestions for the monitoring and evaluation of future work by
FUNBIO, emphasizing the need for closer monitoring of projects by way of regular visits, more
flexible control based on project specificity, with the objective of facilitating project execution,
encouragement for exchange of experiences among the project executors, and greater rigor in
drafting calls for projects and project selection, with a view towards successful funding prospects.
Based on the results of this seminar, the institution will be able to review its experience promoting
projects, which will be consolidated in a document to be published shortly by FUNBIO.
This figure was calculated based on the dollar exchange rate prevailing in December 2000, or U$1 = R$ 2.
Note that a major portion of the funds allocated under this Call for Projects were spent in 1998 and that there
was a wide currency exchange variation during this period: December 1997, U$1 = R$ 1.12; December 1998,
= R$ 1.20; December 1999, = R$ 1.78.
27
2
1996-97 CALL FOR PROJECTS
Project: Conservation and Sustained Use of Natural Resources in Central-Western Paraná State
Location: central-western Paraná State
Project Executor: Fundação RURECO
Objectives: Implement activities in conservation and sustained use of natural resources by groups
of family farmers in the above region (municipalities in the region o Guarapuava).
Starting date: December 1997
Contracted value: R$ 167,513.00
Value spent: R$ 160,298.24
Evaluation: Overall the project has been achieving its goals, conducting activities in conservation
and sustained use through various training courses provided to families and leaders in the project
area. The type of relationship established with the project beneficiaries is one of the most
promising aspects, and a healthy partnership has been established with local farmer organizations
in the project implementation, by which RURECO has not replaced or overshadowed the farmers’
own organization.
Project: Stopping Genetic Erosion in Agriculture: Recovery, Conservation, and Sustained Use of
Traditional Crop Varieties by Communities of Small Farmers
Location: States of Paraíba, Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, and Paraná
Project Executor: AS-PTA (Consultancy and
Partners: Minas Network, CTA, AS-PTA/PB,
Services for Projects in Alternative Agriculture)
AS-PTA/PR
Objectives: Recover, classify, and evaluate material in corn, beans, and manioc; conservation of
materials “on farm” and in seed banks; systematize results as the basis for improving
participatory methodologies for the conservation and sustainable use of genetic recourses in
agriculture and for proposing public policies aimed at disseminating this experience.
Starting date: May 1998
Contracted value: R$ 446,286.00
Value spent: R$406,286.00
Evaluation: The objectives have been achieved, with positive impacts in retrieving and
characterizing traditional crop varieties. Outstanding positive results include identification of
experienced farmers, recognition of farmers’ knowledge concerning local crop varieties, and
especially intervention in public policies.
28
7. PROSPECTS
In 2001, FUNBIO has inherited a series of tasks that need to be completed and that relate to its
transition as an autonomous and efficient nongovernmental organization. In addition to concluding
this reorganization cycle, FUNBIO must adopt strategies to raise new funds from different sources
and to enhance its activities and train its professional staff. All these are major challenges for the
year.
Various new and complementary fundraising strategies need to be adopted. The most immediate
strategy will be the continued establishment of partnership funds, seeking to raise resources from
different domestic and foreign sources to support projects in the conservation and sustainable use
of biological diversity that are of interest to both FUNBIO and its partners, thereby leveraging the
remaining resources available to the Fund from the GEF (US$ 10 million). This means concluding
negotiations and formalizing the necessary number of partnerships to commit the total resources
made available under the call for projects to form partnership funds, reaching the goal of US$ 5
million in funds for projects through this modality.
Still, FUNBIO needs to move beyond the partnership funds. Such funds stimulate participation by
the private sector and help catalyze resources, but they do not ensure FUNBIO’s medium- and
long-term sustainability. It is important to identify other opportunities for capitalizing the Fund in
order to ensure the continuity of its work. FUNBIO must therefore seek and establish relations with
other institutions, especially those that support national environment funds.
Another complementary trend should ensure the proper application and yield of both current and
new funds. In this sense, careful ongoing evaluation is of the utmost importance, redirecting the
work by the manager of the financial assets made available to FUNBIO.
Likewise, it is important to build relational networks between FUNBIO and certain specific groups,
with a view towards developing particular programs or projects. This initiative differs from the
partnership funds in that the themes and programs are not proposed by the partners, but by
FUNBIO, generally as the result of the development of its Strategic Studies program. The best
example of this possibility is the Program for Best Practices in Ecotourism. Relevant themes to be
explored in the short term are areas adjacent to conservation units, carbon sinks, and sharing
benefits generated by access to biological resources.
If successfully handled, all these fronts can bring new financial resources to FUNBIO and ensure
the continuity of its future operations. This should also mean an increase in the number of projects
to be funded for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Yet quantity alone is
not enough. The quality of these projects must be guaranteed, verifying whether the initiatives are
29
actually achieving their objectives. Hence the development and implementation of a plan involving
indicators for monitoring and evaluating projects, aimed at both measuring and encouraging their
efficacy.
FUNBIO also wishes to diversify and geographically expand its work, fostering the development of
initiatives in areas of Brazil that lack attention and support, increasing the number of projects
funded in biomes such as the caatinga (scrub forest), the coastal zone, and the araucaria
(Brazilian or Paraná pine) area.
FUNBIO further plans to have the Program to Support Sustainable Production serve as a line of
continuous support for projects developed by micro-level economic agents, helping ensure their
market survival and relieving poverty and its detrimental impact on the environment.
All these project areas mean taking advantage of opportunities to work proactively, seeking
partnerships, fostering synergies, and catalyzing efforts and resources. However, it also highlights
the need to increase the qualifications of the Fund’s professional team to meet these challenges. In
this sense, it is important to develop an efficient human resources management program to ensure
the preparation of staff members needed for the goal of growing with quality. This in turn depends
on qualified people, prepared to lead this process.
The Executive Secretariat of FUNBIO trusts that it will be capable of adequately dealing with these
challenges, contributing to the satisfactory conclusion of its first stage and opening a new and
promising page in the life of the institution.
Pedro Leitão
Executive Director
RedLac – The training opportunities created by FUNBIO’s participation in the Latin American and
Caribbean Network of National Environmental Funds (REDLAC) have proven promising. REDLAC
is a collaborative network consisting of national funds, aimed at providing for opportunities in
cooperation and cost-sharing, systematizing and exchanging information, training, and learning. In
addition to FUNBIO, the other Brazilian fund belonging to REDLAC is the National Environment
Fund (FNMA). The exchange of information and experiences and the learning process take place
through the Network’s website and its annual meetings. The meeting in 2001 will be held in Rio de
Janeiro (October) and should be organized jointly by FUNBIO and FNMA.
30