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emphasize the importance of these joint ventures. We have seen 

 clear and significant progress result from these efforts: the 

 establishment of new protected areas, more careful use of natural 

 resources, better understanding and recognition of the dynamics and 

 importance of resource conservation, strengthening of local and 

 national capabilities, and improved national policies. This 

 progress is intended to lead toward more sustainable forms of 

 biological conservation and ecologically sound local/national 

 development. The projects are producing important long-term 

 benefits to host country people as well as to global ly- important 

 aspects of conservation. 



We at WCS feel that is it vital that US agencies remain strongly 

 involved in this arena, and that support for field operations not 

 be reduced. Among multi-lateral and bilateral donor agencies, 

 USA ID was the first to recognize the importance of these efforts 

 and provide support to them. It continues to promote a diversity 

 of "cutting-edge" approaches, and thereby provides models that are 

 now demonstrating results. US efforts are frequently more site- 

 appropriate, integrative, and participatory than other donor- 

 sponsored efforts -- all of which contribute to their 

 effectiveness. Although we are all in the process of learning how 

 to most effectively reduce conflicts between conservation and 

 development, and how to realize the potential of positive feedback 

 from the two processes, USAID efforts are in general far more 

 advanced and more productive than other donor initiatives -- and 

 therefore should be encouraged. Local, national and global 

 development urgently depend on success in this realm. 



