Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Chemonics International
1133 20th St. NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Acronyms
AMDEPANDO
ASL
BID
BOLFOR
CADEFOR
CFB
CFV
CIFOR
DGDF
FSC
IBIF
INFOBOL
INPA
INRA
MDS
PGMF
POAF
SIF
TCO
USAID
WWF
Table of Contents
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
I-1
1.1
1.2
I-1
I-1
Background
Description of the Final Extension Phase
SECTION II HIGHLIGHTS
II-1
III-1
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
III-1
III-5
III-8
III-9
III-11
III-12
III-14
III-15
SECTION I
Introduction
1.1 Background
By means of a Grant Agreement dated August 26, 1993, the Government of Bolivia and the
Government of the United States of America established the implementation of the Bolivia
Sustainable Forest Management Project (BOLFOR). BOLFOR is a project of the Ministry of the
Sustainable Development and Planning, specifically of the Vice-Ministry of Environment and
Natural Resources. The objective of the Project is to reduce the degradation of forests, soil and
water resources and to protect the biological diversity of the forests in Bolivia. Its purpose is to
strengthen the capability of the Bolivian public and private sectors to develop and implement
programs of sustainable and certifiable forest use.
The technical assistance contract followed the Design and Perform Process (DAP) and has as its
principal objective the technical implementation of the BOLFOR Project. Chemonics
International Inc. is the prime contractor.
During its first seven years, BOLFOR was successful in establishing acceptable methods for
sustainably managing natural forests in the tropics, helping concessionaires develop management
plans on more than 6 million hectares. Within the framework of the new forestry law, BOLFOR
helped develop technical regulations, strengthen the newly created Forest Superintendency, and
achieve independent certification under Forest Stewardship Council for nearly 1 million hectares,
making Bolivia a world leader in natural forest management in the tropics.
By the year 2000, the decision was made to add a new three-year phase of BOLFOR to
consolidate the new forest regime and expand forestry activities to social groups, particularly
indigenous territories (TCOs) and local social groups (ASLs).
1.2
Under the 2001-2003 extension, project results and activities are grouped within three
components or units. These are: Support to the Public Sector, Community Forestry, and
Research. The activities feed directly into fulfilling the results, as well as USAIDs higher-level
intermediate results and overall strategic objective. The following is a brief summary of each
component and its relationship with the project.
1.2a
The project supports activities within the MDSP, Forest Superintendency, and select
municipalities. Using counterpart funds from PL480, the project also assists with activities of the
National Agrarian Reform Institute (INRA). The purpose of these activities is to carry out key
functions and strengthen the responsible institutions in order to consolidate the forestry model.
Activities at the ministerial level include the identification of state-held lands for forest
concessions, identification of the Municipal Forestry Areas (AFRMs) and recognition of local
social groups known as ASLs. With the Forest Superintendency, BOLFOR support directly
targets the processes and systems required to control the informal sector, monitor deforestation,
prevent and control forest fires, and other key functions. Support to municipalities seeks to
strengthen and increase their role in promoting and controlling forestry activities in the
geographical area where they take place. Finally, activities of the National Agrarian Reform
Institute have the purpose of sanitizing land rights on forest lands, including areas held by
indigenous peoples, forest concessions, private landholdings, and other forms of tenure.
1.2b
Community Forestry
Research
The Forestry Research Unit focuses on a few key areas that provide information to verify or
modify the basic assumptions behind the new forestry legislation. These include minimum
diameter limits, cutting cycles, protected areas within management units, and the percent of
mature trees left in order to assure future harvest levels. CIFOR strengthens the research program
by embarking on Adaptive Co-Management research activities in coordination with project
beneficiary groups.
I-2
SECTION II
Highlights
This is the third quarterly progress report for 2003. Following the practice established in the
previous report two types of achievements are highlighted: important progress in expanding and
consolidating the Bolivian Forest Regime and progress related to contractual indicators.
Despite the unprecedented crisis in governance, significant and important landmarks are being
achieved in terms of consolidating the Bolivian Forest Regime. It is worth noting that during this
quarter numerous activities previously started have been completed or are at the point of
completion with important results. Among these the highlights are:
New record in certified hectares. The area of forest under certified management exceeds the
one million hectare benchmark. According to reports by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
the area certified as of September was 1,113,015 hectares. This advance in certification occurs at
a moment in which the overall capability for regulation of the Forest Superintendency (FS) and
the government in general is notably weakened by the political and economic crisis in the
country. The fact that forest users are seeking certification and, therefore, self-regulation is one
of the best indicators of the success of the Bolivian Forest Regime and of BOLFORs dual
strategy of supporting simultaneously voluntary certification and mandatory regulation by
government agencies. It is expected that BOLFORs goal of 1.3 million hectares will be
surpassed in subsequent months. It is also important to note that the growing demand for
certified products is driving many Local Social Groups (Agrupaciones Sociales del Lugar
ASLs) as well as Indigenous Forestry Units to consider certification as an option.
New record in the number of hectares under management. The Forest Superintendency
reports that the Bolivian Forest Regime has grown to 8.5 million hectares under management.
The driving forces for growth have been ASLs with one million hectares under management as
well as TCOs with almost a million also. Private land owners are next in terms of forest area
under management. Projections show that the area under forest management added to the
Bolivian Forest Regime could reach up to 15 or 16 million hectares in the coming years,
including 3 million hectares of forests in Brazil Nut production.
Forest research yields fruits. BOLFORs Forest Research Unit finalized two additional reports
based on data from monitoring plots collected in the last eight years. The first report presents
diameter growth rates, recruitment, and mortality by eco-region and by commercial species. In
this report growth rates under different environmental conditions are presented, assessing the
potential effect of applying silvicultural treatments. The second report shows the results of
simulations of different cutting cycles and minimum cutting diameters for species currently
harvested.
Both reports provide useful and necessary information for updating management plans. These
documents represent a great advance since data used up to now was derived from studies in other
tropical countries and not from Bolivian forests. The reports will be published in early October.
This very important achievement adds on to previous ones and places Bolivia, again, among the
leaders in tropical forest management based on scientific and applied research. This type of
applied research forms the basis for sustainable management and certification.
Human resources developed through forest research sponsored by BOLFOR over a ten-year span
have resulted in critical mass and leadership sufficient to institutionalize this capacity. The
Bolivian Institute for Forestry Research (IBIF) is the expression of this institutionalization. IBIF
has come to being with a very rich human capital and with great perspectives to rapidly develop
its institutional capacity.
Sustainable management practices. Also as a result of forest research management practices
liana control and marking trees for future harvest have been formulated demonstrating
improved productivity and profitability of managed forests. An analysis carried out by Ms.
Kristen Evans of the Peace Corps verified that the profitability of these practices ranges from 10
to 30% annually, according to forest conditions and prices obtained for timber sales.
First block of experimental plots in Pando. The Forest Research Unit finished establishing the
first block of experimental plots in Pando. The plots have been established within the forestry
concession San Agustn S.A. 180 km from Cobija. The plots will be harvested in October with
logistic support from the company. It is worth noting that during the process to establish the plots
Brazil Nut and rubber trees (species important for non-timber forest products) were market to
mitigate damage that may result from logging. This will allow for assessing the feasibility of
harvesting timber and non-timber products from the same area, something that has not been done
previously in Bolivia.
Three hundred hectares in experimental plots. To date approximately 300 hectares in
experimental plots have been established in La Chonta (humid forest), 160 hectares in INPA (dry
forest), and 108 hectares in San Agustn S.A. (wet forest). It is worth noting also that in the case
of La Chonta and INPA there is also information available on the impact caused by logging, as
well as topographical and canopy strata maps of all the plots. This information was collected by
several researchers of BOLFORs research grant program and will allow for more detailed
analyses of the requirements for regeneration and growth of timber species.
William Pariona was in charge of harvesting the second block of experimental plots in INPA.
Silvicultural treatments will be applied in early October.
Data base for permanent plots. The general data bank for permanent plots was updated.
Data base on timber prices. Based on surveys carried out by a team of consultants in 2002 and
the Amazonian Center for Forestry Development (CADEFOR) in 2003, both supervised by
BOLFOR, a data base has been created on timber prices. This data base includes price quotes
throughout the production chain: standing timber in the forest, felled trees, yarded logs, boards at
the sawmill, boards at lumber yards, and boards for sale to consumers in the main cities. The data
base is available through IBIF and CADEFOR.
II-2
.- PROYECTO BOLFOR
HIGHLIGHTS
II-3
Opportunities for Community Forestry Enterprises (CFEs). The start-up of the Fundacin
PUMA has generated expectations as a potential source of financial resources for the operation
of Community Forestry Enterprises. Several of these have requested support from BOLFOR to
generate information required for the first phase of the qualifying process. Also, we are pleased
to see that this alternative has strengthened strategic alliances between CFEs, buyers, and nongovernment organizations. The most visible advances have taken place in the municipalities of
Ixiamas in La Paz and Santa Rosa in Santa Cruz.
Advise to ASLs. In September, the Community Forestry Unit finalized its advisory operations
with the ASLs in Sara and Riberalta. The BOLFOR regional office in San Ignacio de Velasco
will close October 15th. Under subcontract with CADEFOR, the regional offices in Ixiamas and
Guarayos will continue to function until November 30th in order to provide support for ASLs
until the logging season is over and their timber is sold. This new subcontract is part of the
transition to BOLFOR II, where CADEFOR has an important role.
Training Community Forestry Enterprises. The Community Forestry Unit prepared eight
leaflets on forest management topics such as inventories and censuses, basic accounting, cost
estimates and control, contracts, and evaluation of forestry activities by ASL associates. Also,
five technical reports were finalized on the following topics: Organizational Handbook,
Procedural Handbook, Specialized Accounting System for Forestry Operations, Handbook for
Business Plans, and Self-evaluation Handbook.
Forestry concessions for ASLs. The land tenure sanitizing process is still delaying the
establishment of Municipal Forestry Reserve Areas and the granting of concessions to ASLs.
This bottleneck has delayed access to and legal use of forest resources for an increasing number
of ASLs.
In the case of San Matas, after a protracted period, an inter-institutional agreement was
negotiated, sanctioned by the FS, allowing four ASLs to develop their operational plans for the
areas requested.
In Santa Rosa del Sara problems regarding access to municipal areas led to severe conflicts and
ended in confrontations between residents and the police. Land squatting continues unchecked in
the forestry reserve El Chore.
Visits to BOLFOR. A group of officials from Colombias Corporacin Nacional Forestal visited
BOLFORs main office, as well as the regional office in Guarayos in order to become acquainted
with forest management tools developed by BOLFOR and adapt them to their particular needs.
Transition to BOLFOR II. Lists of fixed assets have been prepared with recommendations on
future use. Also, planning has started to incorporate both the Consejo Boliviano para la
Certificacin Voluntaria (CFV) and IBIF operating in office spaces currently used by BOLFOR.
II-4
SECTION III
Progress
In this section, progress toward each one of the 30 results in the technical assistance contract
between USAID and Chemonics International Inc. is stated, followed by a narrative description
of major activities and information providing a more complete context. To date 19 of the 30
indicators have been completed
3.1
The National Institute for Agrarian Reform (INRA) organizes the land sanitizing process in the
country based on polygons that include forest lands, as well as lands suitable for other uses.
Forms of land tenure include: private lands including TCOs, and fiscal lands including reserves
and protected areas. Part of these fiscal lands is already designated for forestry use in
concessions. This indicator contemplates sanitizing an additional 4 million hectares for this
purpose. Apart from existing concessions (see table), there are three land categories potentially
available for new concessions: free of claims for Municipal Forest Reserve Areas, free of claims
for new concessions and proposed for new concessions in the Ro Blanco y Negro Reserve. A
tally of three categories amounts to almost 3 million hectares, which means an increase from
50% to 73% in progress towards completion of this indicator.
Saneamiento de Tierras de Produccin Forestal Permanente Fiscales,
Septiembre 2003
Concepto
(hectreas)
1.846.368
1.095.454
1.085.249
Total
5.497.016
733.244
138.234
568.260
30.208
Achievement of this goal is expected once the following polygons are sanitized:
Robor (Santa Cruz) Polygon 050, estimated fiscal area of 200,000 hectares
San Ignacio (Santa Cruz) Polygon 04, estimated fiscal area of 30.000 hectares
Support was provided for municipalities to present certificates indicating free of claims status in
fiscal forest lands. During the third quarter, INRA handed over to the MDS resolutions for
sanitized areas in the municipalities of San Miguel, Yapacan, and Santa Rosa. Subsequently,
BOLFOR provided support to municipalities, ASLs, and the MDS in order to resolve minor
hurdles and streamline documents.
Requests of Municipal Forestry Reserve Areas, applications for Social Local Group status, and
concession schedules have been piling up at the MDS. Processes were interrupted by the
Direccin General de Administracin Jurdica of the MDS. There is an obvious need for MDS
senior officials to proceed with this process and bring it to a successful end.
The decentralized participatory sustainable forest management model is making great strides in
the country incorporating ASLs throughout the country and almost 1 million hectares under
municipalities and ASLS. We hope the GOB will expedite procedures to increase this important
aspect of the Forest Regime.
Result Indicator #3:
Status as of previous report: 34 of 86 current concessions have been sanitized reaching 40%.
Current status:
III-2
.- PROYECTO BOLFOR
Status as of previous report: Forest use fees have been regulated. Completed
Current status: Completed.
With the presentation of the Comprehensive Development Program for the Bolivian Amazon, the
MDS is proposing to priorize the forest sector within the countrys development policies. This
program is aimed at providing additional support for the productive sector in order to increase
timber and non-timber forest product exports. Expected results are illustrative of the goals the
strategy plans to achieve, namely:
Surpass US$ 360 million in yearly exports of timber (280) and non-timber (80) forest
products.
New investments nearing US$ 170 million to strengthen installed capacity of the
forest sector (100 in private initiatives and 70 from public sources).
Fifteen million hectares of tropical forest under sustainable forest management, with
50% certified.
Improved existing employment (60 thousand jobs) and creation of 90 thousand new
direct jobs, as well as 160 thousand new indirect jobs.
PROGRESS
III-3
BOLFOR presented the map of protection areas in order to assist the MDS in complying with
provisions in the Forestry Law. However the relevance of this map is not evident and its official
adoption was not priorized. Rather, support has been provided to the Ministry to develop a policy
framework that defines restrictions in land use, taking into account existing provisions regarding
land use planning.
Applying an index of referential prices to adjust forest use fees (patente) was a task assigned to
BOLFOR Public Sector Support Unit by the MDS. The survey carried out revealed that average
prices show a decreasing trend to the extent the range of species increases to include less
valuable species. This trend is one of the favorable results of the forest model.
III-4
.- PROYECTO BOLFOR
Rather than insisting on the methodology of adjusting forest use fees based on the referential
price index, BOLFOR emphasized the development of a price data base. This base consists of
data on prices at different points of the productive chain:
Standing timber in the forest
Felled trees
Yarded logs
Logs at sawmill
Boards at the sawmill
Boards at lumber yards
Boards for sale to consumer.
This information comes from a survey carried out by BOLFOR in 2002 and another undertaken
by CADEFOR in 2003. The data base is available through IBIF and CADEFOR.
3.2
Forest Superintendency
Result Indicator #6a: BOLFOR will assist the MDSP develop a plan to grant new
concessions usng different means, such as granting forest
concessions for collection of non-timber products, transfer of new
concessions through municipalities, and the auctioning of large,
medium and small concession. (Basis of contract #1)
Status as of previous report: Working document to develop the plan..
Current status: Presidential Decrees Drafts and other policies in discussion and decision
making phase.
The draft for the forest concession plan includes the following aspects:
1. Consolidation of forest user rights
The MDS formed a commission to revise technical and legal procedures applied in
the land sanitizing process in Pando affecting forestry concessions. BOLFOR
provided support to reinforce DGDF participation in the process. The commission
found potential procedural irregularities that cast doubts on the sanitizing process in
Pando. The companies affected by the sanitizing process expect compensation with
forestry areas supplied elsewhere by the Forest Superintendency. Concessionaires in
the process of being certified have expressed fears regarding conditions that may
emerge as a result of land tenure sanitizing.
2. Recognition of traditional forest users
Consultation continues with Brazil Nut producers in order to negotiate a Presidential
Decree that would allow for recognition of traditional forest users within the Forest
Regime, thus ensuring their contribution to natural resource conservation and
sustainable use in the Bolivian Amazon in the future. Support for these groups,
through technical and financial assistance, will improve non-timber forest product
management.
PROGRESS
III-5
According to the Forest Superintendency during the next quarter forest auditors will be trained,
as well as FS personnel. The planned forest audits will not be carried out this year since it was
not established whether or not concessions in the process of being certified would be subject to
audits by the FS.
Again, certification emerges as a sound monitoring and control mechanism to consolidate the
new Forest Regime.
Result Indicator #7:
III-6
.- PROYECTO BOLFOR
In 2001 the MDS granted 16 concessions to ASLs thus encouraging the community forestry
model that now encompasses over 1 million hectares. However, no progress has been made in
finalizing concession rightsfor additional municipalities and ASLs.
BOLFOR has helped in developing a concession schedule for two municipalities where four
ASLs (3 in San Ignacio and 1 in Concepcin) will receive concessions. The schedules were sent
to the MDS between January and February, 2003. Another schedule for two ASLs in San Jos de
Chiquitos will be presented to the MDS in early October.
Eight ASLs have had problems in developing their schedules due mainly to their lack of official
recognition for their Municipal Forestry Reserve Areas granted by the MDS. Other ASLs have
obtained access to forest tracts and are carrying out harvesting operations, but their legal and
administrative status is not consolidated.
Result Indicator #8:
Plans have been made to carry out during the next quarter an assessment of the strategy
disseminated through BOLFOR and the FS. In addition the Center for International Forestry
Research (CIFOR) is preparing a study on forest management permits for three hectare tracts.
The preliminary results presented at the Second National Forestry Research Meeting in
Cochabamba are alarming and show widespread abuse of the system.
Result Indicator #9:
Result Indicator #10: By the end of 2003, the Forest Superintendency will authorize at
least 75 percent of all land clearings (forest conversion) in the
Department of Santa Cruz and northern La Paz.
Status as of previous report: The process to document progress continues.
Current status: Unchanged.
The first attempts to obtain support for a BOLFOR proposal to split jurisdictions between the
Forest Superintendency and the Agrarian Superintendency, in terms of forest and agricultural
lands, encountered resistance. However, after separate meetings with different organizations, we
perceive that preliminary negative reactions were driven by a lack of information. In fact, the
proposal is innovative and requires more time for all implications to be considered.
PROGRESS
III-7
However, the proposal is part of the solution required by the FS in terms of budgetary capacity.
In other words, neither of the superintendencies has the capacity to comply with its prescribed
role. Therefore it makes sense to reduce duplication of efforts as much as possible. Meanwhile,
control of land clearing remains outside of the realistic possibilities for the FS.
Result Indicator #11: By the end of 2001, the Forest Superintendency will have a Strategic
Plan for Prevention and Control of Forest Fires, including an early
warning system in place.
Status as of previous report: Completed.
The Forest Superintendency is working to obtain support from the Interamerican Development
Bank (IBD) to continue implementing the forest fire prevention program and fire monitoring
through SATIF. Also contacts have been established with oil companies for the continuation of
these two mechanisms.
Result Indicator #12: By the end of 2003, at least 80 percent of forest concessions in critical
areas will have operational plans for prevention and control of forest
fires.
Status as of previous report: Work is being done on the first operational plans
Current status: Workshop for new strategy to facilitate plan development.
In coordination with forest users a master operational plan will be developed for forest fire
control and prevention in concessions located in critical areas. To date, individual plans for each
concession were not developed since forest managers have been occupied with harvest activities.
The Forest Superintendency will finalize the guidelines for approval of fire prevention
operational plans, which will be implemented in the field.
3.3
Assessments will continue during the last quarter in two municipalities in Pando, and two in La
Paz and Beni.
Result Indicator #14: BOLFOR will assist organizations supporting municipalities develop
technical and financial capacity to help UFMs carry out their legal
mandates.
Status as of previous report: Completed
III-8
.- PROYECTO BOLFOR
Two Annual Operational Plans for the municipalities of San Julin and Yapacan show inclusion
of the forest sector in plans and budgets, thus consolidating the efforts of the municipalities in
terms of the Forest Regime. With these additions, 15 municipalities incorporate the sector among
their priorities. Aside from aspects related to the forest sector, these plans also include
environmental, protection and conservation issues.
3.4
With the approval of the operational plans of 25 de Octubre, Asa-Porvenir and Puerto Alegre,
the forest area in the hands of Local Social Groups has increased in 85,020 hectares. With this
addition the total area under management by ASLs is now 1,001,272 hectares, surpassing in 33%
the expected result for this indicator.
Before 2003 ends we expect to have three additional forestry operational plans completed in La
Frontera, Las Petas and AFIX. The area assigned to these three ASLs is around 52,790 hectares,
which will contribute to surpass this result by 40%.
Overall, there is approximately 30 ASLs in the country in process of qualifying for incorporation
or awaiting assignment of forest areas. Based on progress achieved with Project support, at least
ten of these will be able to consolidate their management areas in 2004, thus showing that the
forestry model is working and expanding. However, theres a need to provide sufficient attention
and support to consolidate these new community forestry enterprises.
The ASLs closest to consolidating their management areas are: Primero de Enero in Puerto
Surez, Las Orqudeas and Los lamos in Concepcin, San Vicente de la Frontera in San
Ignacio, Turere and San Matas in San Matas, Chuvireca in Robor, El Quebracho in San Jos,
San Buenaventura in Iturralde, and 18 de Febrero in Rurrenabaque.
PROGRESS
III-9
Result Indicator #17: By the end of 2003, 10 ASLs have developed increased
organizational, administrative, and entrepreneurial capacity.
Status as of previous report: Nine ASLs have reached the A level of entrepreneurial quality.
Current status: Completed. 120%.
With the start of logging activities and support given to adoption and improvement of
administrative procedures, three ASLS have been added to the nine previously qualifying in the
A category. Thus, with 12 enterprises operating satisfactorily in organizational, administrative
and management aspects, this result is completed.
It is worth noting that improvement in management is considered a process requiring several
gradual adjustments in organizational and administrative aspects such as:
use of records
clear delegation of explicit functions in specific handbooks
compliance of technical standards for management
adoption of an entrepreneurial approach.
BOLFORs experience indicates that there are no specific timeframes to achieve a sound level of
management quality. Instead, success depends on the approach and proactive attitude of leaders.
This assertion is confirmed by the fact that of the 12 ASLs that qualify for the A level, three
have carried out forestry activities for three or more consecutive years and their qualifications are
not necessarily the highest in the assessment chart. On the other hand, there are eight ASLs with
two years of logging experience in the A level, and there is one ASL that qualifies for the A
level although it has operated for only one year.
Other information that corroborates the previous statement emerges from an analysis of the six
ASLs in the B category. Of these, one logged its forest for four years, two for a two year
period, and three are in their first harvest. Excepting one, all sell standing timber which does not
lead to increased administrative organization or management, but is basically aimed at obtaining
profits for volumes sold.
In the C category there are eleven ASLs none of which was able to start logging operations.
However, most of these have members trained in a range of technical and administrative tasks.
The groups have developed function and procedural handbooks, as well as business plans
although they still havent had the chance to implement them.
NIVEL A
NIVEL B
NIVEL C
Total
III-10
Ixiamas
4
1
2
7
Velasco
5
3
4
12
Chiquitos
3
2
1
6
Sara
0
0
4
4
Total
12
10
7
29
.- PROYECTO BOLFOR
Result Indicator #18: Through the end of 2003, BOLFOR continues to promote
certification of ASL operations.
Status as of previous report: Several ASL are interested in certification. Completed.
Current status: Completed.
Eight ASLs have expressed interest in forest certification as a result of BOLFORs promotion
through workshops, field evaluations, as well as support to improve logging and organizational
activities. The option to sell certified timber lies in exporting firms that have their chain-ofcustody operations certified. Some lumber companies, such as Aserradero San Luis, CIMAL,
INPA Parket, and UTD are already considering the option of buying raw matter from ASLs.
Companies that do not have forestry concessions, such as Jolyka and Hurtado, could also be part
of this scenario.
3.5
During the third quarter, the area under forest management in charge of TCOs has increased in
37,273 hectares with the approval of the management plan of the Araona TCO in northern La
Paz and the operational plans of San Pedro in Pando and Macahua in the Tacana TCO. With this,
the area of forest managed by indigenous units is 760,387 hectares surpassing in 26% the
expected result.
By the end of 2003 14,000 additional hectares will come under forest management from the
Yaminahua-Machineri TCO and approximately 11,317 hectares of the Multitnico TCO both in
Pando. In 2004 the Monteverde TCO in Santa Cruz will also be incorporated to the Bolivian
Forest Regime.
The Yuqui II TCO and the TIPNIS in the Isiboro-Scure area have started some initiatives but to
no avail since the timber potential in their areas is low and access is limited.
The greatest potential for new management plans with indigenous and peasant groups lies mainly
in northern Bolivia, primarily in the municipalities of Iturralde in La Paz, Vaca Diez and Nicols
Surez in Beni, and most of Pando. The latter raises some issues since this is an area devoted to
Brazil Nut and rubber production and thus management plans should include an integrated
approach for timber and non-timber products. To this end, the prefectura in Pando has developed
a work plan to carry out management in ten peasant communities.
PROGRESS
III-11
Result Indicator #20: Through the end of 2003, BOLFOR continues to promote
certification among TCOs.
Status as of previous report: Three additional TCO have expressed interest in certification.
Current status: Completed.
Special attention has been given to improve aspects that were observed in the inspection that
took place at the Yuqui TCO, thus preparing the road for the second inspection in October. We
expect the certificate to be issued by December. The firms Jolyka and United have been
contacted as potential customers to buy some of the species that will be harvested in 2004.
The Lomero TCO has taken steps to renew its forest management certificate. We anticipate the
process will conclude by the first quarter in 2004.
Expectations to begin the certification process in Salvatierra and Curur in the Guarayos TCO,
and San Pedro in the Tacana TCO is quite high, since no serious hurdles have arisen in the
logging assessment carried out. Support has been aimed at preparing relevant documents for the
scoping that was postponed for mid-October. The advantage in this case lies in the fact that
several potential customers have been identified to buy timber from Curur and San Pedro.
Result Indicator #21: At least eight indigenous forestry units are strengthened in
organizational management and forest issues and are successfully
operating.
Status as of previous report: Eight Indigenous Forestry Units with appropriate management
capacity. Completed.
Current status: Completed. 138%
The last assessment carried out shows that eleven Indigenous Forestry Units are appropriately
organized and have sufficient capability for management. This implies that they a)have approved
and disseminated management and operational plans, b) have taken measures to conserve their
forest resources and c) have started logging operations and have at least one approved evaluation
report.
Apart from this capability, it is worth noting that eight of these Indigenous Forestry Units have
been logging their forests for one or more years and that within this period they have
implemented technical and administrative procedures, which increase significantly their
management quality. This important advancement is reflected in the decision to obtain
certificated status according to FSC standards.
3.6 Certification
Result Indicator #22: By the end of 2003, certified forest area increases to 1.3 million
hectares. (Basis of contract # 4.)
Status as of previous report: Certification of CINMA-Pando was suspended (166,228 ha)..
Current status: CINMA-Pando was re-certified with 144,208 hectares. Current total 1,113,015
hectares. 86% completed.
III-12
.- PROYECTO BOLFOR
The FSC web page (www.fsc-info.org) indicates that the certified area up to August 29, 2003 is
946,888 hectares. This figure does not include the re-certification obtained by San Martn
(CINMA-Pando concession) corresponding to 166,228 hectares. With this area, the total surface
certified to date amounts to 1,113,015 hectares.
The certification processes of SAGUSA, INFORCASA, and CIMAGRO are well advanced. In
SAGUSA an assessment of compliance of preconditions was carried out in August and the same
evaluation is planned to take place at the other two companies by the third quarter of this year.
With this, certified area will increase in more than 500,000 hectares if land sanitizing processes
do not upset the viability of concessions. This last figure only refers to companies that have had
direct support from BOLFOR, but there are other firms that are in the process of certification
(see table below) that could bring the area under certified management close to 2 million
hectares.
Several companies are at different stages of the certification process as shown in the table based
on report from the CFV.
In order to promote forest certification a board to administrate the Fund for Voluntary Forestry
Certification has been formed and it will function at the Cmara Forestal de Bolivia.
Beneficiaries of this fund are forest users that are members of the Cmara. Financial support will
be provided both for scoping exercises and final evaluations. This fund, like initiatives by WWF
and other institutions to support certification, respond to specific needs. The market is forcing
industrial and community enterprises to certify their forestry operations. Several countries have
indicated that they will only buy certified timber.
Operacin
Tipo de derecho
Ubicacin
Concesin
Santa Cruz
17.000
Concesin
Santa Cruz
58.207
Concesin Bolivian
Roble
Concesin San Jos
LTDA
Concesin
Santa Cruz
45.740
Santa Cruz
60.000
Pando
70.025
Concesin La Luna
La Paz
67.870
Pando
244.488
Pando
365.122
TCO LOMERIO
Santa Cruz
53.000
TCO Yuqui
TCO Yuqui
Santa Cruz
55.985
Total
Situacin actual
Area (ha)
Scoping
Evaluacin final
Evaluacin de
precondiciones
Scoping
Scoping
Evaluacin final
Scoping
Evaluacin final
Evaluacin de
precondiciones
Scoping
Evaluacin final
Scoping
Evaluacin final
Scoping
Evaluacin final
Scoping
Evaluacin final
1.037.437
PROGRESS
III-13
Result Indicator #23: Bolivian certification standards are presented to FSC for timber and
non-timber forest products.
Status as of previous report: Completed.
The standards will be revised again by a committee to be officially submitted to the FSC for
approval.
3.7
To assess this indicator we are expecting results of a survey led by CADEFOR of processed
timber exports. This activity is planned for November. However, aspects such as the increase in
total area newly certified and new contracts signed lead us to think that exports will show
sustained growth, as opposed to unprocessed timber or conventional products which have
decreased in 25% in the last three years.
Result Indicator #25: At least eight community forestry enterprises export forest products
directly or through intermediaries.
Status as of previous report: 12 community forestry enterprises export through intermediaries.
Completed.
Current status: Completed. 133%.
The number of Community Forestry Enterprises that provide raw materials to processed timber
industries has increased to 16, four above our previous report.
Among these, the sale of cambar to Argentina is worth highlighting where timber from two
ASLs in Velasco is being exported to Argentina. If this becomes a niche market the viability of
several Community Forestry Enterprises in the Bajo Paragu area would improve considerably.
In this region cambar is the most prevalent species, but low local market demand has limited
consolidating management plans.
Two new community enterprises, the ASL 25 de Octubre and the IFU Macahua of the Tacana
TCO, have started supplying logs to Tom Maderas and COMINMA respectively. Tom Maderas
is a Brazilian company that operates out of Chiquitos and Robor, and COMINMA supplies
timber for UTD, a door manufacturer and exporter.
III-14
.- PROYECTO BOLFOR
Municipio
Especie
Madera
Guarayos
Guarayos
Guarayos
Guarayos
Guarayos
Guarayos
Chiquitos
Yesquero
Ocho
Yesquero
Ocho
Yesquero
Ocho
Morado
ASL Robor
Chiquitos
ASL 25 de Octubre
Chiquitos
Ixiamas
ASL Copacabana
Ixiamas
ASL 7 Palmas
ASL Candelaria
ASL Caoba
Ixiamas
Ixiamas
Ixiamas
TCO Macahua
Ixiamas
ASL El Cedro
ASL El Boqu
ASL El Tun
ASL Asa - Porvenir
ASL Asa - Porvenir
Velasco
Velasco
Velasco
Velasco
Velasco
ASL ACIA
Velasco
Morado y
Jichituriqui
Morado
Roble
Mara
macho
Mara
macho
Cedro
Cedro
Cedro y
Mara
macho
Mara
macho
Soto
Roble
Roble
Cambar
Cambar
Paqui
Cambar
Producto
Vendido por la
EFC
Troncas
Troncas
Troncas
Troncas
Troncas
Troncas
Madera Aserrada
Empresa
Compradora
Productos Exportados
Pas
Destino
United Furniture
United Furniture
United Furniture
United Furniture
United Furniture
United Furniture
Maderal Export
Import
Espen
EEUU
EEUU
EEUU
EEUU
EEUU
EEUU
Paraguay
Madera Aserrada
Alemania
Troncas
Palcas
Tronca
TOM Maderas
Tablas
Palcas
Puertas
Brasil
Madera Aserrada
SALI
Tronca
Tronca
Tronca
Madera Aserrada
UTD
EEUU
UTD
UTD
UTD
Puertas y muebles de
cocina
Puertas
Puertas
Puertas
EEUU
EEUU
EEUU
Tronca
UTD
Puertas
EEUU
Troncas
Palca
Palca
Troncas
Troncas
EMPRODUR
FOBOL
FOBOL
NAPOLI
United a travs
de San Luis
NAPOLI
Durmientes
Laminados
Laminados
Madera aserrada
Sillas y Muebles en Gral.
Per
Europa
Europa
Argentina
EEUU
Tablas
Argentina
Troncas
Result Indicator #26: At least three ASLs/TCOs enter into strategic alliances with industrial
forestry operators to improve their forestry operations and income.
Current status: Eliminated.
3.8
Research
Result Indicator #27: Four critical best management practices in the new Forestry
Regulations are confirmed or modified based on the results of
BOLFOR research. These practices will include minimum cutting
diameters, retention of seed trees, cutting cycles, and the designation
of reserve areas within harvested forests. (Basis of contract #5.)
Status as of previous report: 2 practices revised (50% progress).
Current status: Completed.
Under current conditions growth rates of many species are lower than expected. This result has
been confirmed through data from re-measurements in permanent plots installed in several sites
within tropical forests in Bolivia.
Results from simulations of the first two cutting cycles suggest that in the second cycle only a
percentage of the volume obtained in the first cycle will be obtained. These results stress the
need for a new strategy to ensure sustainability of forest management. This strategy should
PROGRESS
III-15
consist of several components and not just a single solution. The following are some of the
components to be considered:
1. Silvicultural treatments: Data from several types of forests confirm that growth rates
increase markedly when silvicultural treatments are applied (specially cutting lianas).
Also marking future crop trees reduces damages incurred during harvesting.
2. Harvesting groups of species: Current cutting cycles would not allow to recover the
same volume harvested, and thus the need to think in groups of species that could be
harvested using different cutting cycles. These groups should be defined based on
their timber characteristics and growth rates. A slow-growing group should be
harvested less often during several cutting cycles compared to a fast-growing group
of species.
3. Percentages of specific seed trees: Seed trees should be left in rates appropriate for
the specific characteristics of each species. This percentage could vary between 5 and
30%. Also it is advisable to leave trees with diameters closest to the minimum cutting
diameter as seed trees, since over-mature trees are more likely to die before the next
cutting cycle.
4. Increase in harvesting and milling efficiency: An increase in efficiency will lead to
reduction in harvested volumes in order to produce the same amount of processed
timber.
Comments on the drafts of the cutting cycle and minimum cutting diameter reports were received
from 12 people related to the forest sector. Based on these comments, a new version of the
document is being prepared which will be presented in a workshop with representatives of the
sector. This event is scheduled for mid-October.
Two additional reports are being published related to this topic; one on growth rates, mortality,
and recruitment based on permanent plots, and other on a simulation model to assess cutting
cycles and minimum cutting diameters.
All reports on the four management practices will be officially presented to the Ministry of
Sustainable Development in late October.
Result Indicator #28: Concrete and measurable increases occur in the efficiency of
Bolivian forestry operations based on the results of BOLFOR
research on forest management planning, improved harvesting and
extraction methods, increased regeneration and production, and
stand improvement due to the adoption of silvicultural treatments.
Status as of previous report: Studies underway.
Current status: Completed.
Progress on the two case studies carried out for this indicator is as follows:
III-16
.- PROYECTO BOLFOR
1) Since data were lacking from CIMAL the case study on increased efficiency was
carried based on forestry operations in La Chonta.
2) The study on the effects of adopting two silvicultural practices (future harvest tree
marking and liana cutting) based on the large scale plots established in La Chonta has
shown that the price of cutting lianas in future crop trees is recovered in the first years
of the cutting cycle. The speed at which this cost is recovered depends on the species
analyzed (slow or fast-growing species) and the diameter of the trees liberated. The
benefits of this treatment in a 20-year cutting cycle are quite considerable, which
results in more profit for companies. Regarding marking future crop trees, it has been
shown that this treatment also generates more profits since it reduces damages during
harvesting.
The results of this study will be presented to different actors of the sector during a workshop in
October. The results will also be published in a technical report.
Result Indicator #29: BOLFOR research in community forestry provides orientation for
forest management of social groups and is used as the basis of
making forestry decisions. BOLFOR will provide this support
through research in adaptive co-management facilitated by CIFOR
and UF/FMT.
Status as of previous report: One of the studies is ready for publishing.
Current status: Completed.
The case study on impacts of participatory research in Guarayos entitled Gender, Participation
and the Strengthening of Indigenous Forestry Management in Bolivia has been published and it
was translated into Spanish for dissemination to interested institutions.
The second case study entitled Forestera Comunitaria en Guarayos: los Casos de Curur y
Salvatierra is ready for publishing.
Having published both documents, this indicator has been completed.
Result Indicator #30: BOLFORs research activities will be used as an input for the
development of a national forestry research strategy.
Status as of previous report: Funding project for research presented by the MDS to ITTO.
Current status: 90% completed.
The second national meeting on forest research took place in Cochabamba on August 11 through
13 with more than 200 people attending it. Approximately 60 papers and 15 posters were
submitted, as well as parallel workshops that took place to define the national research strategy.
The results of these workshops were discussed in plenary and a conclusion was reached that a
national advisory group should be formed consisting of representatives from local advisory
groups. Members of the national advisory group were elected, with the representative of
PROGRESS
III-17
Cochabamba in charge of organizing the first meeting. A decision was made to have forestry
research meetings on a yearly basis and Tarija was chosen as the venue for next year.
Also a work group was formed on permanent plots under the leadership of INFOBOL. This
group will meet in Cochabamba in early October to define objectives and activities.
The strategy to consolidate the Instituto Boliviano de Investigacin Forestal (IBIF) includes
monitoring the permanent plot network. This strategy will define areas where IBIF has to work
in order to become a fully fledged research institution and to disseminate research results leading
to sustainable forest management. A first version of this strategy was circulated with IBIFs
board of directors.
Among the activities carried out to consolidate IBIF the following took place:
1. Meetings were held with The Nature Conservancy and USAID officials to present
IBIFs mission and objectives. These meetings were key to obtain financial support
from BOLFOR II to continue some of IBIFs activities until additional funding
sources are secured.
2. The proposal submitted to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)
was not approved by the selection committee due to the amount of the budget
proposed. Work is underway on a new version of the proposal, with a smaller budget
and mainly focused on monitoring permanent plots and disseminating research
results.
3. The contest to design a logo for IBIF had a great response. Close to 20 proposals
were submitted. Currently, work is underway to apply the chosen design.
III-18