Abstract
The purpose of the USAID CAFTA-DR Environmental Cooperation Program is to build the capacity of the six CAFTA-DR countries (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua) to comply with the environmental provisions of the ECA and to promote cooperation in environmental matters. USAID is carrying out activities in four areas: institutional strengthening for implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, biodiversity conservation, market-based conservation, and private sector environmental performance. This report assesses the design and implementation of ongoing and planned activities managed by USAID to build the capacity of institutions in signatory countries of the CAFTA-DR to comply with environmental provisions of the agreement and strengthen environmental protection as it relates to trade. The purpose of the assessment is to provide constructive guidance on implementing existing activities and provide information to inform the programming of FY 08 and FY 09 resources. The assessment presents what CAFTA-DR countries need to build their institutional capacity in order to comply with environmental provisions; identifies opportunities to complement the work of other donors; and recommends ways to improve the program. (Author abstract)