Fragile Lands of Latin America Strategies for ... - PART - USAID

Developing the Chocb Region 277
should lead to various development schemes. Sport fishing is another
distinct possibility.
4. Select a series of areas to be managed for conservation, scientific
research, education and tourism based on the unique natural assets of
the area.
The foregoing recommendations 1-3 on local resources show limited
prospects to benefit the people of Choc6. But there is still another
resource of very great potential, namely the uniqueness of Choc6 as
one of the world's extremes in rainfall and its by-products concerning
flora, fauna, even its variety of people who have adapted to this unique
environment. Conservation areas could to some extent follow and
benefit from the experience of Costa Rica where a system of national
parks and reserves has allowed development of a considerable industry
concerning scientific, educational, and popular tourism based on its
equally exceptional natural assets. What is more, such a policy could
attract international finding that could make the difference (ISTF,
1986).
A promising strategy for conservation has been described in detail
by Budowski and Morales (1987) and was based on previous suggestions
(Garcia Kirkbride, 1986 a and b). These studies include identification
of areas that should be protected and establishment of a network of
biological stations to become centers for research and training for the
people of Choc6, Colombians and of course scientists and students
from outside. This proposal would require the creation of a mixed
organization of Colombians and foreign scientists to help supervise
development projects and channel resources towards this aim. In early
1987, a team of four prominent Chocoans were invited to visit various
parks and other protected areas in Costa Rica and Panam& Their
report (Maya Copete et al., 1987) shows how well they perceived how
much the experiences from these countries could be transferred to the
Choc6.
5. In each of these recommendations, make certain that the local
population and authorities are involved in the planning and execution
stages.
Notes
1. The term Choc6 in Colombia applies to a Department in the northwestern
part of the country bordering both with the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. But
the term also applies to a much larger area covering the wet areas along the
whole Pacific side of Colombia including northwest Ecuador, always with high
rainfall. It is sometimes referred to as the phytogeographic province of Choc6.