MUNZSSInlD - usaid

- 7 ­
agricultural production; (3) post harvest/quality control activities; (4)
marketing; and (5) information dissemination and technology transfer. It
includes long-term TA, short-term TA, short-term training, specific
VTA-related research, and special studies.
The Light Industrial Component of EXITOS still under design will be
analogcus to the Agricultural Component in providing long-term and
TA,
short-term
some training and commodities, limited funds for special studies, and
perhaps limited funding for specific applied research activities.
component
This
will also work through national export federations to identify
specific points along the production and export chain where assistance
be
wuuld
provided. Possible target operations include: foud processing; wood
working and wood products utilization; metal working; and apparel assembly
manufacturing.
and
Specific project interventions for NTI export activities
be
will
defined on a need and demand-driven basis during Project implementation.
EXITOS is a technical assistance project, and consequently no
significant, direct, adverse environmental impacts are expected to result from
Project implementation. Indirect adverse environmental impacts may occur In
the event that any adverse impacts are identified during project
implementation that may, on a case by case basis be significant, mitigation
measures as described in section 5.5 of this Environmental Assessment will be
undertaken. Improved export production and improved use of natural resources
via EXITOS Technical Assistance is expected to provide sufficient mitigations
should negative impacts occur.
3.1.2 Alternative 2: An NTE Environmental Impact Project
Alternative 2 is design and implementation of an NTE
Environmental Impact Project, designed not to promote NT exports from CA but
rather to identify and analyze the greater issue of environmental impacts that
may result from continued export of non-traditional agricultural and light
industrial products from the region. This is proposed as an alternative for
three reasons. First, adverse impacts have in some cases resulted from
increased NTA and NTI exports from Central America as witnessed by cargo
detentions and local resale of refused products and pesticide poisonings.
Second, there is a clear need for more information on the scope, nature and
extent of such impacts, be they localized or more widespread. And third,
analysis may identify a need to mobilize significant resources to address
these impacts over the long term.
The broader issue of NT export environmental impact is clearly analogous
to the issue of social impacts of structural adjustment programs. Alternative
2 has not, however, been subjected to detailed assessment in this EA. This is
because Alternative 2 would not address the U.S. foreign policy objectives
for which EXITOS was designed. Considerable donor resources related to
environment and natural resource management exist in the region that are
appropriate for conducting such activities. Alternative 2 should, however, be
considered for funding as a separate activity.