In situ and Ex situ Conservation of Commercial Tropical Trees - ITTO

102• Size – The original dominion (ca. 1500 AD) covered an area of 1.48million km. 2 . Today, however, only 95,000 km. 2 (or 7.3%) remains in aseries of coastal and inland fragments;• Biodiversity – there is a high level of biodiversity and endemism throughoutthe ecosystem. It has been identified as one of the world’s top fourbiodiversity “hotspots” and one of Conservation International’s priorityecosystems for the year 2002;• Water resources – the dominion encompasses the watersheds that providewater supply for more than 120 million people; and• Human value – more than 80% of Brazil’s population lives within thedominion. Importantly, it provides shelter for various traditional populations(indigenous as well as descendants of Afro-Brazilian slaves).Overview of the Pilot ProgramObjectives.The Pilot Program to Conserve the Brazilian Rain Forest was createdto protect the biodiversity of the Amazon and Atlantic Forests, reduce carbonemissions, promote the improved quality of life of local populations, and provideexperience in international cooperation on global environmental issues. It isdesigned to develop, test and learn from opportunities to maximize rainforestenvironmental benefits while being consistent with Brazil’s developmentobjectives. Goals and objectives were revised in June 2001 as reflected inBox 1.Box 1: Pilot Program Goals and ObjectivesTo contribute to policies that promote conservation and sustainabledevelopment of Brazil’s Amazon and Atlantic rain forests, bypursuing the following objectives:* generating and disseminating relevant and reliable knowledge withinBrazil and in the Amazon region* catalyzing the adjustment of policies and mobilizing political supportfor such policies* promoting the mainstreaming of successful experiences and models* building capacity in public, private and civil society institutions toimplement such policies and apply new knowledgeHistory. The Program was first proposed by the German Government in 1990at a G-7 meeting in Houston, USA. Formulated in 1991 and established in 1992,it is a joint effort of the Brazilian Government, the G-7 and Dutch Governments,and the Commission of European Communities, broadly supported by their civilsocieties.