Desarrollando Developing - CEDAF

Executive SummaryConservation and sustainable use of natural resources generatesmultiple benefits. The water we drink, the fertility of soil we till, the plants thatfeed us, much of the medicine and cosmetics we use, the insects and birdsthat pollinate our crops, the spiritual peace we obtain from being at naturalsites, the beautiful scenery sought by tourists, the raw materials for the goodswe produce, are only a few examples of all the environmental services thatnature provides for us each day. These services make present and futuredevelopment of our society possible.At this time, most countries are protecting a significant area of theirnational territories through the creation of several protected areas. Ourcountries are also working on the development and consolidation ofbiological corridors. Upon observing the natural sites in Latin America, it isnoted that many of them are located on privately owned lands. For this reason,it is important to work with their owners in designing conservationalternatives and sustainable uses for their lands, through the creation ofprivate protected areas (PPAs).Based on the previous information, this publication summarizes inplain terms some of the basic elements that should be considered whenincluding PPAs within a National System of Protected Areas (NSPA). In thepreparation of this document, various experiences found throughout LatinAmerica were considered.The beginning of this document highlights the necessity of workingwith private land owners to encourage their voluntary participation inaccomplishing national conservation objectives. Without the incorporation ofPPAs, it would be very difficult, expensive and of little viability, from both asocial and political point of view, to conserve all sites that the country wishesto protect.ii