Eco-Regional InitiativeName: Eco-Regional Initiative This initiative supports USAID's strategy to safeguard Madagascar's unique biological resources and to improve rural livelihoods at the eco-regional scale through transforming the management of rural natural resource and agro-ecological systems in and around critical forest corridors. The program emphasizes the development of a shared strategic vision through partnerships and alliance building to mobilize and target resources within critical eco-regions. It places emphasis on the adoption of alternatives to slash and burn agricultural practices coupled with improved community-based management of natural resources. Pact, contracted by DAI, provides technical assistance for supervision and monitoring and evaluation of the initiative in the forest corridors of the Toamasina and Fianarantsoa regions. An important aspect of our technical assistance focuses on use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to improve eco-regional planning processes and database management, to strengthen local and regional governance, and to build the advocacy skills of grassroots organizations and NGOs. In addition Pact helps mobilize local communities in formulating a regional vision that engages all stakeholders. GIS technology and satellite imagery processing, combined with innovative participatory approaches, support this multi-scale planning process. Pact also is responsible for all strategic environmental communication and outreach under the ERI program.
United States Agency for International Development Staff contacts
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