South-South Co-operation Programme

Follow up the recommendations of the Conference on Environmentally Sound Socio-Economic Development in the Humid Tropics, held from 13 to 19 June 1992 in Manaus, Brazil, and put into action the recommendations of Agenda 21 adopted in Rio de Janeiro, particularly the Convention on Biodiversity. In particular, identify how to provide sustainable and decent livelihood for the inhabitants of the Humid Tropics as a basic requirement for development.

In the context of the humid tropical regions special attention must be given to the strengthening of Biosphere Reserves and rational use of biodiversity for the benefit of local and indigenous populations and the countries concerned, involving:

• Rehabilitation of degraded areas
• Agroforestry
• Forest ecology and Sustainable land use

For this purpose strengthen the network of Biosphere Reserves in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Research, monitoring and collaboration between these reserves will focus on testing hypotheses in the field of sustainable use of biodiversity and identify the relevant technologies and know-how.Exchange of experience in buffer zone development of Biosphere Reserves, training of biosphere reserve managers and participation of local and indigenous people will be organized.Strengthen existing capacities, rather than building new institutions, their evaluation and full utilization. Increase the local capacity for carrying out management, research and training in the Humid Tropics.

Strengthen the economic dimension within an environmentally sound sustainable development. Improve the use of economic instruments for achieving sustainable development by improving management structures of Biosphere Reserves with regard to financial autonomy.

The South-South Co-operation Programme is sponsored by Germany through the Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation (BMZ) and Japan