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Rest of the world
RNRRS legacy

Research reports for "Central America"

199 suggestions for adding trees to farms
A method has been developed to collate practical information about the benefits of trees and how best to integrate them on farmland - and to transfer this knowledge to farmers. Central to this was the 'Central American Trees Sourcebook' produced by the project, which covers 199 tree species popular with farmers. It also identifies the native tree species best suited for different uses, such as living fences and perennial crops. Also available are decision-support tools and a digital image library useful to extensionists. The Sourcebook is being used widely in Central America, and over 1400 extensionists and farmer leaders have already been trained to use it. A website is also used for dissemination. Such a successful approach could be applied in many other regions of the world. (Ref: FRP09)
Data on non-timber forest products - where, when and how?
A new guide is now available to help manage non-timber forest resources - all wild products from forests except timber and fuel. Nearly two-thirds of all forest flora are useful in some way but little formal knowledge exists, unlike for trees. This means that any management rules are likely to be based on the 'precautionary principle' rather than statistically sound data. But, better data underpins decisions on how to manage forests and can lead to certification of forest products. This means communities get more benefits from their resources. Now, case studies and work sheets show where, when and how to collect data about non-timber forest products. Then, how to choose management strategies, decide harvesting rules, assess markets and work out how these products could improve the lives of the poor. (Ref: FRP40)
New techniques give decision makers an edge
The Local Application of Remote Sensing Techniques (LARST) project has produced a variety of remote sensing tools to help decision makers plan for and monitor a huge range of environmental problems. They can also be used to provide early warning of threats to food security (like locust outbreaks), human and animal health (by predicting epidemic outbreaks), threats to forestry (like fire) as well as threats to water resources, and fisheries. Remote sensing techniques like these give decision makers the tools they need to properly design, implement and monitor new policies. The techniques are already in use around the world to solve a range of problems, from detecting fire risks in Nicaragua, Mexico and Botswana, to estimating rainfall and avoiding famine in Ethiopia. (Ref: FRP35)
Planning ahead with FIESTA
A new highly detailed computer model of climate, land and water interactions is now available that covers the whole of the tropics. The model, known as FIESTA, can help us to better understand the effects of land use changes and climate change on hydrological systems and poor users downstream. FIESTA can be used to help decision makers apply watershed protection in appropriate areas, build water-related infrastructure and target efforts to get water to people who need it. The model is unique because it looks at areas as small as one square kilometre. This helps planners account for the very different hydrological effects that land use or climate change can have from area to area at a very local level - boosting our ability to develop sustainable land and water strategies. (Ref: FRP30)
Software tool helps develop and protect botanical resources
The Botanical Research and Herbarium Management System (BRAHMS) is a novel software tool that captures plant and biodiversity data and images from herbarium specimens, literature, field observations, and plot samples. It then converts them into products and publications that help in the development and protection of botanical resources. It also facilitates the exchange of data among people, institutions and countries. BRAHMS is currently used in more than 29 countries worldwide, and is freely available from the website www.brahmsonline.com. The products of the BRAHMS system can help countries understand the resources they possess, and how to harness them for agriculture, forestry, and medicinal and conservation purposes. They can also empower local communities and research institutes through training and the provision of information. (Ref: FRP08)

RNRRS legacy: Rest of the World

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