Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 100 Part 4.djvu/87

 PUBLIC LAW 99-529—OCT. 24, 1986

100 STAT. 3015

"SEC. 118. TROPICAL FORESTS.

"(a) IMPORTANCE OF FORESTS AND TREE COVER.—In enacting section 103(b)(3) of this Act the Congress recognized the importance of forests and tree cover to the developing countries. The Congress is particularly concerned about the continuing and accelerating alteration, destruction, and loss of tropical forests in developing countries, which pose a serious threat to development and the environment. Tropical forest destruction and loss— "(1) result in shortages of wood, especially wood for fuel; loss of biologically productive wetlands; siltation of lakes, reservoirs, and irrigation systems; floods; destruction of indigenous peoples; extinction of plant and animal species; reduced capacity for food production; and loss of genetic resources; and "(2) can result in desertification and destabilization of the earth's climate. Properly managed tropical forests provide a sustained flow of resources essential to the economic growth of developing countries, as well as genetic resources of value to developed and developing countries alike. "(b) PRIORITIES.—The concerns expressed in subsection (a) gmd the recommendations of the United States Intergigency Task Force on Tropical Forests shall be given high priority by the President— "(1) in formulating and carrying out programs and policies with respect to developing countries, including those relating to bilateral and multilateral assistance and those relating to private sector activities; and "(2) in seeking opportunities to coordinate public and private development and investment activities which affect forests in developing countries. "(c) ASSISTANCE TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.—In providing assist-

ance to developing countries, the President shall do the following: "(1) Place a high priority on conservation and sustainable management of tropical forests. "(2) To the fullest extent feasible, engage in dialogues and exchanges of information with recipient countries— "(A) which stress the importance of conserving and sustainably managing forest resources for the long-term /. economic benefit of those countries, as well as the irreversible losses associated with forest destruction, and "(B) which identify and focus on policies of those countries which directly or indirectly contribute to deforestation. "(3) To the fullest extent feasible, support projects and activities— "(A) which offer employment and income alternatives to those who otherwise would cause destruction and loss of forests, and "(B) which help developing countries identify and implement alternatives to colonizing forested areas. "(4) To the fullest extent feasible, support training programs, educational efforts, and the establishment or strengthening of institutions which increase the capacity of developing countries to formulate forest policies, engage in relevant land-use planning, and otherwise improve the management of their forests. "(5) To the fullest extent feasible, help end destructive slashand-burn agriculture by supporting stable and productive farm-

22 USC 2151p-l.

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President of U.S.

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