This project is aimed at demonstrating the possibility of using ligneous formations in the semi-arid areas in order to stabilize the carbon balance by means of forest management and agrosylvopastoral measures adopted by the village communities and managed by the communities and the technical services.

A joint effort by institutions at eight benchmark sites, this project seeks to expand knowledge of sustainable alternatives to slash and burn agriculture. Activities include standardizing methodologies, assessing biophysical and socio-economic characteristics, enhancing scientists' capacity, analyzing the impact of slash and burn, and increasing international awareness of alternatives.

Project seeks to reduce emissions through improving vehicle fuel efficiency and urban infrastructure, based on well-known methods which Pakistan does not currently have capacity to implement. Builds capacity of officials to review transport options, expands pilot project to tune-up urban vehicles, evaluates ongoing programs, and develops options with regard to technology transfer, regulations and pricing.

To increase capabilities and growth of regional contacts and communications networks, this project establishes four regional centers in Costa Rica, India, Fiji and Senegal that develop curricula and train scientists and officials from their respective regions. Participants in the training program jointly create intervention methodologies for later implementation in their countries of origin.

An effective approach will be developed to prevent pollution of the Gulf of Guinea and conserve biodiversity in its Large Marine Ecosystem. The project covers institutional strengthening, water quality and ecological monitoring, evolving a programme for pollution control, training, setting-up demonstration sites and development of mechanisms to promote the health of the Gulf of Guinea LME.

This project aims to protect ecosystems important to fisheries and biodiversity through improving knowledge and monitoring of Yemen's Red Sea resources and their use. The project also incorporates a regional component which is implemented by UNEP. This component will provide capacity building for PERSGA (Regional Environment Programme for the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden), based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Poor quality of Nile waters threatens health and livelihood of millions in Egypt while polluting the Mediterranean. Project traps sediments and pollutants from municipal, industrial and agricultural sources, demonstrating efficacy of this affordable, relatively simple, and efficient technology.

Development of policies and plans to control marine pollution for land and sea- based sources, upgrading of national and regional infrastructures and technical skills, and establishment of financing instruments for project sustainability. Project will include selection of demonstration sites, establishment of regional monitoring and information network, and involvement of regional association of marine legal experts to improve capacity to implement relevant conventions.

The BSEP has three primary objectives: to strengthen and create regional capacities for managing the Black Sea ecosystem; to develop and implement an appropriate policy and legal framework for the assessment, control and prevention of pollution and the maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity, and to facilitate the preparation of sound environmental investments. Activities are funded with associated contributions from the European Union's PHARE and TACIS programmes as well as bilateral contributions from Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland and France.

The 5-year project aims to improve understanding of the ecosystem function and effects of stresses on the lake system; to take action on all other measures necessary to maintain the health and biodiversity of the ecosystem; and to coordinate the efforts of the four countries to control pollution and to prevent the loss of the exceptional diversity of Lake Tanganyika.