Project/activity information

The objective of this pre-project was to define basic guidelines and strategies to ensure the continuous short, medium and long term supply of high-quality genetic material to meet the requirements of afforestation and reforestation programmes with broadleaved tropical species of high commercial value, as well as raw material for long-term industry supply in Guatemala and, based on this, formulate a project proposal containing a strategy for the implementation of actions aimed at the development of a forest genetic improvement methodology, including identification, selection, processing, marketing, establishment and management, as well as the training of the necessary human resources for its implementation and development.

Pre-project Achievements and Outputs

The Pre-project was completed in May 2005. In accordance with the pre-project document, planned activities were carried out during the pre-project’s lifespan and can be summarized as follows:
? A baseline study containing specific Information necessary for the establishment of a forest genetic improvement programme of selected tree species, with an emphasis on its technical and economic feasibility, was developed, discussed in a participatory manner, and disseminated; and
? The pre-project’s main output, a project proposal, was achieved. Moreover, the project proposal, entitled PD339/05 Rev.1 (F) “Development of a Forest Genetic Improvement Programme to Enhance the Productivity and Conservation of Tropical Forest Species in Guatemala” was submitted to ITTO by the Government of Guatemala, assessed by the Expert Panel for Technical Appraisal of Project Proposals, and approved for immediate financing by the Council at its XXXVIII Session in June 2005.

Lessons Learnt

While a baseline study containing specific Information necessary for the establishment of a forest genetic improvement programme has been carried out, further support is needed to implement the aforementioned programme.