Support for environmental, cultural, sports and competitiveness projects

(La Paz, February 23, 2011).- In his recent visit to Bolivia, Enrique García, president & CEO of CAF - Latin American development bank - signed five non-reimbursable cooperation agreements with a local government and national private bodies to support projects related to culture, environment, sport, competitiveness and standardization.

"The signing of these agreements confirms CAF’s commitment to Bolivia, a commitment that covers areas ranging from environment - one of the cornerstones of our policy and mission - to education, youth rescue, culture and support for micro and small producers," García said.

Promoting clean development and climate risk management

The beneficiaries of CAF cooperation include the Bolivian Standardization and Quality Institute (IBNORCA) which will promote clean development and energy and environmental efficiency in private sector companies through the project to disseminate Bolivian ISO standard 14064.

The main aim of the project is to assess the environmental impact produced by company operations, while promoting measures to reduce and neutralize carbon footprint emissions."

As part of CAF’s environmental mitigation policy, non-reimbursable funds were also approved for the Naturaleza, Tierra y Vida (Nativa) NGO for execution of the Connecting our Biodiversity program.

This agreement contributes to improving the sustainability of the Chaco eco-region in the face of the effects of climate change by developing a Risk Management Plan in a pilot municipality (Villa Montes, Tarija).

Social rescue through sport

This agreement grants non-reimbursable funds to El Alto Autonomous Municipal Government for the Football Schools, Schools of Life, A Goal against Abuse project to be executed by Ricerca e cooperazione Bolivia (Italian Cooperation).

The project will build the capacity of the 24 municipal football schools in El Alto to train their students in this sport, and set up centers for protection of children’s rights, social rehabilitation, active citizenship and free psycho-physical development through sport.

Stimulating Bolivian culture and competitiveness

To promote renewal and expansion of Bolivia’s cultural infrastructure, the Marina Nuñez del Prado Museum, which exhibits the work of the renowned Bolivian artist and is the only gallery in the country devoted to sculpture, was granted non-reimbursable funds for restoration and conservation.

Finally, in the area of competitiveness, an agreement was signed with Nuevo Norte Foundation for execution of a project to strengthen the production chains of micro and small craft enterprises with the market through the Walisuma brand, a business venture started in 2009 as an alternative marketing channel for craftspeople who are outside the formal systems.

The program will build up the productive capacity of 1,500 families working in textile production, crafts and jewelry in rural and peri-suburban areas, and set up a commercially viable chain, sustainable over time, with exclusive products based on local raw materials such as exotic leathers, llama thread and certified vicuña fiber.