East Asia and Pacific Environmental Initiative USAID and State working with partners protecting the environment and improving livelihoods

Department of State OES Initiative
(formerly Environmental Diplomacy Fund - EDF)  

Through negotiation, the U.S. has an opportunity to shape this emerging international framework in a way that serves our national interests. OESI funding can help advance our negotiating positions by supporting projects that explain to key countries and foreign audiences the technical aspects and environmental/economic implications of those positions.
 
OESI funding also can be used to support regional cooperative efforts to address shared environmental challenges.  This is particularly important for developing countries that are unable on their own to solve complicated and inter-related transboundary environmental problems.  Our ability to work with these countries as they try to deal with national and regional environmental and health threats is important to securing their support for our environmental
agenda.
 
OESI funding can also contribute to ensuring U.S. leadership on emerging environmental and health issues, such as the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, invasive species, environmental governance (rule of law, law enforcement, anti-corruption), or transboundary fresh water.

In FY 2000 OES was able to help fund 26 OESI projects worth $4 million, including projects that addressed coral reef protection, sustainable forest management, invasive species, climate change, endangered species and counter-aids efforts. In a first tranche for FY01 worth $3.5 million, an additional 23 projects were identified for funding.  For details see second tranche solicitation

Where can I turn for additional information?  Questions concerning the OESI program may be addressed to the program coordinator, Mark Sigler (202-647-4658, email siglerma@state.gov), to the corresponding regional officer in OES/PCI, or to the OES/EX program analyst, Jennifer Siegel (202-647-1162, email siegeljr@state.gov).

Updated March 18, 2002