Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (LACAD)

Project Code: 110-502-002 110-502-006	Start Date: 01/10/1990	End Date: 31/10/1998
Commitment: £2,237,035	Status: Current	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
The desirability of establishing a Wood Use Centre in Honduras was first considered in November, 1987, by the Oxford Forestry Institute

It was concluded there was a need for research and promotion of local timbers, for demonstration, and for the provision of technical advice to wood-using industries, services which a Wood Use Centre could supply. A more detailed feasibility study was recommended. This was undertaken in 1988

The potential value of such a facility was reiterated and it was calculated that a very small improvement in the utilisation of the country's forest resources would cover the cost of operating the Centre. Further, the prospects for achieving more than this improvement were considered good. The 1988 report detailed the resources considered necessary for establishing and running the Centre. It was suggested the United Kingdom provide professional services, contribute to training requirements and meet the capital costs of vehicles and equipment. The contributions from Honduras should include the necessary land and buildings, counterpart and support personnel and routine recurrent budget requirements. There was prolonged debate on the most appropriate locality for the Centre - Tegucigalpa, Siguatepeque or San Pedro Sula - an issue which remained unresolved at the time of a review in 1989.

San Pedro Sula was deemed the most appropriate locality and later the same year this recommendation was formally accepted by COHDEFOR. At the same time, to facilitate implementation of the project, it was suggested the United Kingdom assumed financial responsibility for construction of the Centre. This was agreed in March, 1990. A further review was undertaken in May, 1990.

An objective of which was to update facts and figures for the preparation of this revised project proposal. This mission also included a TRADA design consultant, S.V. Mettem, to consider design and construction requirements of the Centre. It was recognised that in their design and construction buildings were required to be an advertisement for timber, showing it to be a competitive, aesthetic, durable product of reliable physical and mechanical properties. Arising from these discussions it was agreed TRADA would prepare a range of design concepts for the administration building, with the chosen concept to be fully developed by a selected Honduran design office. Utility building designs would be prepared by TRADA.

Project Objectives:
To assist the development of small and medium scale wood industry, and promote use of secondary species of hardwood.

Intended Outputs:
The initial physical construction of a Wood Use Centre with the investment in buildings, equipment and staff necessary to meet the stated objectives. The Wood Use Centre fully functional, providing the required technical assistance and information services.