Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (LACAD)

Managing Institute:
CUPROFOR (Centro de Utilizacion y Promocion de Productos Forestales).

Contractor:
CUPROFOR (Centro de Utilizaciony Promocion de Productos Forestales)

Project Code: 110-502-006	Start Date: 01/05/1996	End Date: 31/03/1999
Commitment: £1,090,794	Status: Current	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
Non-traditional hardwood species (NTS) - which constitute some 80% of hardwood timber in Honduran managed forest - are currently little used as their properties are inadequately known. CUPROFOR will investigate these properties and disseminate the results, encouraging the use of NTS in place of over-exploited mahognany and cedar. Sawmilling, seasoning, preservation and cutter maintenance services - focussed on NTS - will also be provided.

There is scope for a regional impact as many of the Honduran NTS are found throughout Central America and the wood use centre is unique to the region.

Phase 1 of this project was largely concerned with the construction of a sophisticated wood use centre at a dedicated site. Phase II would focus on making best use of these facilities by providing a TCO and specialist technical assistance to support local staff.

Project Objectives:
To raise the income of campesino groups using sustainably managed non-traditional hardwoods.

To improve the economic efficiency of small and medium scale wood industries through information and technology.

Intended Outputs:
Wood Use Centre (WUC) fully equipped and in use.

Real income increase for campesinos from each NTS tree cut - achieved by a higher recovery from each log.

Real income increase for campesinos from increasing the range of NTS sustainably utilised.

Saw mill efficiency improved.

NTS seasoning and preservation capability improved.

Woodworking of NTS by small and medium enterprises improved.

Information on NTS use made available for woodworkers and the construction industry.