Promoting the Environment in Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers

Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) are the principle official means by which developing countries describe their programs and policies for promoting growth and reducing poverty, as well as associated financing needs. In essence, PRSPs function as a developing country's wish list, and are intended to help donor countries direct aid to where it can be utilized most effectively.

Because PRSPs influence how donor countries direct international aid, they are a potential avenue for bringing greater attention to the services healthy ecosystems provide to the poor. These services include provision of clean water, mitigation of droughts and floods, control of disease carrying organisms and renewal of soil.

MPO staff seek a greater accounting for ecosystem services in PRSPs and, consequently, increased funding for conservation. Toward this end, staff are conducting assessements of PRSPs in a number of countries and will recommend mechanisms by which local WWF offices can make a strong case for the development value of ecosystem services.