TIES (U.S.-Mexico Training Internships, Education and Scholarship Partnership)
Instructions to institutions interested in participating in the program
Program description

Investment levels of the USAID/Mexico programs have ranged annually from $14-18 million since 1994 to the present. The mix of funding sources in support of the FY 1997-98 programs has evolved to reflect changes in Mexican political and economic life as well as the strategic foreign policy interests that both countries so strongly share. Currently, the programs focus on three primary areas, which are briefly described below:

Environment
Population/HIV/AIDS
Democracy and Administration of Justice

Environment: This part of the country program focuses on USAID/Mexico's leadership role in dealing with global climate change and biodiversity conservation issues of common interest to the U.S. and Mexico. It encompasses both green and brown issues, demonstration of cutting-edge energy technologies, innovative land use practices, and institutional demonstration models that have replication possibilities not only throughout Mexico, but elsewhere in Latin America, and potentially worldwide. Principal activities of the environment portfolio are:

Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Pollution Prevention: Mexico's increasing energy demands and accompanying increases in greenhouse gas emissions necessitates, more than ever, the use of renewable energy and adoption of clean technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants into the air. For this reason, Mexico is one of the two highest priority countries in Latin America in terms of global warming concerns. USAID/Mexico's energy and pollution prevention activities are targetted on supporting public-private partnerships that test pilot energy efficient projects and then, seek to transfer the proven technologies on a for-profit basis. In addition, it is strengthening key energy institutions through training and improved information management systems, and promoting policy dialogue and reforms in the sector. Approximately 440,250 tons of carbon dioxide emissions have been prevented through more efficient use of electrical power and the introduction of renewable energy (solar and wind) technology, permitting a reduction in the burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity.

Forestry and Biodiversity: The USAID/Mexico program has pioneered working with U.S. and local non-governmental organization (NGO) partners to improve park and and coastal zone management throughout Mexico. As a result, forestry management and biodiversity activities have reduced deforestation rates comparable in size to the Carolinas, thus, contributing to the storage of carbon and contributing to global climate goals. Equally important, has been the establishment of a sustainable develoment model that incorporates community participation and ownership in the long-term management of Mexico's forest reserves, adjoining buffer zones and marine ecosystems. A large part of the target population is indigenous, and rural poor.

Environmental Institutions: Support to an extensive network of Mexican NGOs focused on conservation and management of natural resources looks very promising in terms of long-term sustainability since the establishment of the Mexico Nature Conservation Fund in 1995. The endownment, with nearly $50 million in assets, combined USAID, World Bank, and GOM contributions, is providing a long-term source of financing for the preservation of Mexico's biodiversity through funding of grant projects. USAID/Mexico has played a key leadership role in making the Mexico Nature Conservation Fund a reality.

Population/HIV/AIDS: The population activities of the USAID/Mexico program are being implemented with GOM agencies and U.S. and Mexican NGOs , and center on improving the availability, demand, and sustainability of family planning services. Special emphasis is on improved access and delivery of family planning services in rural areas and the poorest peri-urban areas of Mexico City. Since USAID began support to the public and private sectors in 1976, the country's population growth rate has declined by more than a third, and is now at 1.89 percent per annun.

Our program also involves an HIV/AIDS component that works in coordination with the Mexican National Council for AIDS Prevention and Control (CONASIDA) and key indigenous NGOs to prevent the sexual transmission of the AIDS virus among vulnerable groups. A significant increase in program support funds was received in 1997, in clear recognition of the growing challenge of STI/HIV/AIDS prevention in Mexico, and the special circumstances which link our two countries. The expanded program targets mobile populations, including labor migrants from marginalized rural communities who cross the U.S. - Mexico border, and youths in Mexico's most impoverished states. It focuses on improving knowledge and access to services which will reduce the risk of STI/HIV/AIDS.

Democracy and Administration of Justice (AOJ): USAID/Mexico started work in this sector in 1994, when it supported a major international elections monitoring effort for the presidential elections. It is now beginning an expanded democracy strengthening and AOJ program in Mexico, capitalizing on President Zedillo's support for judicial reforms in the Supreme Court and establishment of a Federal Judicial Council, as well as the July 6, 1997 elections that brought into power opposition parties that now govern in Mexico City, numerous state governorships, and control for the first time the National Congress. Program activities will focus on rule of law initiatives including judicial exchanges at the federal and state levels, improving court administration, etc. strengthening of civil society through support to NGOs in the areas of elections monitoring, civic education and local government participation. In addition, a local governance support element will focus technical and administrative assistance on 5 cities throughout the country, as well as strengthen national organizations of city managers. A 5-year strategy for this sector is currently being developed and is expected to be approved in the Spring of 1998.

For additional information please contact:
Patricia Piera
Tel. 5080-2000, ext. 4448
Fax: 207-7558
E-Mail: ppiera@usaid.gov
 

United States Agency for International Development Home Page: http://www.info.usaid.gov