PPAF Home Vol. 1, No. 4 December 2007
Fish Farming Story   Dominican Relief Story   Alliance Developing with FAVACA and JumpStart International Story   International Money Transmitters Conference Story   PPAF & UN-INSTRAW Sign Memorandum of Cooperation Story   Patel Center for Global Solutions, University of South Florida Story   Dominican Youth to attend Three Dot Dash Initiative Just Peace Summit Story	From the Executive Director As 2007 draws to a close, PPAF is celebrating its first full year of operation. PPAF derives from resolutions adopted by the UN Economic and Social Council on the UN Public-Private Alliance for Rural Development and it maintains strong UN ties. Launched officially at the United Nations in May in an event entitled "Partners Against Poverty," we are a small organization tackling large problems. Working with partners, we aim to make a real impact on the lives of poor people in developing countries. Several projects are planned or underway, at various levels, in the Dominican Republic and Madagascar, with possible work in additional countries. Our approach to alliances, and to the UN Millennium Development Goals, brings together people and organizations that might otherwise not have known each other or worked together. The conference on fish farming held this month in the Dominican Republic shows what can be done. More than a dozen partner organizations and about 70 participants came together to discuss technical, financial, policy, training and others issues, all with a view to promoting Dominican production of tilapia and shrimp for domestic use and export. In 2008 we will continue to pursue this with stakeholders in the D.R., USA and elsewhere. Since Tropical Storm Noel hit the Dominican Republic in early November, with great devastation, PPAF has been working with collaborating institutions and also has been soliciting funds for Dominican Relief. Your contributions to this Fund are welcome. See below for an update. We continue to see photographs of devastation; a colleague in a field visit last week to southwestern Dominican Republic reported homes still underwater, with others partially or fully buried in sand. A trip to Madagascar is being planned for early 2008. Important areas of work are likely to be water, sanitation and hygiene, and micro-finance for small business. Our Policy work is discussed on our website and in newsletters. This will be another feature of our work for the coming year. PPAF will continue to be an advocate for alliances and partnerships for development, including encouraging organizations to join the UN Global Compact. David Stillman dstillman@ppafoundation.org Your Help Is Needed We thank all those who have contributed in 2007. The Chair of PPAF, Daniel Mejia, launched funding with a generous donation. Others have also contributed, both to the core funding of PPAF, to Dominican Relief, and to the recent Fish Farming conference. Please consider a gift to help PPAF develop partnerships, especially in Madagascar and the Dominican Republic, to build pro-poor business opportunities. If your company will match your gift, please let us know. Until we obtain our 501(c)3 status, the World Federation of former UN Internes and Fellows (WAFUNIF) serves as our fiscal sponsor. PPAF's EIN is 71-1016293. Donations to PPAF may be made payable to WAFUNIF and should be earmarked for the Public-Private Alliance Foundation. Donations are welcome in any amount and will be tax-exempt to the extent of the law. Please send your contribution to:   PPAF c/o WAFUNIF   United Nations, Room FF-646   304 East 45th Street   New York, NY 10017 We would be happy to talk with you about financial and in-kind contributions to the work of PPAF and for details on electronic deposits. Please call 914-478-0108 or email ppafoundation@gmail.com.           December 3-5, 2007 Fish Farming According to FAO, nearly half the fish currently consumed as food worldwide are raised on fish farms rather than caught in the wild. Aquaculture now provides 43 per cent of the fish consumed by humans, compared to just nine per cent in 1980. The First International Congress on Investment, Education and Transfer of Technology for Development of Aquaculture in the Dominican Republic took place in Santo Domingo from December 3 to 5. Its purposes were: (1) to focus on problems and prospects in the current situation, and (2) to agree on solutions and actions in relation to policy, marketing, factors of production, capacity-building, applied research and extension services, and partnerships for investment. photos: David Stillman/Frank Minaya The national public university, the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), served as host. A team from UASD, the Dominican Aquaculture Association (ADOA), farmers, private investors, the Fisheries Council of the Dominican Government (CODOPESCA), the Dominican Institute for Agribusiness and Forestry Research (IDIAF) and others led the preparations in collaboration with PPAF. Government leaders including elected officials indicated their support. Over 70 attended, including business people, academicians, Dominican government officials, local farmers, representatives of non-governmental organizations, commercial interests, United Nations organizations, the European Union, Taiwan, US Department of Agriculture and others. Dr. Clara Benedicto, UASD Vice Rector for Research and Post Graduate Studies opened the session. Adding their words of welcome were Mr. Ricardo Colom (CODOPESCA), Dr. Victor Hugo de Lancer (CEESCYT), Ambassador Francis Lorenzo; Ms. Josephine Infante (Hunts Point Economic Development Corporation), Senator Charlie Mariotti, Dr. Carmen Moreno (UN-INSTRAW), Mr. Hector Mata (FAO) and Dr. David Stillman (PPAF). See the Agenda of the Congress. Presentations on the first day included a situation analysis of aquaculture in the Dominican Republic and success stories in this field in Costa Rica, Honduras and Chile. These were led by Mr. Máximo Nicolás, (ADOA); Dr. Álvaro Otarola Fallas (INCOPESCA); Dr. Greg Lutz, (Louisiana State University); and Dr. Mario Roman (Alltech). Dr. Chakalall (FAO Sub-Regional Office in Barbados) discussed the future of aquaculture and its challenges in the region. Mr. Colom outlined current public policy on aquaculture in the Dominican Republic. A dinner hosted by the University in its Rectory in the Colonial Zone followed, with entertainment from a band and a troupe of traditional dancers. The second day Dr. Frank Richardson (UASD) spoke on education and technical aspects of biology as related to aquaculture and Ms. Mercedes García (IDIAF) reviewed research on aquaculture in the D.R. Ms. Infante described opportunities at Hunts Point Market and the Fulton Fish Market in New York. Mr. Nicolás then delineated the draft strategic plan for the development of aquaculture in the D.R. which had recently been prepared by a Presidential Commission (CONAPROPE). Dr. Stillman introduced the afternoon's methodology, where participants joined workshops on marketing, production, finance and support, education and technology transfer, research, promotion, sanitary aspects, environmental concerns, and public and social policy. They discussed issues and possible actions in keeping with the draft strategic plan. Government officials and other experts in the team that prepared the conference led the discussions. The conference participants confirmed the validity of the draft plan, offered suggestions and agreed to take actions in keeping with it through public-private partnerships. photos: David Stillman/Frank Minaya On Wednesday many of the participants visited the provinces of San Pedro de Macoris and Monte Plata. Senator Alejandro Williams of San Pedro de Macoris convened a public meeting of about 100 for a briefing on the results of the conference. He also took the group to two sites with potential for fish farming. In Monte Plata Province, the group visited a successful fish farm and enjoyed a picnic lunch at TerrAqua, an ecotourism site based on fish farming. Lessons learned: Frank Astacio, host of the TV-radio-internet show Sábado Agropecuario interviewed Maximo Nicolas and David Stillman. To his question "What were the most important lessons learned?" Stillman responded, "The importance of listening to each other and the importance of coming to creative solutions." The conference revealed the significance of numerous factors affecting production and management. Briefly put, to dig a pond is the easiest part of the job. Many ponds were dug in the country with enthusiasm and initial financial support some 20 years ago, but for various reasons the fish farming business was not or could not be sustained. Reasons included stocks of fingerlings, fish food, the price of electricity, technical support, business know-how, interest rates, debt, and economic and political problems in the country and internationally. International demand for farmed fish has grown dramatically in recent years. Other countries of the region have become major producers for domestic and export markets, as tilapia is easily grown in Caribbean countries. Tilapia has become a major fish import by the U.S. The tourist market in the Dominican Republic has boomed, the economy is in a much better position, and there is general optimism about the future of the country. In addition, there are real investment prospects. Next steps: During the conference, its workshops and in the days immediately after, ideas for future collaboration began to take shape. These include possibilities through FAO, the Development Fund of the European Union, UASD, the non-government organization Esperanza International, Samana College Research Center and other Dominican and international organizations and commercial interests. Prospects range from small early actions to major commitments. A conference report and updates on progress will appear in future PPAF newsletters and on the website.       November 2007 Dominican Relief Tropical Storm Noel brought unprecedented floods to the central and western parts of the Dominican Republic. At least 86 people died from the initial effects of the storm. Many homes were washed away or buried in water, mud and sand, and bridge and other infrastructure losses affect clean-up and rebuilding. The Dominican Government has been responding to this national crisis and the international community has responded to appeals. Dominicans abroad have particularly helped with funds, goods and other support. PPAF has joined to mobilize funds and other resources for actions by other organizations, including cash and support for medical assistance and efforts for rebuilding homes. Your continued support is needed. More information is available on the PPAF website. Staff members of the Madagascar Mission to the United Nations gave generously to PPAF's Dominican Relief Fund. Ambassador Andrianarivelo presented checks to Ambassador Francis Lorenzo at a PPAF board meeting. Funds have also come from the US Hispanic Advocacy Association and other funds are being pledged. PPAF's David Stillman with Ambassadors Lorenzo and Adrianarivelo       November 16, 2007 Alliance Developing with FAVACA and JumpStart International David Stillman attended the 25th anniversary celebration of FAVACA, the Florida Association for Volunteer Action in the Caribbean and the Americas, to discuss collaboration in the Dominican Republic and elsewhere in the Caribbean. Later that day, Stillman, Carolyn Rose-Avila, Executive Director of FAVACA, and Anne O'Sullivan, Executive Director of JumpStart International, reviewed a draft agreement for joint work. Carolyn Rose-Avila and Senator Bob Graham FAVACA is a unique non-profit state-affiliated organization with an international outlook. Its aim is to improve social and economic conditions in Central America and the Caribbean through volunteer service in training and technical assistance. These activities help to mitigate threats to Florida's agriculture, health and the environment by improving conditions in Florida's neighbors. It receives an annual legislative appropriation from the State of Florida. Then-Governor Bob Graham and the Florida legislature established FAVACA 25 years ago. They realized that Florida extends like a thumb into the Caribbean. It has 1,300 miles of international coastline and close proximity to many neighboring nations. ` FAVACA establishes partnerships between non-governmental organizations, universities, government agencies and business in Florida and the Caribbean and Central America. Based on partners' requests, FAVACA has conducted more than 1300 technical and training volunteer missions in 29 countries. JumpStart International is a humanitarian organization that works in post-disaster relief and recovery to rebuild livelihoods and communities through employment generation, small-scale construction, skills training, and business development. At the suggestion of PPAF, JumpStart International is beginning work in the Dominican Republic to rebuild homes to aid recovery from Tropical Storm Noel.       November 15, 2007 International Money Transmitters Conference PPAF continued its policy work on remittances and development at the International Money Transmitters Conference, held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Over 300 participants from the U.S. and a number of other countries attended. The conference focused on compliance with anti-money-laundering laws and new technologies that help make the industry more efficient or threaten it by opening doors to competitors like the mobile phone industry. PPAF arranged with David Landsman, Executive Director of the National Money Transmitters Association (NMTA) for Dr. Carmen Moreno, Executive Director of UN-INSTRAW to speak at the event on gender issues, migration, remittances and development (see story below). As Landsman said at the opening of the conference, "We are in the business of helping immigrant poor people to send money home." Money transmitters provide a lifeline to migrants working in the U.S. and other developed countries who send annually a combined $300 billion to relatives back home. David Landsman and Carmen Moreno Dr. Moreno was the only woman on the speakers list for the two-day event. She noted that women are about 51% of migrants in developed countries, and about 48% in developing countries. They usually work in service-oriented jobs, as domestics, care-givers, etc. They are now migrating as the main economic providers of their families, not just for the reunification of families. In general, women represent half of senders of remittances and 70% of recipients. They are sending money home more constantly than men, and through longer periods, to their family members. UN-INSTRAW is studying gender migration and remittances in 21 country case studies, to understand why and how, to whom and when, women migrate and send remittances, and to increase business opportunities. Developing products tailored for migrant women would be a win-win situation for both the money transmitter and the women, she said. Other information and reports on the conference may be viewed at www.nmta.us Upon encouragement from PPAF the NMTA has applied and been accepted as a member of the UN Global Compact.       November 15, 2007 PPAF & UN-INSTRAW Sign Memorandum of Cooperation David Stillman and Carmen Moreno Taking advantage of their presence at the International Money Transmitters Convention, David Stillman of PPAF and Carmen Moreno, Executive Director of the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the two organizations. The agreement covers substantive issues relating to gender, international migration, remittances and development, as well as assistance with office space in New York (PPAF) and Santo Domingo (UN-INSTRAW); mutual consultation, technical cooperation and exchange of documents and information.       November 14, 2007 Patel Center for Global Solutions, University of South Florida Betty Castor, Executive Director of the Patel Center, and former president of the University, hosted a series of exploratory meetings for David Stillman on a one-day visit to the campus. Professors and other staff with specialties in environmental engineering, biology, corporate responsibility, Latin American studies, and management of the Center's studies and internships participated in discussions aimed at collaboration in the three areas of Patel's priority - water, migration and sustainable development, especially in the Caribbean and Central America. Several areas for potential collaboration emerged from the discussions, which will be further developed.       November 2007 Education: Youth and Leadership - Dominican Youth to attend Three Dot Dash Initiative Just Peace Summit Cristian Hernández at CILA (Conference of the Americas Model UN) Cristian Alberto Hernández, an 18-year old from Santo Domingo, has been selected as a Global Teen Leader for the We Are Family Foundation's (WAFF) Three Dot Dash Initiative. He will attend the initiative's Just Peace Summit from March 29 - April 4, 2008 in New York City, one of 28 teens from 19 countries who have been selected to participate. PPAF and the United Nations Association of the Dominican Republic (UNA-DR) jointly nominated him. At the Summit, Cristian and other teens will learn how to "tell their story" and to create a Public Service Campaign to promote their work and to inspire others to do their part to make the world a more peaceful place. A mentor will guide each for one year. The teen leaders will receive a small stipend to help them expand their projects and to create greater awareness about their work. To qualify for the program, nominees needed to meet specific qualifications: Be nominated by a non-governmental organization (NGO) or other qualified organization. Be between the ages of 13-19 at the time of the 2008 Summit. Must have a demonstrated track record of leadership within their communities and/or globally that has significantly affected the basic human needs of others with regard to one or more of the following: food, water, health, shelter, education and safety. Speak and write English proficiently. Cristian's leadership and volunteer work Cristian (white tee-shirt, in center) at Batey #9, interviewing a group during a trip to donate books. In September 2006, UNA-DR launched a campaign to collect used textbooks from private schools to donate to Batey 9, a very poor community located next to a sugar plantation in Barahona, DR. Since then Cristian has served as a leader in the collection of books from several schools and as sport activities coordinator in the visit to the Batey to deliver the donations. The project donated 1,000 textbooks to the school in Batey 9. Since then, Cristian and his group have collected school supplies as well. Cristian writes that "students donate because they understand the value of education, and in empathy contribute what they can. Empathy and taking action to aid the needs of others are keys to a peaceful society." Barahona and Batey #9 are in the southern part of the D.R., the area most damaged by Tropical Storm Noel. Cristian has been collecting donations at his school and organizing a benefit to raise money for Batey 9. Batey 9 did not have a lot of infrastructure damage and instead the main concern has been mattresses and medicine. Cristian has also been involved as a volunteer of the United Nations Association in organizing food baskets that have been donated by major retailers.       Jeanne Betsock Stillman, Editor Hewitt Pratt, graphic and web design http://www.ppafoundation.org