Families also are taught more sustainable ways of managing forest resources to allow them to satisfy their basic needs and improve their quality of life. All the partners are enthusiastic about progress and have requested that the project continue for an additional five years when the first phase ends later in 2000. Plans are being made to extend the project area from three to eight municipalities and to include 4,000 families living in 90 communities. More local NGOs will become partners, and park management will benefit from the skills and expertise of local universities and research organizations. Schollaert is enthusiastic about the possibilities.
Bolivia has huge tourist potential, and the parks are an important element in attracting tourists.
Ambor has particular advantages, such as good transport links with Santa Cruz, Bolivia's third largest city, which is only a two-hour drive away. There is already a steady stream of tourists, but with careful management there is room for many more. They could help provide a better livelihood for local people in turn helping conserve the pristine areas of the park from further encroachment. Schollaert notes that the Ambor project has been important for CARE as well. It is our first integrated conservation and development project in Bolivia.