Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity within the sustainable use areas of the State Subsystem of Protected Areas (SEAP) of Ecuador and its buffer zones. Promote conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity and capacity building in sustainable use zones and buffer zones within the State Subsystem of Protected Areas (SEAP). Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency. 323. The main benefit of the project will be the improvement of the capacities of local stakeholders in the sustainable use zones and buffer zones of the PNCC and the PNS that constitute the areas of intervention of the project, to deal with the socio-environmental conflicts generated by agricultural activity. In this sense, the project will contribute to the enhanced capacities of:  ? 60 technical officials and park rangers of the MAATE at the national level for the operation and maintenance of the SEAP Integrated Information System;  ? 80 technicians and park rangers from the PNCC and PNS for the use of the SEAP Integrated Information System and the new or updated secondary regulations developed by the project;  ? 1,200 residents (30% women) living in the sustainable use zones in the PNCC and PNS, including women, youth and indigenous people, who know and understand the regulations and instruments for the management of sustainable use zones in both PAs;  ? 600 people (30% women, 30% youth) to implement and monitor the regulations and tools for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity developed by the project;   ? 120 technicians and extension workers from MAATE, MAG and DAG trained to implement good practices for the conservation and sustainable use of the BD (of which 40% are women); and   ? 3,000 people (at least 40% are women) to adopt biodiversity conservation and sustainable use practices that help reduce pressures and recover and increase agricultural production and productivity, contributing to improved livelihoods. Likewise, of this number, 900 people are expected to diversify their productive activities by practicing the sustainable use of natural resources and have better access to markets as an improvement in their livelihoods.  324. A greater capacity for adaptation will also be possible by working in coordination with local institutions and organizations to strengthen local spaces for discussion and decision-making to efficiently manage the resources of a given territory, improve the living conditions of its inhabitants and implement actions to reduce risks. This benefit implies, therefore, the strengthening of governance mechanisms where multiple stakeholders converge in the implementation of intersectoral policies.  325. Through project interventions and increased capacities of beneficiaries, local and regional benefits will be seen in terms of improved livelihoods, cultural assertiveness and environmental sustainability and will help support the long-term maintenance of global environmental benefits. These benefits will be:  ? Benefits for the local economy through the strengthening of value chains and better access to markets that help create new sources of diversification, income and better livelihoods and social benefits in terms of strengthened partnerships. The skills acquired in the implementation of sustainable value chains and access to markets will contribute to the improvement of the income and livelihoods of 900 people, men and women, involved in the production of milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetables, cocoa and coffee value chains and biodiversity products.  ? Social benefits in terms of fostering strategic partnerships and empowering local stakeholders (including women and indigenous peoples).  ? Improvement of food security and the quality of life and well-being of the population through the long-term sustainability of agricultural production, increased yields, and the availability of food products for the local population.  ? Promotion of Decent Rural Employment[1] through project actions that are inserted under the four pillars of decent employment, namely:   Table 11 - Contribution of the project to the pillars of Decent Rural Employment      Pillar   Topics under the Pillars related to the project intervention    Project specific actions       Pillar 1 Job creation and business development   ? Women and men small producers supported to access markets and value chains ? Job creation in rural areas, particularly for youth and women ? Vocational and educational programs for technical and business skills for rural population   ? Rural extension program and technical assistance. Capacity development (Output 3.1.1) ? Incentive mechanisms and improved market access (Output 3.1.3)       Pillar 2 Social protection   ? Improvement of working conditions in rural areas, including effective protection of maternity and income   ? Capacity development (Output 3.1.1) ? Improved livelihoods of beneficiaries including reducing the income gap between men and women (Outputs 3.1.2 and 3.1.3)       Pillar 3 Standards and rights at work   ? Socially responsible production, specifically to reduce discrimination based on gender and age   ? Biodiversity conservation practices (Output 3.1.2) ? Incentive mechanisms (Output 3.1.3)       Pillar 4 Governance and social dialogue   ? Participation of the rural poor in decision-making and governance mechanisms ? Rural women and young people empowered to participate in these processes from the beginning   ? Inter-institutional and intersectoral coordination mechanisms (Output 2.1.2) ? Development of standards, regulations and technical tools for PA management (Outputs 1.1.2 and 2.1.1)               [1] In the definition applied by FAO, decent rural employment refers to any activity, occupation, job, business or service performed by women and men, adults and youth, in exchange for compensation or benefits, in rural areas, which: 1) respects the fundamental labor standards as defined in the ILO Conventions; 2) provides an adequate living income; 3) implies an adequate degree of security and stability in employment; 4) adopts basic occupational health and safety measures; 5) avoid excessive working hours and allow enough time for rest; 6) promotes access to technical and professional training.