Mainstreaming biodiversity conservation criteria in sectoral and intersectoral public policies and programs to safeguard threatened wildlife in Argentina To mainstream conservation criteria in sectoral and intersectoral public policies and contribute to their effective implementation to safeguard threatened wildlife. Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency. The project is expected to directly benefit 6,974 people (3,626 women + 3,348 men) through training/capacity building and the implementation of Intersectoral Biodiversity Plans within the targeted sectors, including on-site interventions in 4 pilot cases, yielding a variety of benefits as explained below. In general, by mainstreaming biodiversity into productive sector policies in Component 1, the project will enable long-term production while ensuring the integrity of populations of globally important species, their habitats, and associated ecosystem services, resulting in important socioeconomic benefits. The project will help to build the capacities of the beneficiaries through training and technical assistance. To ensure effectiveness and uptake, the programming of activities will take into account the work schedules of producers and their families, and communities, for minimum interference with the daily chores of men and women in order to ensure their participation in the activities organized by the project, especially with regards to BD monitoring related to each sector as well as sustainable livestock management practices in Case 4. Specific training will be developed targeting women beneficiaries (indigenous and non-indigenous) in the pilot sites to promote gender equality in the management, use and conservation of biodiversity and in sustainable practices promoted by the project to ensure that both women and men’s needs are addressed through the project interventions. Capacity building will also take into account cultural and traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity.In particular, the 4 pilot cases are expected to produce the following socioeconomic benefits:Case 1. Government officials will be trained on EIA and monitoring to ensure no negative impacts on BD related to wind energy infrastructure. By supporting the planning and construction process of wind parks, thereby reducing possible delays in approval due to lack of consideration of BD, energy users will have access to a cheaper alternative source of energy that pollutes less and ultimately decreases risks related to health and associated costs. Case 2. Government officials trained on EIA and monitoring for road infrastructure The improved road infrastructure is expected to directly benefit approximately 2,302 visitors to provincial and national parks where the project will be involved in the design and monitoring of road infrastructure. By removing the risk associated with vehicle-animal collisions and deterioration of infrastructure, these visitors avoid the costs associated with accidents in terms of vehicle repairs and hospital/medical treatments.Case 3.Government and judiciary officials (1,730 by project end) will be trained on wildlife trafficking and illegal hunting control. Furthermore, an estimated 400 people will have access to legal transport and wildlife hunting permits issued by SACVEBIO. By strengthening capacity and control measures, the project will decrease the safety risks associated with illicit trafficking and hunting, and provide opportunities for community engagement through monitoring and control activities.            Case 4. Livestock production will directly benefit 24 ranchers in Corrientes and BA, with an additional 400 benefiting from demonstration activities. The project will promote socioeconomically and BD-friendly and sustainable production practices that will help to maintain and improve the biodiversity value of the grasslands and to reduce productive and extractive pressures affecting threatened species, such as the Pampas Deer. By adopting these sustainable practices, producers will benefit from long-term and increased productivity of their rangelands, as well as from financial incentives, thereby providing the opportunity for increased incomes.