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United States Foundation for International Conservation Act of 2023
1/22/2024, 3:30 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1298
The bill outlines the creation of the United States Foundation for International Conservation, which will be responsible for providing financial and technical assistance to conservation projects around the world. The foundation will work in partnership with other countries, non-profit organizations, and private sector entities to promote sustainable conservation practices.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of protecting biodiversity and natural resources for future generations. It highlights the need for collaboration between the United States and other countries to address global conservation challenges, such as deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change. Overall, the United States Foundation for International Conservation Act of 2023 aims to enhance US leadership in global conservation efforts and promote sustainable practices that will benefit both the environment and local communities.
Congressional Summary of HR 1298
United States Foundation for International Conservation Act of 2023
This bill requires the Department of State to establish the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation as a tax-exempt organization to promote international conservation efforts, including by providing grants for eligible projects.
The foundation shall fund projects that support effective area-based conservation measures and the long-term management of protected or conserved areas and their contiguous buffer zones. Such areas include terrestrial, coastal, and marine-protected or conserved parks, conservancies, and reserves. Projects must be cost-matched from sources other than the U.S. government.
Project grants shall focus on countries that (1) have low-income, lower middle-income, or upper-middle-income economies; (2) have a high degree of biological diversity or important species or ecosystems; and (3) have demonstrated a commitment to conservation through their actions.
The foundation may not provide support for any government, or any entity owned or controlled by a government, that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism or has engaged in a consistent pattern of gross human rights violations. Additionally, the foundation may not engage in any dealings prohibited under U.S. sanctions.
