ECO-EXCHANGE -- Ten exceptional experts are currently working on 10 ingenious biodiversity conservation research projects in the seven countries of Central America. They are supported by grants of nearly $10,000 each from the Regional Environmental Project for Central/Central American Protected Areas System (PROARCA/CAPAS). The talented 10 won "genius grants" from the project, which is supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Rafael Luna, who coordinates the grants program, explains that PROARCA/CAPAS realized the great potential that exists in the region to develop innovative conservation projects, but "due to a lack of economic resources or professional stimulation, many never get off the ground."

A team assembled by USAID and the Central American Commission of Environment and Development reviewed proposals and selected winners. Of more than 80 proposals received, 47 were analyzed by the review committee. Selections were made, says Luna, based on the "innovation, practicality, impact, and synergy" of the projects and the expertise and dynamism of the applicants. The 10 finalists received their awards in September 1999, and final results will be ready by June.

"The potential results of these initiatives will be notable," he says, "since they represent areas of research that normally don't receive attention because institutions have other priorities."

Among the winning researchers and projects are Estuardo Secaira of Guatemala, for "Nature Conservation, the Maya Movement, and Spiritually: Implications for Conservationists"; Jorge Cabrera for "Strengthening Participation by Communities and Local Authorities in the Visis Caba Biosphere Reserve" in Guatemala; Grethel Aguilar for "Legal Tools for the Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Indigenous Territories" in Costa Rica; and Jose Enrique Barraza for "Determination of the Optimal Methodology for the Biomonitoring of Heavy Metals in the Sediments and Biota of the Lempa River" in El Salvador.

Grant winner Hector Guzman is studying the genetic relationship among the coral reefs of Nicaragua, Costa Rica , Panama and Colombia. Coral reef larvae are dispersed by marine currents over long distances, he explains. Since much of the reef off the coast of Costa Rica is dead -- mostly destroyed by runoff from agricultural development, it is possible that coral larvae originating in the other countries could help regenerate it, thanks to the gyrating of the Colombian-Panamanian currents.

But a connection among the reefs depends on a genetic relationship. Understanding the kinship among the reefs should help policy makers better judge which marine reserves off the coasts of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia should receive priority protection, Guzman notes.

The marine biologist says the PROARCA donation arrived at an opportune time, as it helped him raise additional funds from the University of Costa Rica and the Smithsonian Institute, so he could broaden the scope of his research.

Luna says the review committee was impressed by Guzman's experience and the fact his proposal focused on a topic in need of further research: the viability of a regional marine biological corridor. He is optimistic that given the potential of the "genius grants" and their benefit to the region, PROARCA/CAPAS will continue and broaden the program. He points to the importance of attracting university researchers and community leaders. If funds are secured, a second round of grants would be offered in 2001.