The PLACE IQC supports USAID biodiversity conservation and natural resources management activities consistent with the new U.S. Framework for Foreign Assistance and supports the Natural Resources Management Office’s (EGAT/NRM) Strategic Objective (SO) “Increased social, economic and environmental benefits through healthy ecosystems and sustainable resource management."  The IQC addresses a range of activities related to biodiversity conservation and natural resources management, including providing USAID Missions and Operating Units technical assistance in carrying out activities that meet USAID’s Biodiversity Conservation Code.

PLACE is designed to cover three overarching themes: promoting transformational development, providing integrated landscape management services, and scaling-up and sustaining impact.  The IQC's five primary natural resource management categories are:

• Biodiversity Conservation (terrestrial, freshwater and marine)
• Sustainable Forestry
• Sustainable Tourism
• Ecologically Sustainable Agriculture
• Provision of Ecosystem Services