The U.S. is canceling part of Bangladesh’s debt and allowing future interest payments to go toward paying for forest protection in the tropical country, the first such agreement under a U.S. debt-for-nature law passed in 1998. The shift will free up about $8.5 million over 18 years for conservation of Bangladeshi forests. U.S. Treasury Deputy Secretary Stuart Eizenstat said the agreement reflects a “commitment to protect biodiversity and tropical forests around the world.” The Clinton administration is discussing similar deals with Belize and El Salvador.