SGP is launched in Guyana

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April 26, 2013

On April 26, 2013, the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) launched its programme in Guyana. The event started with a brief introduction of the history and achievements of the programme, followed by an explanation of the grant making process of SGP. The National coordinator Mr. Ian Kisson also invited eligible groups to start submitting their applications.

Ms. Dionne Frank, Chair of the National Steering Committee (NSC) of SGP in Guyana, stated that “empowered communities developing and implementing innovative and sustainable development interventions that serve as models for the development of the civil society in Guyana” is the shared vision of the NSC for SGP Guyana. She further stated that the NSC intends to achieve the vision by assessing and developing the needs of the civil society, sharing knowledge, providing technical support and strengthening institutions. She urged NGOs to take advantage of the opportunities offered by SGP to build the capacity of their communities and organizations, create safe spaces for youth and women and facilitate the active participation of the civil society in decision-making processes in the environmental sector. Ms. Frank serves on the NSC as a representative of the civil society organization, Women Across Differences, and is also Head of the Department of Sociology at the University of Guyana.

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         Chair of the NSC delivering remarks                 UNDP Resident Representative (ag) remarks

The UNDP Resident Representative (ag) for Guyana, Ms. Chisa Mikami highlighted the many successes of SGP across the globe in addressing environment and human development; and highlighted the synergies with the work programme of UNDP. Ms. Mikami also mentioned that energy and environment are essential for sustainable development and the eradication of poverty and that the work of SGP will also contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

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Minister of Natural Resources & the Environment addressing the gathering.

Seated is SGP National Coordinator

To finalize, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, the Hon. Robert Persaud stated that the launch of SGP is timely given the boom in the natural resources sector in the country and the many opportunities SGP offers for ensuring sustainable development in this expanding sector. He further noted that the government sees the SGP as being complimentary to the priorities of livelihood development at the community level.

Background for editors

About the GEF

The GEF unites 183 countries in partnership with international institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector to address global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development initiatives. Today the GEF is the largest public funder of projects to improve the global environment. An independently operating financial organization, the GEF provides grants for projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants.

Since 1991, GEF has achieved a strong track record with developing countries and countries with economies in transition, providing $11.5 billion in grants and leveraging $57 billion in co-financing for over 3,215 projects in over 165 countries. For more information, visit www.thegef.org.

About the GEF Small Grants Programme

Launched in 1992, GEF SGP supports activities of nongovernmental and community-based organizations in developing countries towards climate change abatement, conservation of biodiversity, protection of international waters, reduction of the impact of persistent organic pollutants and prevention of land degradation while generating sustainable livelihoods.

Since its creation, GEF SGP has provided over 16,500 grants to communities in over 125 developing countries. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a corporate programme, GEF SGP is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the GEF partnership, and is executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

Media contacts:

• Ana Maria Currea, KM and Communications Specialist, GEF SGP,
  ana.maria.currea@undp.org , 646-781-4353
• John Diamond, Senior Communication Officer & Spokesperson
  Global Environment Facility
  jdiamond@TheGEF.org, (202) 458-7953
  www.TheGEF.org