Opening of the Regional Workshop of the GEF Small Grants Programme in Africa

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The GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), implemented by the UNDP, is holding a 5 day Africa Regional Workshop for the National Coordinators (NC) of country programs to launch the implementation of its Fifth Operational Phase in the Africa Region. The workshop provides training and guidance on the vision and strategy of the programme, results based management framework, and the GEF’s visibility policy for the next four years. The event is being held at the Fiesta Royale Hotel, North Dzorwulu, Accra, from September 19 to the 23rd 2011.

On this occasion, the GEF Small Grants Programme in Ghanais hosting the workshop and providing the participants the opportunity to see the results of the programme on the ground and learn from its experience. The GEF SGP in Ghana started in 1992 and since then the programme has supported 170 community based projects around Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas within the tropical high rainforests, RAMSAR sites, wetlands, biological migratory corridors of the northern savanna woodlands ecosystem; among others. The programme has delivered US$3,498,817 in grants and raised US$3,964,363 in cash and US$2,281,595 in kind co-financing from other partners. Today, the program is considered one of most successful country programs in Africa. The meeting will provide a platform to discuss in detail the implementation arrangements and reforms of the fifth Operational phase of the program.

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The meeting also provides an opportunity to share lessons and good practices on community-based approaches to biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, land degradation, international waters and chemicals. It will also allow the participants to visit a project in Eguafo and Abirem traditional protected areas, where globally significant biodiversity is being conserved through the promotion of ecotourism activities. The two natural heritages cover around 54ha and are remnants of the tropical high forests along the coastal savannah ecosystem with unique tree and animal species.

The workshop opened on Monday September 19th 2011 with opening statements by Mr. Delfin Ganapin, Global Manager of the Small Grants Programme and welcoming remarks by Mr. Kamil Kamaluddeen, Country Director of the United Nations Development Programme in Ghana; Mr. Danielius Pivoriunas, Senior Operations Officer of the Global Environment Facility; and a keynote address by Dr. Raymond Babanawo from the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology and GEF Operational Focal Point. Over 60 participants are participating in the workshop including all SGP National Coordinators from Africa, members of the SGP Central Management Team, and other international and national partners.

Contact: Ana Maria Currea, GEF Small Grants Programme, ana.maria.currea@undp.org, George Ortsin GEF Small Grants Programme georgeO@unops.org