AfDB and GEF promote ecosystem projects

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved a total funding of R143 million for two agro- and forest ecosystem projects co-financed with the African Development Bank (AfDB).

One project is based in Mali (Scaling up a Multiple Benefits Approach to Enhance Resilience in Agro- and Forest Landscapes of Mali’s Sahel Regions) and aims to promote food security and multiple environmental benefits through a landscape approach.

The other project, based in Benin (Sustainable Forest Management and Conservation Project), will promote socially and environmentally sustainable forest management by improving forest and land management in target areas of the country.

“Mali and Benin are both Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the projects will improve land and forest management to promote sustainable, resilient and healthy agro- and forest ecosystems. The projects comprise new funding for R110 million (Mali) and R33 million (Benin) with a total AfDB co-financing of R1 billion,” says GEF CEO, Naoko Ishii.

The project is a multi-year programme to increase production, to develop infrastructure and basic social services, and to diversify income options.

Mahamat Assouyouti, AfDB/GEF Coordinator, says: “Since 2007, the partnership between the GEF and the AfDB has been growing rapidly, working to generate environmentally sustainable, climate-smart and transformational change in Africa.

“The goal is to reduce the vulnerability of people and communities to climate change and to reduce negative environmental impact on the continent. The Bank is committed to further expand the collaboration and deliver more resources to ensure resilience, sustainability and to drive low-carbon growth,” concludes Assouyouti.

Read the GEF Annual Report 2016 here.