How has the Small Grants Program (GEF) benefitted your organization and/or community?

"Through the project entitled 'Building a local network of living trees platforms for the conservation of land resources in Jabal Moussa region' (TREECON), which was funded by the Small Grants Program (GEF), the Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa (APJM) installed three native tree nurseries in three local villages.

This project lays the basis needed for future reforestation activities which will be conducted in the areas around the reserve which have been significantly degraded by human activities, such as clear cutting and quarrying. [...] Since the lands where the nurseries were installed were rented from local landowners, and local famers were trained to maintain them, this project has contributed to the creation of income-generating activities to the locals. In addition, the tree nurseries play a very important role in raising awareness about forests and reforestation in the region.

Thanks to the project funded by the Small Grants Program, the Guides, Guards, and various members of the APJM staff have acquired basic knowledge concerning seed collection, storage, planting, and seedling maintenance; and are continuously improving their knowledge with regards to the nurseries. This project will be a source of sustainable livelihoods for locals, will serve in preserving the natural landscape of the area, and will prove to be extremely important when APJM develops a Reforestation Program."