“The NSC has ensured that the targets set by project proponents are achievable by critically reviewing all the proposals. Thus there has been a very high level of efficiency in the operations of the SGP, which has culminated in its great success.”
Dr. James Adomako
SGP National Steering Committee
Ghana Senior Lecturer, Department of Botany, University of Ghana
This publication presents experiences from successful on-the-ground actions to maintain and rebuild socio-ecological production landscapes with particular respect to landscape governance, drawing on COMDEKS-supported projects in Ecuador, Ghana and Indonesia.This publication has three principal parts:(1) The introduction briefly outlines the importance of governance in socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes;(2) Three case studies describe the socio-ecological landscape and its governance structure at the onset of each project, the COMDEKS landscape strategy and activities, developments in governance during the project, and finally lessons learned and challenges ahead; and(3) The conclusions attempt to sum up the lessons learned and successful approaches from these COMDEKS experiences with respect to landscape governance.
The proliferation of harmful chemicals is a growing concern for human health and well-being and the global environment.During its 6th replenishment period (July 2014 to June 2018; GEF-6), GEF continues to play a catalytic role in leveraging budgetary resources to support elimination and reduction of harmful chemicals and waste.The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) is the special window of the GEF providing financial and technical support to communities and civil society organizations for addressing global environmental challenges, while also promoting poverty reduction and sustainable development. In the chemicals and waste focal area, SGP focuses its support to communities at the forefront of chemical threats either as users or consumers, including women and indigenous peoples.As of April 2017, SGP has supported 565 projects with an investment of more than $16 million in GEF grant funding, leveraging more than $18 million in co-financing from multiple sources. SGP’s chemicals and waste portfolio has focused on: solid waste management to avoid open burning of waste; pesticide management in agriculture and organic farming; • reduction of chemicals usage and contamination (such as PCB) in small-scale businesses; capacity development, awareness raising and knowledge sharing.
This publication showcases over 10 case studies from our climate change portfolio in which youth have played a l,eading role. These projects can serve as a source of inspiration for expanding engagement with youth in addressing climate change. Employing a range of tools, young people have led and promoted the use of renewable energies, carbon footprint mapping, tree planting, disaster risk reduction measures, as well as communicated the urgency of taking action on climate change through environmental awareness raising events. In this process universities, schools, research organizations, media and government departments have played a critical role in partnering with youth organizations and scaling up their efforts.
The project has contributed to the establishment of local bye-laws and regulations have been established relating to environmental sustainability. As a result, commercial sand winning in the communities has been banned. Over 350 ha of degraded lands have been restored through agro-forestry practices, woodlot establishment and natural regeneration. The local streams have become perennial, nearby watershed are being conserved and the nearby RAMSAR sites are protected from encroachment and abuse by the general public. Farm sizes have relatively remained unchanged, but the land productivity has increased by over hundredfold. Unlike the past, there is enough food within the landscape throughout the year with surplus for the open market. People frequently visit and buy from the communities knowing very well their crops are cultivated free off chemical fertilizer. With the introduction of three enterprises; small ruminant rearing, compost making and organic vegetable cultivation and moringa leave processing, economic activities have picked up significantly. This initiative has led to consideration of the construction of good pliable roads through the communities by the Municipal Assembly.
2013 - UNFCCC MOMENTUM FOR CHANGE LIGHTHOUSE ACTIVITIES
The Bright Generation Community Foundation (BGCF), a women and youth-focused SGP grantee, was selected for the highly sought after 2013 Momentum for Change Lighthouse Activities, which recognizes the most innovative initiatives combating climate change. The organization was selected for the award-winning project that pioneered bicycles made out of bamboo as an alternative, non-polluting mode of rural transport. The project aimed at reducing poverty, rural youth unemployment and climate change.
2013 - UN HABITAT-DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICE AWARD
SGP Grantee Bright Generation Community Foundation (BGCF) received the award for pioneering bamboo bicycles as an alternative, non-polluting mode of rural transport while also creating employment opportunities for youth in the Achiase community, thus simultaneously tackling poverty and climate change. The project was also 2nd Runner up at the 2012 International Road Federation InARoaD Awards and won the Samsung Generations for Peace Award in 2012.
2012 - SAMSUNG GENERATIONS FOR PEACE AWARD
The women and youth-focused SGP Grantee Bright Generation Community Foundation(BGCF) received the award for pioneering bicycles made out of bamboo as an alternative, non-polluting mode of transport suitable for Ghana's high terrain. The bicycles were built with local bamboo by youth in the Achiase community. The project aimed at reducing poverty, rural youth unemployment and climate change.
2010 - SEED Award
SGP Grantee Tema Cooperative Sunflower Producers Societyreceived the award for the project Biofuel Production in Promoting Sustainable Land Management. "Biofuel Production in Promoting Sustainable Land Management". A local NGO in partnership with national research institutions has established a model for rehabilitating degraded community lands, producing food crop and utilizing renewable energy through the cultivation and processing of sunflower plants into oil and biodiesel. Their sustainable land management approach also includes bee-keeping.
2010 - SEED Award
The SGP Grantee Africa 2000 Networkreceived the award for the project The Shea Economic Empowerment Program (SEEP) . In partnership with national research institutions, it has established a model for rehabilitating degraded community lands, producing food crop and utilizing renewable energy through the cultivation and processing of sunflower plants into oil and biodiesel. Their sustainable land management approach also includes bee-keeping.
