The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by the UNDP, held a 5 day regional workshop for National Coordinators of country programs to launch implementation of its Fifth Operational Phase in the Latin America and the Caribbean region and provide training and guidance on the vision and strategy of the programme, results based management framework and GEF's visibility policy for the next four years. The event was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Managua, at the Convention Center, Salon La Vista from November 14 to the 18.
On this occasion, the GEF Small Grants Programme in Nicaragua hosted the workshop and provided participants the opportunity to see the results of the programme on the ground and learn from its experience. The GEF SGP in Nicaragua started in 2004 and since then the programme supported 112 community based projects in 7 departments, 1 autonomous regions and municipalities delivering US$ 2,059,855.38 in grants. In addition, the programme raised US$ 716,821.00 in cash and US$ 1,095,481.00 in kind co-financing from other partners.
The meeting provided a platform to discuss in detail the implementation arrangements and reforms of the firth Operational phase of the program. The meeting also provided 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 also allowed the participants to visit a project about biodiversity conservation through the sustainable production of honey in the Sub-basin of Maunica – Carbonal, department of Matagalpa; as well as a biodiversity conservation project in the Natural Reserve Tisey – Estanzuela aimed at the conservation and restoration of the pine forest cover and associated species, as well as the flora and fauna in general, through its sustainable management and ecotourism.
The workshop opened on Monday November 14th with opening statements by Delfin Ganapin, Global Manager of the Small Grants Programme; Danielius Pivoriunas, Senior Operations Officer of the Global Environment Facility; and with welcoming remarks by Juanita Argeñal the GEF Operation Focal Point of the Government of Nicaragua; and Pablo Mandeville, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Nicaragua; and included the participation of over 30 participants from all over the region.
Contact:
Ana Maria Currea, GEF Small Grants Programme | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.