The official launch of the fifth operational phase (OP5) of the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) was hosted today in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. The Delegate to the Prime Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Mr. Amedi Camara, organized this workshop in collaboration with the UN Development Programme.
The fifth operational phase aims to create an integrated framework for all projects along the lines of the environmental policy objectives in Mauritania for the period 2012 - 2016 as well as the various state duties designed by international conventions and ratified by Mauritania
The GEF SGP focuses primarily on addressing issues related to climate change, biodiversity, sustainable management of transboundary rivers and hazardous chemicals as well as desertification. Within the past ten years, SGP Mauritania has supported 163 community-based projects with a total of US$ 4.3 million, directly benefitting communities and civil society organizations.
During the workshop, Mr. Camara indicated that the adoption of the National Strategy for Sustainable Development by the Government in 2006, the National Action Plan for the Environment and the fight against desertification has provided a framework with clear guidelines for the necessary changes in the current management of the environment. These plans and guidelines will also guide SGP's Country Programme Strategy (CPS) in Mauritania, while streamlining all existing institutional frameworks for the sustainable management of the environment in the country.
The Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mrs. Kumba March Gadio, welcomed the successful partnerships that have been built and strengthened with the government, technical and financial partners, as well as civil society organizations throughout the implementation of projects funded by the GEF SGP. She emphasized that this phase aims to improve the synergy and complementarity with further United Nations programs and other development partners. The Minister for Commerce, Industry, Handicrafts and Tourism and the Deputy Commissioner for Human Rights to humanitarian action and relations with civil society also participated in the event.
Contact:
Amadou Ba, National Coordinator, GEF SGP Country Office, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.