On the 18th January 2013, the Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by UNDP in Seychelles awarded 5 new grants that were recently approved by its National Steering Committee. The total number of projects funded by SGP now stands at 20 for a total grant amount of US$1.1 million which has mobilized approximately US$580,000 in local co-financing.
Below are the details of the new projects approved:
| Grantee | Focal Area | Grant Amount |
| Wildlife Clubs of Seychelles | Biodiversity | $50,000 |
| Plaisance Community Outreach Committee | Biodiversity | $50,000 |
| Artisanal Shark Fisher’s Association | Biodiversity | $50,000 |
| Lions Club of Paradise Seychelles | Chemicals | $50,000 |
| Les Li Viv | Biodiversity | $50,000 |
Given that the Seychelles islands are positioned in a biodiversity hotspot in the Indian Ocean, the SGP Seychelles’ portfolio has mostly focused on biodiversity conservation. However, in an effort to diversify the current portfolio, on this occasion a project on Persistent Organic Pollutants was approved.
During the ceremony, Memorandum of Agreements were signed between representatives of each grantee organization and the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) by Resident Representative, Mr Simon Springett. Mr Springett took this opportunity to present certificates of appreciation and acknowledge the contributions of the voluntary Members of the National Steering Committee.
The ceremony was attended by the government partners, UNDP, SGP grantees and other key stakeholders including Prof. Rolph A. Payet, Minister for Environment and Energy.
Caption: Family photo of SGP Grantees with UNDP RR, Australian Parliamentary Secretary Marles, Australian High Commissioner and Minister Payet