NAN-AE-2
Project
By Vivian Emoni
Abuja, June 1, 2017 (NAN) Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator, UNDP Global Environmental Facility/Small Grant Programme (GEF/SGP) says it has supported more than 116 projects in 25 states since its establishment in Nigeria in 2009.
Olubamise told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday that the projects had improved the livelihood of about 500,000 poor rural dwellers directly.
According to her, the projects had also conserved more than 500 indigenous plant species, protected and restored between 1,000 to 2,000 hectares of land.
“Also, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has also helped in sustaining each of the projects by ensuring its effective implementation.
“The UNDP and GEF/SGP provide grants, technical and coordination support to poor and marginalised communities through national Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for local environmental initiatives to achieve global environmental benefits and enhance livelihood.
“Many of the projects are pilot in nature, they are to demonstrate feasibility and complementarily of environmental protection and development aspirations,’’ she said.
The coordinator said that the UNDP and GEF/SGP would be organising a Knowledge Fair and Exhibition on Wednesday with the aim of building partnerships to further support their efforts in Nigeria.
She said the exhibition would be open to the public to showcase its achievements, enhance visibility of UNDP/GEF/SGP programme and create lasting positive impact on the people and the environment.
Olubamise said GEF/SGP supported actions to combat major environmental issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, polluted international waters, land degradation, desertification and persistent organic pollutants to stimulate green growth. (NAN)
VOE/MO/WOJ
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(Edited by Morayo Omolade / Wale Ojetimi)