Started in 1992 under the guidance of UNDP, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grant Programme (SGP) aims to provide support to community level initiatives for conservation and restoration of the environment in Ghana. The GEF/SGP program also takes care that there is enhancement in well-being and livelihood of the local people after implementation of different programs for environmental conservation. In the past 19 years, GEF/SGP has funded over 100 projects in Ghana to address various issues pertaining to biodiversity, climate, international waters, land degradation, etc.
The GEF/SGP Ghana is currently inviting proposals from interested Civil Society Organizations in Ghana for implementation of programs aimed towards environmental conservation and protection. The GEF/SGP in Ghana is executed by the UNDP and managed by the UNOPS.
Grant Size
The SGP offers grant of not more than US$ 50,000 per project. The average grant size is US$ 27,500.
GEF Focal Areas
- Biodiversity Conservation: activities must promote the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources in the arid and semi-arid ecosystems; coastal, marine and freshwater ecosystems; forest ecosystems; or mountain ecosystems;
- Climate Change abatement in the northern savannah and small island communities: activities must either demonstrate the removal of local barriers to energy conservation and energy efficiency, or promote the adoption of renewable energy;
- Prevention of land degradation: activities must concentrate on (a) sustainable agriculture; (b) sustainable rangeland/pasture management (c) forest and woodland management;
- Reduction of the Impact of Persistent Organic Pollutants activities must include: (a) integrated pest and vector management; (b) promoting organic farming; (c) generating business opportunities including the marketing of POPs substitutes; (d) encouraging composting, marketing and use of locally composted humus;
- Protection of international waters: focal area activities must address environmental concerns in a specific water body shared by two or more countries (such as freshwater drainage basin that is regionally significant or a large marine ecosystem), or address land-based threats to international waters.
Eligibility Criteria
- Local non-governmental or non-profit organizations in Ghana registered with the Registrar Generals Department and operating in the selected area of operation
- Community-based organizations registered with the District Assembly and the Environmental Protection Agency with capacity to design, prepare, manage and implement projects directly.
Time Framework
Call for proposals are opened from the date of advertisement throughout the year. Applications would be processed as and when they are received and successful applicants would be notified.
The National steering committee approves new projects every year. It is recommended that applicants send proposals throughout the year.
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