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Background
The process for establishment of a
Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) in
Lesotho was initiated in 2004. The process followed a very
participatory approach which entailed sensitization workshops,
country dialogue workshops, targeted briefing sessions and
partnership building workshops. In August 2006 the GEF Small Grants
Programme Global Office fielded a Mission to Lesotho to (i)
ascertain conditions for programme implementation; (ii) conduct
further discussions and consultations with interested parties and
potential partners; and (iii) provide comprehensive guidance to the
UNDP country office regarding the SGP start up process. It was
concluded that Lesotho met the requirements for participation in the
GEF Small Grants Programme, hence it was granted approval to
participate in September 2006, becoming one of the more than 100
countries participating in GEF- SGP.
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ABOUT GEF - SGP:
The GEF SGP is a corporate programme of the Global Environment
Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the GEF Implementing and Executing
Agencies. The SGP is country-driven and operates in a decentralized
and flexible manner by establishing a Country Programme that is led
by
a National Steering Committee with the majority of members from
the civil society. The Programme provides financial and technical
support to projects in developing countries that conserve and
restore the natural world while enhancing well-being and livelihoods
of people. Grants of up to USD 50 000.00 are made directly to
Non-Governmental Organizations, Community Based Organizations and
other recognized community entities, in recognition of the key role
they play as a resource and constituency for environment and
development concerns.
The GEF SGP supports environmental protection activities focusing
on biodiversity conservation, climate change abatement, protection
of international waters, land degradation prevention and reduction
of the impacts persistent organic pollutants.
THE FIVE YEAR VISION AND OBJECTIVES OF
THE GEF SGP LESOTHO:
The Vision
The Vision of the GEF SGP Country Programme for Lesotho is to
protect the natural heritage of Lesotho through empowerment of local
grass-root level communities to engage in viable partnerships for
undertaking environmental management projects that generate
sustainable livelihood benefits and preserve the integrity of
ecosystems of global significance.
Two-year Objectives:
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To improve knowledge and information on environmental among NGOs, CBOs
and the private sector;
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To build the capacity of NGOs and CBOs to develop and implement
environment and natural resources management projects that better
fit the GEF criteria;
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To forge strong partnerships that will
generate co-financing for implementation of environment and natural
resources management projects;
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To promote GEF-SGP philosophy,
objectives and procedures through different media;
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To adopt strategies that will ensure successful implementation,
sustainability and replication of GEF-SGP projects in the country;
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To identify synergies between the various medium size and full
size projects being implemented in Lesotho and establish linkages
and possible areas for GEF-SGP intervention;
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To fully establish the GEF-SGP Lesotho through establishment of
functional programme structures, and sound monitoring and evaluation
system based on a well formulated Country Programme Strategy.
Expected Results:
(i) Improved knowledge and information on environmental management
in general and the GEF focal areas in particular, among NGOs, CBOs
and the private sector.
(ii) NGOs and CBOs with capacity to develop and implement
environment and natural resources management activities that better
fit the GEF criteria and at the same time address national
environmental problems and challenges.
(iii) Strong partnerships and adequate co-financing for
implementation of environment and natural resources management
projects that sustain local livelihoods and generate global
environmental benefits.
(iv) A clear understanding of GEF-SGP philosophy, objectives and
procedures, among beneficiaries, stakeholders and the public at
large
(v) GEF-SGP projects successfully implemented and sustained; and
benefits maximized through replication of the projects in the
country.
(vi) Synergies identified between the various medium size and full
size projects being implemented in Lesotho and GEF-SGP intervention
areas determined.
(vii) Well functioning programme structures that provide a firm
foundation for the smooth implementation of the Country Programme.
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Project Period: |
Current Phase: 2011 - 2014 (GEF - OP 5) |
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Location: |
Countrywide |
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Status |
Corporate Programme of GEF |
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SGP Focal Point |
UNDP - Ms. Lineo K. Mdee
GEF-SGP Ms Nthabiseng Majara (National Coordinator) |
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Budget and major sources of funding: |
GEF US$1,200K (indicative core grant allocation for GEF 5)
co-financing being sought from other sources |
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Delivery: |
US$ 111 568 awarded in grants to NGOs/CBOs in 2008
US$ 135 228 awarded in grants to NGOs/CBOs by June 2009
US$ 253 204 awarded in grants to NGOs/CBOs by June 2010 |
Achievements:
The Country Programme was established in December 2007 and it is now
fully operational. The GEF SGP Country Office is currently hosted
and housed by the UNDP Country Office Lesotho. Achievements to
date include:
1. A
fully fledged Country Programme with a project portfolio of 16
projects implemented by 16 local NGOs/CBOs with a total grant
amount of USD 500 000.
2. Awarding
of certificates of appreciation to members of the National Steering
Committee who have completed their two-year term, for their
guidance and commitment to the Programme; and official appointment
and organization of a inception workshop for in-coming members of
the National Steering Committee
3. Better
appreciation, among local NGOs/CBOs, of the national environmental
problems and the challenges they present to the overall social and
economic development of the country
4. GEF-SGP
Grantees Retreat to take stalk of the Country Programme achievements
and challenges during the fourth operational phase of GEF-SGP (OP
4) and mapping of the way forward for OP5;
5. Establishment
of community botanical gardens contributing to the national efforts
to increase the national coverage of protected areas, for
sustainable use of biological resources and to preserve the gene
pool of resources important to agriculture and food security
6. Mobilization
of new and additional resources to augment the impact of UNDP/GEF-SGP
interventions in the environment sector
7. Increased
awareness about environmentally friendly renewable energy
technologies e.g solar power and biogas production
8. Contribution
towards enhancement of the livelihoods and status of herd
boys/herders and harnessing of their indigenous knowledge and
experience in sustainable range resources management
9. Networking
among grantees implementing similar projects, to facilitate
interaction and exchange of ideas and experiences
10.Capacity
of NGOs/CBOs in project development and management enhanced
11.Strong and healthy relationship between the UNDP/GEF-SGP Country
Programme Team and key stakeholders maintained
12.
Partnerships and relations between NGOs/CBOs, government departments
and local authorities strengthened
13. Increased
publicity for the UNDP/GEF-SGP Country Programme for Lesotho
Contact:
Nthabiseng Majara
National Coordinator
Nthabiseng.majara@undp.org
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