New Countries Approved for SGP Participation

Washington, DC, 12 December 2006, -- A newly formed Steering Committee of the GEF Small Grants Programme, comprising the GEF Secretariat, Implementing Agencies and Executing Agencies, held its first meeting on December 11, 2006.  A major outcome of the meeting, to be conveyed to all countries and GEF operational and political focal points by the end of this week, was the announcement that 21 new countries who applied are eligible for grant funding from the SGP.

“The GEF’s Small Grants Programme supports local actions that benefit the global environment,” said Monique Barbut, GEF CEO and Chairperson.  “I am delighted that 21 additional countries stand to benefit from GEF grant funding, thereby helping unleash the creativity and zeal of numerous NGOs and communities to participate in environmental protection efforts worldwide.”

The eligible countries are:

Algeria

Afghanistan

Armenia

Bangladesh

Burundi

Cape Verde

Central African Republic

Democratic Republic of Congo

Eritrea

Guinea Bissau

Laos

Liberia

Maldives

Nigeria

Paraguay

Seychelles

Tajikistan

Togo

Ukraine

Uzbekistan

Venezuela

“From small scale activities driven by communities to global impacts, the addition of 21 countries will help the SGP to achieve GEF goals and generate livelihoods while protecting the environment,” said Delfin Ganapin, Global Manager of the GEF Small Grants Programme.

Media Contacts:

Clare Fleming, Team Leader, Communications & Outreach, GEF +1.202.458.4679, cfleming@TheGEF.org

Mahenau Agha, United Nations Development Programme-GEF Communications Unit, on Tel: + 41797731864, E-mail: mahenau.agha@undp.org