The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting 18 community-led environmental initiatives in Ghana’s Black Volta Basin to protect ecosystems, strengthen livelihoods, and improve climate resilience.
Through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme, UNDP Ghana has provided $457,000 in funding, equivalent to approximately GHS 5 million, to civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations working across the Savannah, Bono, and Upper West Regions.
The funded projects aim to address major environmental challenges while supporting sustainable development goals. Activities will focus on biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, fisheries, food security, low-carbon energy solutions, and improved management of chemicals and waste.
The initiative marks the start of the eighth operational phase of the GEF Small Grants Programme in Ghana. A grant agreement signing ceremony and implementation workshop brought together the selected organisations to strengthen their understanding of project management, monitoring, reporting, financial responsibilities, and accountability requirements.
UNDP Ghana highlighted the importance of investing in locally driven solutions to address environmental challenges. The programme aims to empower community organisations as key partners in creating long-term environmental and social benefits.
The selected projects cover a wide range of activities, including protecting threatened ecosystems and species, restoring degraded landscapes, improving sustainable land management, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and supporting wetland and river ecosystem restoration.
Communities along the Black Volta Basin will benefit from initiatives designed to improve natural resource management while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. By encouraging environmentally responsible farming, conservation practices, and low-carbon economic activities, the projects aim to reduce pressure on ecosystems and improve community resilience.
Local organisations involved in the programme will work directly with communities to restore damaged landscapes, protect important habitats, and strengthen food and income security. UNDP emphasised that inclusive participation will be essential to ensuring successful implementation and lasting results.
Representatives of beneficiary organisations welcomed the support, noting that the funding will help strengthen efforts to protect natural resources and build more resilient communities across the Black Volta Basin.
The projects are expected to contribute to biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, improved food systems, and sustainable economic opportunities. Implementation will continue through 2028, supporting long-term environmental action led by local communities.
The GEF Small Grants Programme, implemented by UNDP, has supported thousands of community-based projects worldwide since its establishment in 1992. The programme focuses on empowering local organisations, including community groups, women, youth, and vulnerable populations, to develop solutions for biodiversity conservation, climate action, sustainable land management, and environmental protection.
