Global Environment Facility approves $20.5m grant for Lake Chad Basin Regional Programme

The Global Environment Facility (GEF), has approved a US$20.5 million grant for the Lake Chad Basin Regional Programme for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and energy efficiency, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB) who plans to contribute $146 million towards the programme.

The GEF approved the grant at its 41st Council Meeting, which ended November 10, 2011 in Washington, D.C., AfDB said in a statement November 23, 2011.

The programme calls for conserving the water and agro-sylvo ecosystems of the Lake Chad Basin and ensuring sustainable use of resources, while meeting the needs of energy efficiency and food security.

The AfDB says it has worked closely with the five implementing countries (Central African Republic, Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria and Chad) on the programme design.

“The programme comprises six projects: one per country and one for the LCBC (Lake Chad Basin Commission) to oversee regional coordination. The AfDB will continue to provide technical assistance as projects are prepared over the next 18 months,” AfDB said.

By Ekow Quandzie