Gaborone, Botswana, November 25, 2020 – The United Nations Development Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism through the Department of Environmental Affairs held an event to launch the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF/SGP) newly approved projects (25th November 2020) in Gaborone.

In February 2020 the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme invited Civil Society Organisations, Academia and Research Institutions to submit innovative project proposals that addresses climate change mitigation and adaption focal area in line with the country environmental management and development priorities as well as the GEF targets.

Though this funding a total of 50% of the proposed projects will be implemented within Operational Phase 6 landscape to support local communities within the boundaries of Makgadikgadi Framework Management Plan (in Boteti and part of Tutume (Nata, Gweta, Maposa, Zoroga, Tsokatshaa, Sepako, Manxotai, Dukwi, Mosetse, Kotamogoree, Lepashe and Matsitama villages) Sub Districts only). The other 50% of the proposed projects to be supported will be implemented outside the OP6 landscape (all the other areas in Botswana).

The GEF Small Grants Programme provides Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in developing and transitioning countries with grants and technical guidance to enable them to tackle global environmental challenges while addressing local sustainable development needs. In Operation Phase 6, grant-making focuses on the strategic initiatives of; community landscape conservation, climate smart innovative agro-ecology, low carbon energy access co-benefits and local to global chemical management coalitions and tap on the opportunities in line with the country environmental management and development priorities and the GEF target in Operational Phase (OP) 6. With these environment-centered “grant projects” the Programme also seeks to generate sustainable livelihoods and reduce poverty in the world’s neediest countries and regions. With the notion “community action with global impact”, the Programme recognizes that grassroots communities as custodians of their environments, are better placed to tackle global environmental problems and come up with innovative and sustainable solutions.

In September 2020, the GEF/SGP approved 7 new projects at a tune of USD 310,000 and these will be implemented in Botswana. The following establishments were granted funding after submitting project proposals that fall within the GEF focal areas of; Biodiversity, Climate Change, Land Degradation, Sustainable Forest Management, Persistent Organic Pollutants, Chemicals and Waste, International Waters.

1. Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation
Project Sites: Dikabeya, Central District
Grant amount USD 50,000.00
Objective: To develop sustainable artificial wetland technology protocols suitable for wastewater recycling and horticultural production in dry climates without degrading the local environment.

2. Tsodilo Community Development Trust
Project Sites: Tsodilo, North-West District
Grant amount USD 35,000.00
Objective: Enhancing the tourism product through provision of solar power to the borehole and community campsite.

3. Botswana Climate Change Network
Project Sites: Gweta, Central District
Grant amount USD 49,950.00
Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility of a smart solution to the production of crops and energy using agro-photovolcanic self-powered vertical hydroponioc system, which uses liquid compost and an application for direct orders and payments between farmers and customers.

4. Pabalelo Trust
Project Sites: Samochima, North-West District
Grant amount USD 50,000.00
Objective: To empower the community especially the youth and selected subsistence farmers on the modern farming system to mitigate against effects of climate change and laws regulating the Okavango Delta.

5. Heritage of Service Trust
Project Sites: Mahetlwe,Lesilakgokong, Kotolaname  and Ditshukudu  in Kweneng District
Grant amount USD 47,500.00
Objective: To adapt to climate change using environmentally friendly horticultural methods in Mahetlwe,Lesilakgokong, Kotolaname  and Ditshukudu settlements.

6. Green Habitat Botswana Society
Project Sites: Gaborone
Grant amount USD 34,667.54
Objective: To address the impact of climate through the use of climate smart innovative agro-ecology measure achievable though raising awareness, workshops and trainings.

7. Mmasebotse Poultry Processing and Markerting Cooprerative
Project Sites: Sefophe, Central District.
Grant amount USD 42,882.46
Objective: To make use of energy efficient innovative products to increase Mmasebotse production and reduce global warming by making use of GHG's as an alternative energy.

For more information and media interviews, contact:

Lebogang Tlhaloso, UNDP Communications Associate - Tell: +267 363 3745; | Mobile:+267 71 686 682; Email: lebogang.tlhaloso@undp.org

Abigail Lillian Engleton, National Coordinator- Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, - Tel: +267 363 3768 | Mobile: +267 71621751 or +267 74952748 Email; abigail.engleton@undp.org