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Global Environment Facility in Micronesia

Palikir, POHNPEI (Department of Economic Affairs): September 22, 2006 - September 15, 2006 marks the two year anniversary of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme's presence in the three countries of Palau, FSM and Marshall Islands.

Within the two years, the Programme has provided funding support to fifteen community environmental projects run by various local non-government organizations and community-based organizations in these countries.

GEF Small Grants Programme is a global funding modality established to promote grassroots action to address global environmental concerns in the areas of biological diversity conservation, climate change mitigation, protection of international waters, prevention of land degradation and elimination of persistent organic pollutants. It is implemented by the UN Development Programme (on behalf of UNDP, UN Environment Programme and World Bank) and executed by the UN Office of Project Services. The subregional office is based in Pohnpei, FSM.

The environmental projects being supported thus far by this Programme have mostly been for biodiversity conservation projects such as the establishment of protected areas and protection or sustainable use of our natural resources. However, the Programme is also considering proposed projects in the areas of renewable energy and waste management where communities can get an opportunity to contribute to reduction of the release of greenhouse gases and address sources of land and water resource degradation.

The GEF Small Grants Programme operates on the belief that global environmental problems can best be addressed if local people are involved and that with small amounts of funding, local communities can undertake activities which can make a significant impact on their environment and in their lives, and thereby contribute to achievement of global environmental benefits. Because it is community focused and available to non-government groups, the GEF Small Grants Programme ensures its work is country-driven and flexible to local needs as much as possible.

Proposals submitted to the GEF Small Grants Programme therefore can only be up to $50,000 over 1 to 3 years duration (average is $20,000 over 2 years). Project proposals can be received anytime throughout the year and are evaluated over three to six months time by a designated local group in each of the three countries.

For the fifteen projects already receiving funding, $400,000 has been approved with about the same amount still available for the 2006 year.

For more information, please contact Mr. OKean Ehmes, the Subregional Coordinator.