By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako says the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has in the past 12 months implemented 7 projects totaling over 29 million USD in the country.
The minister disclosed this at the National dialogue on Global Environment Facility (GEF) held in Abuja on Thursday.
He said the projects cut across biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use, promoting clean technologies, provision of mini grids and Mercury free gold mining.
Salako said these projects are helping to improve life, creating jobs, promoting green spaces, enhancing skill development and promoting entrepreneurship
He commended Global Environment Facility (GEF) for its long history of commitment to involving stakeholders in its deliberations and decision making.
He said this approach promotes transparency and also helps to raise public awareness for a better understanding on the roles being played by GEF in building a sustainable future.
“From inception of the GEF funding to member countries, Nigeria has benefited immensely from GEF grants in implementing projects and programs towards preservation, protection and promoting environmental sustainable development.
“These projects in the public, private and NGO sectors constitutes a partnership involving the various stakeholders in environmental management. From available records, between 2014 and now, a total sum of 65,442,940 USD hae been accessed to fund various projects in the country.