ZAMBIA – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has secured over US$18 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for two significant projects to enhance environmental sustainability and resilience across Africa.
The first project, “Strengthening Zambezi River Basin Management towards Climate Resilience and Ecosystem Health,” has been allocated US$10.57 million.
This initiative aims to improve the collaborative management of water, energy, food, and environmental resources within the Zambezi River Basin, which spans eight southern African countries: Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The project, estimated to cost US$9.45 million, is expected to benefit millions through agriculture, fisheries, and dam operations advancements.
It promotes transboundary cooperation, integrated planning, and adaptive management practices to boost the basin’s resilience and ecosystem health.
The second project, the “Global Electronics Management (GEM) program (Horn of Africa Regional Child Project),” has received US$7.83 million to address the growing challenge of electronic waste (e-waste) in Somalia, Djibouti, and Ethiopia.
The US$60-million GEM program aims to significantly reduce e-waste generation and increase circularity in the electronics sector of developing countries.
Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, stated, “Through these projects, the African Development Bank continues to lead the way in promoting environmental sustainability and resilience, driving positive change for both people and the planet.”
He added, “Over the years, we have also increased our interventions on issues related to chemicals and waste across the African continent.”
These projects represent the African Development Bank’s continued commitment to fostering sustainable development and resilience throughout Africa, addressing critical environmental challenges through innovative and collaborative approaches.
AfDB approves US$84M for water management in Morocco
In related news, AfDB has approved US$84 million to support water management in forest areas in Morocco.
The drought has been affecting Moroccan agriculture since 2020, and the government is planning concrete responses to counter the cyclical repercussions and strengthen the country’s resilience.
The funding is allocated under the Support Project for the Inclusive and Sustainable Development of Forest Areas.
Through this initiative, the Moroccan government will invest in rehabilitating forest areas and restoring land degraded by erosion, primarily in the priority catchment areas of Ghiss, Bouregreg, Seksaoua, and Sidi Abdallah.
Operations to promote sustainable forest management are planned in the Al-Hoceima, Souss Massa, Talassamtane, and Toubkal national parks.
The Moroccan government also aims to promote forest entrepreneurship among young people by setting up incubation structures.
Two business incubators have been identified in the north, Tétouan, and the south, in Souss Massa. Young forestry entrepreneurs will be financially supported to develop the eucalyptus, aromatic and medicinal plants and inland aquaculture sectors.
Rabat is expected to invest €100 million (US$107.07m) to implement its project to support the inclusive and sustainable development of forest areas as part of the “Forêts du Maroc 2020-2030” strategy, implemented by the Agence Nationale des Eaux et Forêts (Anef).
Until 2028, the project should benefit around 6.5 million people living in rural areas in the regions of Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, Marrakech-Safi, Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima, and Souss-Massa.
According to the AfDB, the project will also support the emergence of a rural middle class through the sustainable management of natural resources.
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