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UNDP allocates K547m to community projects

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have allocated $312 202 (about K547 million) to eight community-driven initiatives addressing critical environmental and developmental challenges across Malawi.

On Tuesday, UNDP and UNOPS formalised funding agreements with eight grantees under the Small Grants Programme at the UNDP office in Lilongwe.

Gaudo shakes hands with one of the grantees. | Courtey of UNDP

Speaking during the signing ceremony, UNDP Malawi portfolio manager for resilience and sustainable growth Rabi Narayan Gaudo said the grantees are the true champions of the initiative.

He said: “This initiative is not just a financial transaction; it is a demonstration our shared vision of empowering communities, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable change from the grassroots level,”

Among the projects in this disbursement are those focused on mini-hydroelectricity, waste management and wealth creation, biodiversity conservation and green space promotion, land and forest rehabilitation, sustainable energy utilisation, as well as fisheries conservation.

The National Steering Committee (NSC) chairperson Dorothy Tembo-Nhlema, who is also Lilongwe Wildlife Trust programme manager,  urged government and other stakeholders to work closely with the grantees to ensure the effective delivery of results.

 “It is crucial to commit resources for monitoring to ensure that the NSC and office can provide timely feedback on the progress of implementation,” she said.

The grantees include Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Green Vision Environmental Organisation in Rumphi, Blantyre-based Centre for Conflict Management and Women Development Affairs, Kawjo Foundation in Nkhata Bay and Lilongwe-based Tingathe Malawi .

Other grantees are Floresta in Nkhata Bay, Church and Society Programme, Livingstonia Synod in Rumphi, and Media and Technology Society of the Youth based in Nkhata Bay.

The Small Grants Programme established in 1992, is a Global Environment Facility initiative implemented by UNDP. It empowers communities to take action on global environmental challenges while enhancing livelihoods and well-being.

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