The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the governments of Malawi, Eritrea, and Kiribati, has unveiled three significant investments to boost climate resilience in vulnerable regions. These projects aim to help rural communities restore degraded ecosystems, adapt to climate changes, protect biodiversity, and secure livelihoods.
During the GEF’s 70th Council Meeting, an investment package totaling over $44.5 million in GEF funding was approved, with an additional $80 million in co-funding. IFAD is contributing about $48.5 million. This funding will support community-driven and ecosystem-based strategies that prioritize rural populations in climate action.
The projects focus on countries facing severe climate impacts, including drought, floods, and coastal erosion. By integrating climate adaptation with sustainable economic activities, these initiatives intend to create long-term social and environmental benefits.
Juan Carlos Mendoza Casadiegos, an IFAD director, highlighted the importance of empowering small farmers and coastal communities. He emphasized that investments can safeguard biodiversity, enhance resilience, and promote inclusive growth—building what he calls “blue-green” economies that restore ecosystems while creating jobs.
Country-Specific Projects
Eritrea is launching the Community-Based Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Restoration Project. This initiative focuses on climate-smart and nutrition-sensitive livelihoods. It aims to boost climate resilience by 20% and rehabilitate around 3,500 hectares of mangroves, benefiting approximately 21,320 households with a total investment of about $32 million.
Kiribati is addressing the challenges faced by its vulnerable atoll communities through the Enhancing & Sustaining Kiribati’s Resilient Future Project. Over eight years, this project will integrate land and water management, promote biodiversity conservation, and support climate-smart agriculture. The total investment is nearly $51 million.
Malawi is implementing the Resilient Integrated Livestock and Aquaculture Project (RILAP), which combines livestock development and aquaculture. The aim is to restore over 50,000 hectares of degraded land and manage biodiversity across another 59,000 hectares. This project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 100,000 tonnes and directly benefit about 30,000 people, with an investment of roughly $32 million.
Why This Matters
These investments by IFAD, GEF, and local governments demonstrate a commitment to linking climate action with rural development. By prioritizing localized solutions and ecosystem restoration, they aim to empower communities facing the brunt of climate change. This approach not only helps these areas become more resilient but also fosters sustainable futures where people can thrive amid environmental challenges.
Data from a recent survey by the United Nations shows that the number of people affected by climate-related disasters continues to rise, with 1 in 4 individuals experiencing such events. Understanding this context helps illuminate the urgency of these initiatives and the importance of taking collective action on climate resilience.
You can learn more about the IFAD and its projects here.
Source link
climate resilience, IFAD, Global Environment Facility, rural development, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, Malawi, Eritrea, Kiribati, climate finance
