Local Empowerment and Environmental Management Project

closed

The project will strengthen the institutional framework at all three levels of government - federal, state and, particularly, local government - to support an environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive development, and, prod state beneficiaries' participation in the planning, co-financing, and implementation of multi-sectoral micro-projects. Components will: 1) provide funding through grants, for direct investments at the community level, for multi-sectoral public infrastructure development, and/or rehabilitation micro-projects, to be identified, and implemented by communities, through participatory processes, applying micro-watershed planning, in compliance with environmental, and social safeguards. Multidisciplinary implementation teams (MITs) financed under the Project Management component, will facilitate the identification, planning and prioritization process, as will experienced nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). It will also include a pilot fund to test innovative approaches for strengthening community micro-projects with greater commercial viability, e.g., agro-processing activities; 2) finance a comprehensive, local government capacity assessment, to build awareness among local government authorities (LGAs), and constituents regarding project performance, and act as a benchmark for a training-based capacity building process for all rural LGAs; 3) finance, through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) the incremental cost of project activities, in compliance with National Biodiversity Strategy goals: (a) improve conservation; (b) promote sustainable use of biological diversity through improved management; and, (c) mainstream conservation, and sustainable use through an integrated approach to land-use planning at the local level. Subcomponents shall improve Protected Area management, under which technical assistance (TA), training and study tours will support the current policy and regulatory framework. Options for an improved strategic agenda will emphasize collaboration with the private sector, and local communities; build institutional strengthening, under which TA, training, and equipment will be provided. Surveys will assess ecological, biophysical, geological, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics of Protected Areas. and support zones, and strengthen the monitoring of species, and viability of ecosystems. Survey data will also help rehabilitate roads, culverts, bridges and watering points for wildlife, as well as sustain livelihoods of local populations; 4) improve the legal framework, and enforcement capacity to protect the environment, and enhance natural resource management; and, 5) support project management activities, through a Community Project Management Committee, responsible for all administrative and financial matters concerning micro-project implementation.