©GGGI. The launch event of Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative at COP28. UAE, 2023.
CHAPTER 8
Key Regional and Country Highlights
At COP28 in Dubai, on December 3, 2023, GGGI, alongside governments and institutions from Africa and the Middle East, launched the “Africa and Middle East SAFE (Scale-up Agriculture and Food systems for Economic development) Initiative.” This groundbreaking USD 10 billion public-private partnership aims to enhance agriculture and food systems for economic development in the region, benefiting millions threatened by the climate crisis. With a focus on food security, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods, the initiative aligns with COP28 discussions and brings together public and private sectors.
By leveraging Africa’s agricultural potential and the Middle East’s investment capacity, the Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative aims to unlock green investments, promote climate-smart agriculture for rural farmers, and create green jobs, all geared towards securing a sustainable future for these regions.
Comprising a Technical Assistance Fund (TAF) and Investment Platform (IP), the Initiative sets ambitious goals, aiming to irrigate 2 million hectares of African farmland, enhance climate resilience for 10 million smallholder farmers (with a specific focus on women and young people), and effectively address food security challenges.
Operationalization of the initiative will be supervised by a Board representing participating countries and institutions. GGGI’s Regional Office for MENA will serve as the Secretariat for the Board of the Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative.
8.1 AFRICA
Africa has an unprecedented opportunity for sustained growth, structural change, and accelerated development. This pivotal moment calls for a paradigm shift away from conventional practices towards cultivating green jobs for the youth, ensuring enduring economic prosperity, adeptly managing ecosystem services, fostering inclusivity through a “NO ONE LEFT BEHIND” ethos, diversifying economies, optimizing the energy mix, and mobilizing investments in climate finance.
In 2023, GGGI developed the Green Growth Index for Kenya and Ghana, these countries’ first tool, measuring their growth performance and tracking their transition to a green economy. In Morocco, Senegal, and Zambia, GGGI supported the optimization of innovative instruments such as the Carbon Markets under Article 6, while tackling key issues such as Climate Smart Agriculture, Biodiversity-Forestry, and Waste Management in Ethiopia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Togo, Uganda, and Rwanda. In relation to infrastructure, Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda supported the development of resilient infrastructure models.
The establishment of the Climate Finance and Investment antennas, such as the Transformative Climate Finance Unit within the African Union (AU), aimed at supporting the operationalization of AU’s Green Recovery Action Plan (AU-GRAP), funded by Global Affairs Canada. This strengthens the relationship between GGGI and Regional Institutions and brings our services closer to regional recipients.
The triple crisis of climate change, governance, and the COVID-19 pandemic – for which recovery is still ongoing – underscored both Africa’s fragility and opportunities for sustainable growth. I am immensely proud of the Africa Teams for leveraging these crises to align country strategies to the current needs of the region.
© GGGI. Ethiopia’s LT-LEDS Officially Launched in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia, 2023.
8.1.1 GREEN INVESTMENT COMMITMENTS MOBILIZED
Adaptation investments are picking up pace with several projects focusing on improving resilience to climate change reaching commitment stage in 2023, mostly in Africa.
In Africa region, the Infrastructure Climate Resilient Fund (ICRF3.) was established by the Africa Finance Corporation as a blended finance facility, with a total value of USD 750 million. GGGI played an important role in supporting the development of the GCF funding proposal and helped mobilize a significant amount of funding through technical assistance financed by the Korea Green New Deal Fund (KGNDF). From the GCF, a total of USD 253 million was secured, comprising USD 240 million in equity funding and USD 13 million in grant funding. The primary objective of the ICRF is to enhance climate resilience and build reliable infrastructure services. It is expected to directly benefit up to 50 million people and indirectly benefit around 144 million people across the region.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the Women-Adapt (WFP) project, a USD 10 million project, focusing on vulnerable women and youth was approved by the GCF4. The project will enhance the resilience of vulnerable rural communities and female-headed households through community-based adaptation and risk preparedness measures, climate information, gender-sensitive climate-resilient technologies, and improved financial and market access. The financing will benefit approximately 70,000 smallholder farmers (90% women) with an average farm size of 3.5 hectares in the northern Côte d’Ivoire.
8.1.2 GREEN GROWTH AND CLIMATE POLICIES DELIVERED
In Angola, the Government of Angola and GGGI launched the first Blue Skies & Net Zero 2050 Campaign in Africa, aimed at raising public awareness of air pollution and bolstering actions to tackle greenhouse gas reduction.
8.1.3 NATIONAL, REGIONAL CAPACITIES ENHANCED
In Rwanda, with diverse participants from the Government of Rwanda, GGGI organized a series of trainings on the Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
In Zambia, GGGI Delivered capacity building activities in Zambia where we introduced the GEM modeling process, presented initial scenario results for BAU and NDCs, and discussed the preferred NDC scenario to be included in the strategy.
© GGGI. Malick Niang Ndiaye, Training of the operators of the Fecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) of Tivaouane on the production of biochar briquettes, Tivaouane, Senegal, 2024.
In Senegal, circular economy is envisioned, emphasizing sustainability in fecal sludge management. This picture was taken during the training session of the beneficiaries. Following the pre-treatment of raw sludge from households, The dry sludge is carbonized and molded into briquettes to serve as a greener alternative fuel to firewood and wood charcoal. On a scale, this can be significant mitigation measures for the country and save millions of trees.
All the equipment needed to produce the biochar briquettes are designed and manufactured locally, showing the level of knowledge and creativity in the country. This is an encouraging step towards the sustainability of FSM and circular economy backed by affordable endogenous technologies. The activity is part of GGGI’s Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg funded waste management project, implemented since 2019 to 2024 in Senegal.
8.2 ASIA
©GGGI. Beneficiary Mrs. Santa Bai of NLRP using a smokeless chulha. India, 2023. Photo Award Winner: Honorable Mention, Lakhan Patidars.
In her home in the quaint village of Veklya, nestled in the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, India, Ms. Santa Bai, a participant in the Narmada Landscape Restoration Project (NLRP), beams with satisfaction. With a gentle smile, she lights the flame of her smokeless chulha to cook dinner, marking a significant shift from traditional methods to this energy-efficient initiative.
Through GGGI’s dedicated efforts in the NLRP, aimed at restoring and safeguarding 10,000 hectares of mixed landscape, including agriculture and forest areas, Mrs. Santa Bai received one of the 100 energy-efficient chulhas distributed for demonstration.
The introduction of smokeless chulhas by NLRP aims to alleviate the community’s reliance on forests, significantly reducing fuelwood consumption and enhancing safety compared to traditional methods. The success of this initiative isn’t just measured by its adoption but by the organic spread of its benefits, as community members become advocates for sustainable living. Through collaboration and empowerment, GGGI’s vision for a greener, more resilient future is taking root, one flame at a time.
The Narmada Landscape Restoration Project (NLRP) is a jointly funded initiative by USAID and NTPC Ltd. and is being implemented between the Omkareshwar and Maheshwar Dams in Madhya Pradesh, by GGGI and IIFM Bhopal
The headwinds of extractive economies are still against Asia’s efforts for a regenerative and green economic model to achieve net zero and climate resilience targets. Yet, the year 2023 has been a catalytic year for us at GGGI for scaling up our work in Asia. An extensive mid-term review of our 2025 Asia regional strategy gave us a renewed focus to deliver significant results to support governments in their efforts for green growth.
©GGGI. Capacity building workshop about sustainable mobility as part of the air quality improvement program. Cambodia, 2023
© GGGI. A woman gets on a Trans Sarbagita bus, a reliable and affordable public transportation option in Bali, Indonesia
Our team collectively built a greater investment portfolio totaling USD 2.3 billion, focused on better quality of delivery, and built stronger teams through training, capacity strengthening, and knowledge sharing. With 70 active projects in the portfolio, we produced 91 policy and investment advisory outputs, supported our governments to adopt 25 green growth policies, and mobilized investment commitments worth USD 675 million for green and sustainable projects.
We added new multi-million USD projects on Nature-based solutions for climate-smart livelihoods in mangrove landscapes and enabling blue carbon in Indonesia, further strengthening our ongoing sustainable landscapes program implemented in India, Nepal, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan. Likewise, our energy transition work has gained momentum, with work in solid renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Our circular economy and sustainable waste management portfolio has been strengthened with a municipal solid waste management project for ASEAN and the sustainable transport portfolio in the region took a step forward with a new project approved for Nepal. Green jobs creation and support to SMEs are a cross-cutting priority in numerous projects. We also initiated exciting new programs such as green and sustainable bonds program in Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, and Lao PDR and methane emissions reduction program. Overall, 2023 has been an exciting year which has given us renewed ambition, focus and determination for further scaling up and replicating our work in the coming years. All this is thanks to our amazing and hardworking team in Asia. So, as always, I am very thankful to my team!
8.2.1 GREEN INVESTMENT COMMITMENTS MOBILIZED
Large scale energy infrastructure projects and financing mechanisms will help accelerate the climate transition in Asia.
In India, in partnership with the World Bank, the Power Sector Reform Project under the Himachal Pradesh Power Sector Development Program (HPPSDP), led by GGGI and funded by KGNDF mobilized USD 200 million in financing.
An additional investment of USD 50 million will be mobilized as counterpart financing from the Government of Himachal Pradesh. GGGI’s technical assistance on Integrated Resource Planning and its institutionalization, will enable Himachal Pradesh’s power sector to sustainably develop and deploy its energy resources to ultimately reach its goal of meeting 100 percent of its energy needs through renewable energy, becoming a “Green Energy State” by 2026. GGGI has undertaken a detailed assessment of the state’s operational and planning process and stakeholder consultations to map the key issues faced by power sector utilities, including gaps in the scientific planning process, lack of data visibility with no single source of data or data repository, and lack of synergy in planning, among others.
In Indonesia, with funding from the KGNDF, which is supported by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea, GGGI supported PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (“PT SMI”) in securing the financial closure of the Blawan Ijen Geothermal project through its Green Transaction Advisory Package (G-TAP) initiative, resulting in the mobilization of USD 204 million in green investment. GGGI provided a technical assessment of the project consisting of geothermal resource and drilling risk analysis and financial structuring. The Blawan Ijen project will provide a clean and sustainable energy capacity of 31.4 MW for the first phase and potential expansion up to 110 MW. GGGI also supported the Government of Indonesia in mobilization of USD 69.5 million of the public funding. Under Norway funding, GGGI supported the Indonesia Environment Fund (IEF) in development of an Investment Plan for Result-based Payment which helped to mobilize USD 56 million. In addition, building upon GGGI’s successful experience in East Kalimantan with the Forest Carbon Partnerhip Facility (FCPF) program, GGGI supported Jambi Province on similar emissions reduction (ER) programs with the Biocarbon Fund (BioCF), which mobilized investment of USD 13.5 million.
In Thailand, the USD 120 million Enhanced Green Loan (EGL) with KASIKORNBANK (KBank) in Thailand reached the commitment stage in December 2023. GGGI acted as the Green Loan Structuring Agent/Arranger, leading the development of the green loan mechanism. GGGI Thailand originated, structured, and arranged an innovative green debt capital instrument, in partnership with KBank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Proparco. ADB and Proparco are the co-financiers and KBank will manage EGL. The EGL unlocks financing in the Green Energy Service Sector (e.g., energy efficiency projects implemented by Energy Service Companies (ESCOs)), which will help reduce GHG emissions of an estimated 3.75 MtCO2e and creating an estimated 5,160 green jobs in Thailand.
©GGGI. Residents in front of the first building to be retrofitted in Ulaanbaatar City. Mongolia, 2023.
In Ulaanbataar, Mongolia’s capital, where winter temperatures plummet below -40°C, the importance of a warm home cannot be overstated for the well-being of its 1.5 million residents. As early as September, the city braces for winter, signaled by coal-fired power plants’ black smoke as they ramp up operations to provide central heating. Yet, this vital system is marred by inefficiency: 18% of heat is lost during transmission from the plants to distribution centers, with an additional 12% lost en route to individual homes. The homes themselves lack insulation and retrofitting them could potentially save 40% of building energy consumption.
To combat this, GGGI, alongside partners GIZ, Ministry Construction and Urban Development of Mongolia and Mayor’s Office of Ulaanbaatar city, has initiated a thermo-technical retrofitting project targeting panel buildings of apartments constructed between 1962-2000, which are home to over 20% of Ulaanbaatar city population. This intervention scales up investments in improved insulation and incorporates a mixing loop system, dynamically adjusting indoor temperatures based on external conditions, thus obviating the need to open windows when it gets too hot and helping to saving an estimated 40% in energy. To implement the energy saving measures without placing undue financial burden on the homeowners and residents, GGGI designed a revolving fund that incorporates monetized energy saving to help cover a portion of the investment costs. Given that 30% of Ulaanbaatar’s buildings face similar challenges, such retrofitting not only extends their lifespan but also promises a healthier and more sustainable future for the city.
8.2.2 GREEN GROWTH AND CLIMATE POLICIES DELIVERED
Large scale energy infrastructure projects and financing mechanisms will help accelerate the climate transition in Asia.
In Cambodia, the high-level management team of the Ministry of Economy and Finance has successfully concluded the development of a policy paper focused on the issuance of sovereign thematic bonds and the establishment of a sustainability financing framework.
In Indonesia, GGGI supported the development of a dedicated preliminary study on Article 6 financial flows assessing the cost of implementing a policy approach on renewable energies (RE). The study also investigated the business cases and incentives to boost RE production in the country and estimated a price per tonne of carbon. Further studies are expected to focus on floating solar photovoltaic technologies.
In Lao PDR, GGGI is supporting the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI) of Vientiane capital to develop a Green City Action Plan (GCAP) for Vientiane Capital city. The GCAP sets a green city vision, priority areas, actions, targets, and projects for Vientiane capital, and aims to guide the city development in a more sustainable and greener manner. The GCAP was completed and is now being handed for official endorsement by the capital mayor.
In Uzbekistan, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report for the development of sustainable tourism in Charvak region has been completed. This scoping report defines the environmental baseline, the sustainability issues, the indicators frameworks, and the methodologies suggested for the SEA, which started in March 2024.
In Sri Lanka, the Draft Sustainable Bond Framework of the National Development Bank PLC and the draft Sustainable Bond Framework of Commercial Bank PLC have been completed after MOUs were signed with both banks earlier in 2023. The two banks are confident about issuances in 2024.
8.3 LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN (LAC)
©GGGI. GGGI, KOICA, and Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of El Salvador signing an MOU to support El Salvador’s Forests and Landscapes Restoration. El Salvador, 2023.
Ferruccio Santetti,
Regional Director, Latin America and Caribbean
2023 was a transformative and fruitful year for the GGGI LAC programs, marked by significant leadership changes, including the induction of a new Regional Director and several new country representatives. The shift in focus from expansion to consolidation has been a central theme. Since 2019, the region has seen impressive growth, expanding from three to 11 active country programs and growing its staff from 19 to 104, with an anticipated increase to 150 by the end of 2024. The updated LAC 2025 Strategy underscores the importance of reinforcing internal systems and capacity in 2024 and 2025 to set the stage for renewed expansion beginning in 2026.
Despite these strategic shifts, the teams maintained their commitment to impactful delivery. The year 2023 stood out for its extraordinary achievements: a mobilization of USD 875 million that significantly strengthened the resilience of over 3 million people in the region. It also saw the implementation of sustainable management practices over 60,000 square kilometers of ocean. Highlighting the year were groundbreaking initiatives led by LAC teams, including the launch of the world’s first green resilience bond in Mexico and the largest Debt for Nature Swap in the Galapagos, underscoring a year marked by innovative solutions and which will lead to substantial environmental impacts.
© GGGI. New electric bus fleet in State of Nuevo León. Mexico, 2023
GGGI’s support to the government of Ecuador contributed to what is currently the world’s largest Debt for Nature Swap: the Galapagos Debt for Nature Swap. This initiative, where GGGI acted as a trusted advisor to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, involved the repurchase of USD 1.6 billion worth of Ecuador’s outstanding bonds, resulting in a reduction of USD 1.1 billion of its external debt and USD 450 million to be invested in conservation efforts.
Since late 2022, GGGI, funded by the Latin American Development Bank (CAF), embarked on a major undertaking with the Government of Ecuador that led to securing the world’s largest Dept for Nature Swap to date. GGGI acted as the Government of Ecuador’s green bond structuring agent. GGGI led the design, development and Second Party Opinion negotiation of the Government of Ecuador Sovereign Green Bond Framework, a requirement for the transaction and securing third-party credit enhancement for the swap transaction. GGGI supported the coordination and operationalization of the Interministerial Committee responsible for the definition and approval of sustainability commitments and conservation payments of the DNS transaction; development of a DNS Regulation (“Norma Tecnica”), setting the methodology, process and governance structure governing the implementation of DNS transactions approved by Ministerial Decree. GGGI’s technical assistance was accompanied by a parallel training effort, including the organization of Ecuador Sustainable Finance Week and training of over 200 officials from the ministry of finance and ministry of environment.
On May 9, 2023, the Government of Ecuador with the help of Credit Suisse successfully sealed the Galapagos Debt for Nature Swap, repurchasing USD 1.6 billion worth of Ecuador’s outstanding bonds at approximately 40 cents on the dollar. The operation will save Ecuador USD 1.1 billion in debt service repayments over the next 20 years, with USD 450 million invested in conservation and sustainable activities. Conservation investment will benefit the new Hermandad Marine Reserve, protecting 60,000 square marine kilometers.
In Mexico, the USD 160 million Baja California Sustainable Loan project with the North American Development Bank in Mexico supported by the UK-PACT Program, reached financial closure in March 2023. GGGI acted as the Sustainable Loan Structuring Agent, leading the development of the Sustainable Loan Framework, prioritization of the underlying portfolio of projects, negotiation with the Second Party Opinion provider and justification of the framework in front of national authorities and NADB’s board. The USD 160 million (MXN 3 billion) financing will lead to increased access to water and sanitation for 3.2 million citizens living in drought prone areas in Baja, California.
Also in Mexico, the first USD 167 million certified Green Resilience Bond was issued in March 2023 by Mexico’s Agriculture Trust Fund (Fideicomisos Institutidos Relacionados con la Agricultura-FIRA) under UK PACT- and KOICA-funded programs. GGGI acted as the Sustainable Bond Structuring Agent, leading the development of FIRA’s resilience methodology, identification of resilience and adaptation lending opportunities, development of the Sustainable Bond Framework, and prioritization of the underlying portfolio of projects. The USD 167 million (MXN 2.9 billion) will help agriculture producers reduce or prevent extreme climatic events impacts and adjust their productive system characteristics to better respond to climate stress. This resilience bond issuance is the first of its kind in Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) region and the world’s first certified resilience bond.
8.3.2 GREEN GROWTH AND CLIMATE POLICIES DELIVERED
In Guyana’s the government is designing a national energy Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) system. The project is being implemented by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) and supported by GGGI. The MRV system development is part of the GCF Readiness Project: “Development of Guyana’s National Climate Finance Strategy, MRV System and Project Pipeline to Support NDC Implementation”
In Nicaragua’s a National Adaptation Plan was developed with the support of GGGI, incorporating a Free Prior Informed Consent Methodology. This methodology outlines the engagement process between the Government of Nicaragua and indigenous groups for the development and validation of the National Adaptation Plan.
In St. Lucia, GGGI led the development of a Green Bond Roadmap and the Debt for Climate Swap Roadmap. As a result of this, the Government of Saint Lucia, with assistance from GGGI, established a Blue Bond Committee and embarked on the development of a Blue Bond Framework, which was successfully developed and launched at COP28. GGGI will be providing continued assistance to the Government of Saint Lucia to issue the first Blue Bond in the Caribbean region.
8.3.3 NATIONAL, REGIONAL CAPACITIES ENHANCED
In Peru capacity building activities took place to update the NDC mitigation measure for Agroforestry Concessions (CCUSAF) providing technical assistance to National Forestry Authority and regional government with the information of the current NDC targets.
In Mexico with support from GGGI, Nacional Financiera (NAFIN) effectively implemented its gender policy across the entirety of the organization as part of a project aimed at bolstering the accreditation of national entities and fostering development.
8.3.4 NATIONAL PRODUCTS
In Caribbean sub-region, the Guidelines for Supporting Green MSMEs in the Caribbean was developed as a resource and reference guide for business support organizations in the Eastern Caribbean providing information and guidance on the importance of green business and best practices on supporting the development, finance, and growth of these businesses.
In Mexico, GGGI developed the Sustainable Taxonomy Implementation Tool, which aims to support Taxonomy potential users to evaluate the alignment of their portfolio, services, and products to the Sustainable Taxonomy.
In Eastern Caribbean sub-region, GGGI supported the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) through creating an enabling environment leading to widespread adaptation of renewable energy. To support the efforts in 2023, GGGI launched four key sustainable energy publications. These publications provide clear guidance and evidence-based solutions to various audiences to support a sustainable energy transition in the region.
Electricity Sector Overview – OECS Member States
Financing mechanisms for public, commercial, and domestic solar PV in the OECS Region
Regulatory Guidelines on the Procurement of
Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Power Generation Facilities
Regulatory Guidelines on Interconnection of Customer-Owned
© GGGI. Gabriela Rodríguez, Climate Finance and Policy Officer, Workshop at Hacienda San Fernando, Mexico City, Mexico, February 2024
On February 12, a workshop was conducted with surety and insurance companies to present the Sustainable Taxonomy and the Sustainable Finance Mobilization Strategy. In the photo, our Sustainable Finance Senior Associate is presenting the Sustainable Taxonomy Implementation Tool, an Excel that aims to facilitate the alignment of projects and financial products to the Mexican Taxonomy. GGGI developed this tool for the Ministry of Finance. As a result of the comments and feedback received during the workshops, the tool will be updated and delivered to financial entities so they can incorporate the Taxonomy in a more accessible and effective way.
8.4 MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (MENA)
Mahamadou Tounkara,
Regional Director,
Middle East and North Africa
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region represents a combination of challenges due to the climate crisis and major opportunities to champion green growth and accelerate green transformation. The operationalization of the Regional Office for MENA in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in mid-2023 took place in the context of UAE hosting the UNFCC COP28, the desire to expand GGGI’s operations and cooperation in the region, and the growing demands from countries in the region for greater support to deliver ambitious climate actions.
GGGI worked with governments, the private sector, and partner institutions to deliver major achievements. Some examples include the National Adaptation Roadmap, MRV-Transparency System and Tool Development in the UAE, investment mobilization for e-buses at the UNESCO heritage site of Petra in Jordan, Six Implementation Decrees for the Renewable Energy Law 40-19 on Power Wheeling developed and endorsed by the government in Morocco, Pilot NDC-tracking MRV framework, a Climate vulnerability Assessment in six key sectors in Qatar, and the National Adaptation Investment Plan in Bahrain. The Africa and Middle East Scaling Agriculture and Food systems for Economic development “Africa and Middle East SAFE” Initiative was successfully launched at COP28 with the aim to mobilize USD 10 billion in public-private partnerships to enhance food security, systems, and supply chains in Africa and the Middle East.
Working with Member and Partner States to increase climate action and accelerate the green transformation, access to innovative green investments, the implementation of cross-border/regional initiatives, and the development of trilateral cooperation in green technologies are the main drivers of GGGI actions in the MENA region.
© GGGI. The Umbrella Park. Qatar, 2023. Photo Award Winner: Second Place, Chiden Balmes.
In Jordan, a Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed on December 7, 2023, between USAID and Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority for the provision of USD 15 million grant financing to improve UNESCO Heritage site of Petra’s visitor management, increase accessibility, and promote environmental protection efforts. The grant is inclusive of USD 7.5 million dedicated to the procurement of a fleet of electric buses. GGGI prepared the feasibility study for the introduction of e-buses comprising routes design, passenger demand estimation, bus schedule, investment comparison between diesel and electric buses, greenhouse emission reductions estimation, as well as associated green jobs creation. The project will lead to 8,000 tCO2 e greenhouse gas emissions reductions, to the creation of 56 green jobs, as well as to increased access to sustainable transport for around 12 million people.
8.4.2 GREEN GROWTH AND CLIMATE POLICIES DELIVERED
In Qatar, GGGI helped assesses the current state of the circular economy in Qatar and identified possible next steps for increasing circularity. Specifically, the key objectives of the report “Assessment of the State of Circular Economy in Qatar” are to (1) establish a baseline of the current state of the circular economy in Qatar through a situation and gap analysis, (2) identify the local barriers to and opportunities for maximizing the benefits of a circular economy, namely economic diversification, climate action, pollution prevention, and resource efficiency; and (3) lay the foundation for integrating the principles of circularity and Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) into national development planning and implementation processes as well as corporate strategies and operations in Qatar.
8.5 PACIFIC
©GGGI. A traditional house is perched over the water, a way of life in Manus Province. Papua New Guinea, 2023. Photo Award Winner: Third Place,Trevor Blanchard Galgal
OUR OCEAN IS OUR LIFE, AND OUR BIGGEST THREAT: PNG COUNTRY PHOTO FROM TREVOR GALGAL (3RD PLACE)
In Manus Province of Papua New Guinea, traditional houses are perched over the water. The practice extends beyond Manus to other provinces like Central Province, where houses scatter the landscape. For these communities, living over the water is a way of life—sustained by the ocean, they engage in fishing and gather crabs, shells, and seaweed from nearby mangroves. The Pacific lifestyle is intricately tied to the ocean, but the looming impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and intensified tides, pose a significant threat to this cherished way of life.
© GGGI. An employee of Queen Pads in PNG sewing reusable pads. Papua New Guinea, 2023.
©GGGI. France and PNG National Leaders witness LoI signing to deepen partnership for a greener and more inclusive financial sector in PNG. Papua New Guinea, 2023.
Passion, dedication, and hard work have shone through a diverse Pacific portfolio from affordable and climate resilient buildings, to green energy technologies, to climate smart agriculture, green entrepreneurship, and climate finance. There is no longer any doubt the Pacific is now facing the devastating impact of climate change every year. The sense of urgency to implement NDCs has never been greater with 2030 only seven years away.
2023 was the first year of implementation of the GGGI Pacific Regional Strategy, with a focus on mobilizing finance for climate investments, with a target to mobilize USD 650 million over five years, mainstreaming gender and social inclusion into GGGI’s work and supporting the development of the blue economy.
This year the Pacific Green Entrepreneurships Network program and the Blue Economy Climate Accelerator created green jobs and empowered women and youth across six countries through businesses in hydroponics, eco-tourism, organic food and beverages, circular economy, and sustainable transport, including disbursement of over USD 1.1 million in grants. GGGI also successfully mobilized USD 10 million through the Adaptation Fund for small-scale agriculture in PNG and implemented climate smart agriculture in Kiribati. This included training for micro-enterprises, home and school garden development, and agriculture curriculum development for improved livelihoods, nutrition and health of the people of Kiribati.
Continued energy sector work resulted in mobilized finance for rural electrification of renewables in Fiji and Vanuatu benefitting four communities and more than 2,000 people. With the support of our dedicated staff and long-term partnerships, GGGI in the Pacific continues to grow and deliver climate resilient green growth for its Members and Partner States in the Pacific.
8.5.1 GREEN INVESTMENT COMMITMENTS MOBILIZED
In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the project Adaptation of Small-Scale Agriculture for Improved Food Security of Resilient Communities in Papua New Guinea was approved by the Adaptation Fund in March 2023. GGGI led the technical development of the project from conceptualization to full funding proposal, along with SPC and UN Women. This project will support increased resilience of small-scale farmers through improved productivity by adapting climate resilient agricultural practices, access to post-harvest processing facilities, and markets. In addition, the project will promote integrated approaches to sustainable, climate resilient land use practices, especially improving the agro-ecosystems through the use of nature-based solutions. The USD 10 million (approximately PGK 35.6 million) financing will directly benefit 2,500 farmers and support the livelihood of approximately 18,600 people living in Enga, Milne Bay, and New Ireland Provinces.
In Nauru, a report to inform climate resilient elements of the Sanitation Master Plan – Survey data and photos were collected from 100 sites in Nauru using the Kobo survey tool and covered over 20 questions on climate resilient risks and impacts on sanitation systems. In addition, key stakeholder interviews were held online to understand potential institutional housing of onsite sanitation system management. Using the data collected risks and impacts were quantified and recommendations made to be considered for the Sanitation Master Plan.
In Solomon Islands, the Registry Needs Assessment Report was developed, which provided an overview of Article 6 Registry requirements in the context of Solomon Islands.
In Vanuatu, the LEDS Lessons Learnt Report contains lessons learnt during the implementation of developing the LEDS document. A knowledge product/document was also produced which can be used for future projects in Vanuatu.
©GGGI. Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator and Accelerator participant – Kaiea Awira, founder of Clean Spatial Solutions in Kiribati. Kiribati, 2023.
Clean Spatial Solutions is a waste management and recycling business from Kiribati. The Founder, Kaiea Awira was a cohort member of 2021 Pacific Greenpreneurs incubator program and 2023 accelerator program both part of the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network project. Clean Spatial Solutions collects and repurposes waste – aluminum cans, PET bottles and lead acid batteries – for recycling and export. The enterprise received seed and repayable grants. Driven by his vision to create a lasting and sustainable business solution to waste management and recycling in Kiribati Kaiea also had a dual purpose to address poor waste management practices and to create job opportunities for young people. At the start of 2021 incubator program, Kaiea had just his vision and a business idea. With a background in environmental protection rather than business, he wanted to know how to operationalize his idea and build a viable business. Just a year after setting up his business goal, Clean Spatial Solutions won a government tender for a sole operator of the Kaoki Maange, a recycling system in Kiribati catalyzing on the opportunity to grow the business. Starting with five employees, the company now has nine full-time employees, eight of them are under 35 years old.
Funded by the Qatar Fund for Development the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network project, launched in 2019 has been implemented in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu. The project aims to support Pacific Island Countries to create an environment that fosters entrepreneurial solutions specific to the Pacific context
