UNDP Ghana Awards GHS 1.1 Million to Civil Society Organizations to Advance Biodiversity Conservatio

19h ago | Source: UNDP Ghana

From the right is Dr Abdul-Razak Saeed Head of Environment and Climate, UNDP Ghana, exchanging a handshake with the signed grant with one if the beneficiaries

The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) in Ghana, under the Community Development and Knowledge Management for the Satoyama Initiative (COMDEKS), funded by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has awarded grants totalling GHS 1.1 million (USD 100,000) to four Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Volta Region.

This marks the 8th COMDEKS grant cycle since 2012, reinforcing sustained support for community-led action within the Afadzato South socio-ecological production landscape.

The funded initiatives will promote biodiversity conservation, strengthen traditional governance systems, support micro, small and medium enterprises, and implement integrated landscape restoration actions. The projects will further advance renewable energy solutions, waste management, climate adaptation, and the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking at the award ceremony, Dr. Joseph Appiah-Gyapong, Chairperson of the National Steering Committee, emphasized the importance of pursuing measurable impacts.

“We are confident that these projects will deliver strong, evidence-based results at the community level. Demonstrating tangible impacts will position the initiative for scale-up opportunities in ensuring environmental sustainability,” he stated.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Abdul-razak Saeed, Head of Environment and Climate Unit at UNDP Ghana, stressed the importance of inclusion.

“The integration of persons with disabilities, youth, and women is not optional it is essential. Their active participation will strengthen resilience, deepen ownership, and ensure that development efforts truly leave no one behind.”

On behalf of the beneficiary organizations, Mr. Pascal Benson Atislah, Executive Director of Accelerate Rural Development Organization, expressed appreciation and commitment:

“We are truly grateful for the support. This grant strengthens our resolve to deliver practical, community-driven solutions that protect our ecosystems, create sustainable livelihoods, and build long-term resilience for the people we serve.”

Through targeted financing and technical assistance, COMDEKS continues to demonstrate that locally led, nature-based solutions are central to protecting biodiversity, strengthening livelihoods, and advancing climate resilience. The initiative reaffirms the power of partnerships in translating global environmental commitments into concrete impact on the ground.