Implementation: Why GEF/ SGP?

The main focus of GEF/ SGP is protection of the environment; the agency works with NGOs and CBOs on environmental issues under the GEF thematic areas. Typically, GEF/SGP is not mandated to undertake projects that focus on development of livelihoods unless such projects are linked to environment conservation. GEF/ SGP was not associated with the provision of relief until the tsunami.

The tsunami’s impact on Sri Lanka’s infrastructure and its people’s livelihoods was unimaginable. The presence of buildings close to the coast, and the lack of appropriate planning standards, worsened the damage and destruction to property. This, in turn, generated an enormous volume of waste and debris. Groundwater wells were contaminated by seawater, wastewater and sewage, rendering them useless. Besides affecting access to drinking water, this situation also affected agricultural land, with soil salinity rendering agricultural fields unsuitable for farming.

The tsunami left a large number of people homeless, displacing adults and children. Some of the victims were members of NGOs working with GEF/ SGP in coastal regions. In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, seven affected NGOs banded together to seek assistance.

Within days, GEF/ SGP initiated work to raise funds to assist affected communities. The project titled ‘Coastal Rehabilitation’ was sent to Central Programme Management Team (CPMT) of GEF/ SGP in New York, with a request for funding. The proposal was favourably considered because of the special circumstances of an extreme event affecting the country and was approved in mid-2005. With these funds, GEF/SGP initiated tsunami assistance work in the affected coastal areas.

In the meantime, UNDP’s Special Unit for South – South Cooperation had mobilised resources for tsunami assistance from countries of the southern hemisphere, seeking to assist affected people of other southern countries. The Special Unit needed a mechanism to reach targeted communities. GEF/ SGP was contacted by UNOPS because of its commendable record of reaching grassroots communities and also because they had expressed interest in doing tsunami assistance and development work.

A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed between UNDP’s Special Unit for South – South Cooperation, GEF Small Grants Programme and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). This is how the GEF/ SGP became the mechanism for implementation of the SSGF funding in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Thailand and later in India.