As a member of the GEF-CSO network, fea, together with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Republika Srpska, represented BiH at GEF (Global Environmental Facility) „Expanded Constituency“ workshop held from 8 to 12 July 2019 in Minsk (Belarus).
The workshop contained several topics, including an introduction to the rules and principles of the GEF and ways of applying to projects funded by GEF. One of the most interesting topics was the consideration of including BiH in the group of countries eligible for the Small Grants Program (SGP).
In case of inclusion of BiH in this group of countries, non-governmental organizations could apply for funds necessary for project implementation in accordance with the national goals of the Biodiversity Strategy (NBSAP) of BiH, and contribute to biodiversity conservation and nature protection of our country.
As part of this workshop, fea team also had the opportunity to visit the Naliboki Nature Reserve, as an example of good nature management practice and the concept of eco-educational tours. The participants of the visit had the opportunity to see the direct results of protection and improvement of nature management achieved within the implementation of GEF SGP projects.
The uniqueness of this reserve lies in the fact that it „keeps“ 93% of the total flora of Belarus, and the most prominent animal species that live there are the European bison and the grouse species.
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