Asmara – The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has recently approved USD 8.4 million to support a new initiative that will strengthen Eritrea’s efforts to combat land degradation, enhance biodiversity conservation, and build climate resilience in rural communities. The initiative, Promoting Sustainable Land Management to Achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), Enhance Livelihoods, and Strengthen Farming Communities, will be executed by the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Designed to address the interlinked challenges of land degradation, climate change, declining soil fertility, and food insecurity, the initiative supports Eritrea’s national priorities on land restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. It promotes an integrated and inclusive approach to sustainable land management, combining ecosystem restoration, climate-resilient agriculture, and strengthened governance systems. Over a five-year period, the project will contribute to achieving land degradation neutrality while enhancing ecosystem services and strengthening the resilience of farming communities.

UNDP Resident Representative Pa Lamin Beyai welcomed the GEF approval, noting that: “This initiative represents a strategic and timely investment in Eritrea’s natural capital and rural communities, reinforcing national efforts to address land degradation and climate vulnerability. By restoring ecosystems and strengthening sustainable livelihoods, it will help safeguard food security, enhance climate resilience, and support long-term environmental sustainability and inclusive development.”

To deliver its development objectives, the initiative will strengthen institutional and community-based governance systems for land and water management, including the development of integrated land-use plans and the establishment of gender-responsive community management committees. It will also enhance the technical capacity of relevant institutions, extension services, and local communities to implement sustainable land management and climate- and drought-resilient agricultural practices.

On the ground, the project will restore 6,294 hectares of degraded land and promote improved management practices across 11,851 hectares of agricultural, grazing, and forest landscapes. These interventions will enhance soil and water conservation, improve agricultural productivity, and increase carbon sequestration, contributing to both local and global environmental benefits.

At the community level, the project is expected to benefit more than 25,000 people, nearly half of whom are women, through improved ecosystem services, climate-resilient livelihood options, and expanded value chains in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and beekeeping.

The initiative will also introduce sustainable and diversified income opportunities, including climate-smart agriculture and alternative livelihoods, helping reduce pressure on natural resources while enhancing economic resilience.

In addition, the project will strengthen national knowledge systems by establishing integrated mechanisms for learning, monitoring, and reporting on land degradation, biodiversity, and climate-related outcomes. This will include support for tracking progress, capturing lessons learned, and facilitating the scaling up of successful practices across the country.

This investment aligns with Eritrea’s commitments under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and national climate policies. It also contributes directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

With more than USD 30 million mobilized in co-financing from government, communities, and development partners, the initiative represents a significant step toward scaling up integrated land management solutions and building resilience across Eritrea’s landscapes and communities.

Through this partnership, the Government of Eritrea, UNDP, and the GEF reaffirm their commitment to delivering integrated solutions that restore ecosystems, strengthen communities, and support sustainable development outcomes.

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization working to end poverty, inequality, and climate change. Operating in 170 countries and territories, UNDP works collaboratively with nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. 

For more information, visit https://www.undp.org/eritrea.

About the Global Environment Facility

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral partnership that provides financing to developing countries to address global environmental challenges. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $26 billion in financing and mobilized significant co-financing to support country-driven projects that deliver local, national, and global environmental benefits.