Bissau, Guinea Bissau — June 4, 2026 - The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) managed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved US$ 10 million in funding for a new climate resilience initiative to help safeguard Guinea‑Bissau’s vulnerable coastlines and urban areas from growing climate risks. 
The seven‑year project “Resilient Futures: Safeguarding Guinea‑Bissau’s Coastlines and Urban Areas from Climate Risks” is designed to strengthen resilience for vulnerable coastal and urban communities across the country.

“Climate change is already affecting lives and livelihoods across Guinea Bissau, particularly in vulnerable coastal and urban communities,” said Alessandra Casazza, UNDP Resident Representative in Guinea-Bissau. “This initiative represents a strategic investment in people, ecosystems, and infrastructure, while strengthening local capacities to better anticipate and respond to climate risks. By combining nature-based solutions, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive planning, the project will help communities adapt while advancing sustainable development and gender equality.”

“This project in Guinea-Bissau will combine science-based planning, nature-based solutions and community-driven action to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities,” said Claude Gascon, GEF Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson. “Importantly, it is designed not only to deliver immediate benefits, but also to help scale integrated approaches where they are needed most.” 

The degradation of natural protective ecosystems, particularly mangroves and coastal forests, is further increasing the coastal zone’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, flooding, and coastal erosion, thereby heightening risks to livelihoods, infrastructure, and human health.

Guinea-Bissau’s coastlines are among the most vulnerable in West Africa. From the low-lying urban areas of Bissau to the islands of the Bijagós Archipelago and the erosion-prone shores of Varela, climate change is increasingly threatening homes, livelihoods, ecosystems, and critical infrastructure. Rising sea levels, flooding, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events are placing growing pressure on communities already facing significant development challenges. Women are often disproportionately affected due to unequal access to resources, land, and economic opportunities. 

At a time when climate risks are intensifying and urbanization continues to expand into flood-prone areas, the project offers a practical and integrated response: strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure, restore natural coastal protection systems, improve disaster preparedness, and support communities—particularly women and vulnerable populations—to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change.

The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Action (MABAC), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with a  focus on the wider Bissau urban and peri-urban landscape, Bubaque Island, and Varela. These areas are highly exposed to coastal flooding, erosion, saline intrusion, and climate-related hazards. 

The project places a strong emphasis on women’s inclusion and leadership by promoting their active participation in decision-making processes, strengthening their access to climate-resilient livelihood opportunities, and ensuring that adaptation measures respond to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls.

By combining climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration, disaster preparedness, and inclusive development, the initiative seeks to advance a resilient and people-centred model for Guinea-Bissau’s coastal future.

      ********************************************************************************

About UNDP  

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP. 

About the Global Environment Facility 

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the world’s largest multilateral fund for the environment. Its family of funds work together to address the planet's most pressing challenges in an integrated way. Its financing helps developing countries address complex challenges and work towards meeting international environmental goals. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $27 billion in financing, primarily as grants, and mobilized another $155 billion for country-driven priority projects. 

Media Contacts:

UNDP Guinea-Bissau: Pamela Ferreira, Head of Communications.

Email: pamela.ferreira@undp.org  | Tel: +245 956818258 

Global Environment Facility: Alexandre Pinheiro Rego, Senior Communications Officer. Email: arego@thegef.org