Johannesburg: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), together with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is set to host the GEF Expanded Constituency Workshop for the Southern Africa region from January 20 to 23 in Sandton, Johannesburg. Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, will deliver the opening remarks at this four-day workshop. Representatives from 10 participating countries will engage in discussions aimed at enhancing environmental strategies and generating enduring benefits for both people and the planet.
According to South African Government News Agency, the workshop will bring together government officials, international agencies, multilateral environmental agreements, and civil society organisations. The focus will be on the GEF’s “Integration for Impact” approach, which underscores the significance of cohesive strategies to invest in global environmental benefits across GEF’s focal areas.
Moreover, the workshop will feature a site visit to a GEF project in South Africa, offering practical insights into the implementation of integrated strategies. Participants will visit the project titled “Building a resilient and resource-efficient Johannesburg: Increased access to urban services and improved quality of life.” This initiative, implemented by the DFFE, the Development Bank of South Africa, and the United Nations Environment Programme, with GEF funding, aims to promote sustainable urban development.