As requested by the Government of Togo, India will provide funding support of US Dollar two million from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund for the project, “Strengthening the resilience of local communities around Fazao-Malfakassa National Park in Togo through promotion of green economy.”
The Fazao-Malfakassa National Park in Togo is one of the biodiversity hotspots of Guinean forests in West Africa and is subject to unsustainable exploitation of resources, such as shea, nere, grand deta, Guinea pepper, honey etc. These practices destroy the livelihood base of the communities that depend on them for their survival with very low monetary income. The project aims to reverse trends of resource degradation and increasing poverty through bio-diversity friendly livelihoods. Creation of alternative livelihoods through green economy and income generating activities will benefit 3000 people in 37 villages around Fazao-Malfakassa National Park.
The Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said, “India assures its steadfast support to Togo’s resilience against environmental and socio-economic challenges.” She added, ” India is proud to partner with Togo on this important project which is one of Togo Government’s national development priorities.”
The India-UN Development Partnership Fund, established by Government of India in June 2017, provides support to projects in developing countries that aim to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The Fund adheres to the principles of South-South cooperation and places a priority on national ownership and leadership, equality, sustainability, development of local capacity and mutual benefit. A total of US$ 150 million over the next decade has been committed by Government of India for the Fund which is managed by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation.
Source: Permanent Mission of India to the UN.
