Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Finnish Ambassador to Zambia Timo Olkkonen
The Finnish Government has given eight civil society organizations 74,000 Euros to implement projects in the areas of environment and natural resources.
The grants have been given under phase two of the Finnish funded project called the Civil Society Environment Fund (CSEF).
Finnish Ambassador to Zambia, Timo Olkkonen says the funds will help address the needs of the civil society in the environmental sector and provide support for implementation of activities that compliment government’s efforts towards sustaining the country’s rich natural resources and the environment.
He adds that the grant will also assist in implementing various actions that meet the overall goal of CSEF phase two.
Speaking during the signing of the grants, Mr. Olkkonen says the 8 projects being funded will include addressing deforestation through education, policy advocacy, alternative livelihoods and encouragement of community forestry management.
Speaking on behalf of seven CSOs, Sustainable Agriculture Programme, Programme Director Mpenza Mwanza has assured the Finnish government that they will implement the plans and find value in linkages, sharing information with a range of actors and thereby contribute to a vibrant environment and natural resources sector in Zambia.