In alignment with the overall GEF programming, SGP focuses its efforts on targeted strategic initiatives that promote integrated approaches in addressing key global environmental issues by covering all GEF focal areas. Most SGP projects continue to have multiple benefits and integrated approaches with relevance to more than one focal area. However, for reporting purposes projects were categorized under one primary focal area.
SGP’s biodiversity focal area portfolio supported improvements in management effectiveness of protected areas and mainstreaming biodiversity conservation and sustainable use into production landscapes and seascapes, and other related sectors. Support towards creation and management of Indigenous Peoples and Communities Conserved Areas and Territories (ICCAs) are a key part of the SGP’s biodiversity portfolio.
SGP’s climate change projects supported low-carbon energy transformation at the community level through the introduction of low-greenhouse gas (GHG) technologies with proven environmental, economic and livelihood co-benefits, contributing to several SDGs.
The land degradation focal area portfolio supported restoration and prevention of land degradation and promoted sustainable land and forest management. Activities supported mainly targeted rural communities, which are highly dependent on agro-ecosystems and forest ecosystems for their livelihoods.
SGP’s sustainable forest management portfolio focused on sustainable land use, land-use change, and forestry management to ensure connectivity between ecosystems and restorative activities. The projects have also supported activities to decrease pressure on forest resources.
INTERNATIONAL WATERS The SGP international waters focal area supports sustainable management of transboundary waterbodies through community-based activities. SGP continued to develop and demonstrate effective community-based actions and practices in support of the Strategic Action Plans (SAPs) that were developed among countries sharing the transboundary waterbodies, including river basin, large marine ecosystems, and others.
CHEMICALS AND WASTE SGP’s chemicals and waste management portfolio supports control and reduction of the use of harmful chemicals through sound management of chemicals and waste, including persistent organic pollutants and mercury, to minimize adverse effects on human health and the global environment.
COMMUNITY CONSERVED AREAS
Country Programme Snapshot
2001 Start Year
360 Total Number of Projects
270 Number of GEF Projects
90 Number of Non GEF Projects
US$ 5,959,525 GEF Grant Amount
US$ 5,120,219 Co-Financing in Cash
US$ 23,476,566 Co-Financing in Kind
US$ 1,776,000 Non-GEF Grant Amount
Chemicals and Waste (1%)
Thematic Clusters
Eight Thematic Clusters have been formed in SGP Iran which have resulted in thematic networks among grantees and stakeholders on similar topics to help build synergy, sharing resources, partnerships, emerging solutions, as well as helping communities accessing national forums on related topics.