XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-177 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility UNEP IBN CEO Approval Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Mauritania +![cdata[Biodiversity]]+ 50000.00 50000.00 50000.00 150000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-371 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility UNDP Department of Energy CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Mauritania +![cdata[Biosphere protection]]+ 400000.00 400000.00 400000.00 400000.00 400000.00 0 UNDP Department of Energy 2000000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-2459 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility World Bank Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Mauritania, World Bank CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Mauritania +![cdata[Agricultural land resources]]+ 1200000.00 1200000.00 1200000.00 1200000.00 1200000.00 0 World Bank Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Mauritania, World Bank 0 World Bank Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Mauritania, World Bank 0 World Bank Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Mauritania, World Bank 0 World Bank Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Mauritania, World Bank 0 World Bank Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Mauritania, World Bank 0 World Bank Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Mauritania, World Bank 0 World Bank Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Mauritania, World Bank 6000000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-3379 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility IFAD Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, MAED CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Mauritania +![cdata[Agricultural land resources]]+ 838000.00 838000.00 838000.00 838000.00 838000.00 0 IFAD Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, MAED 0 IFAD Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, MAED 0 IFAD Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, MAED 0 IFAD Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, MAED 0 IFAD Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, MAED 4190000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-3576 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility UNDP Ministry of Environment CEO Approval Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Mauritania +![cdata[Biodiversity]]+ 316666.67 316666.67 316666.67 0 UNDP Ministry of Environment 0 UNDP Ministry of Environment 0 UNDP Ministry of Environment 0 UNDP Ministry of Environment 0 UNDP Ministry of Environment 0 UNDP Ministry of Environment 950000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-5639 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development CEO Approval Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Mauritania +![cdata[Biodiversity]]+ 292666.67 292666.67 292666.67 0 UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development 648205 UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development 0 UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development 150000 UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development 0 UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development 853000 UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development 878000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-5769 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility UNDP Ministry of Environment, APAUS, SOMELEC CEO Approval Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Mauritania Nouadhibou 20.92328 -16.1723 +![cdata[Biosphere protection]]+ 423380.67 423380.67 423380.67 33489 UNDP Ministry of Environment, APAUS, SOMELEC 506002 UNDP Ministry of Environment, APAUS, SOMELEC 206436 UNDP Ministry of Environment, APAUS, SOMELEC 152499 UNDP Ministry of Environment, APAUS, SOMELEC 979927 UNDP Ministry of Environment, APAUS, SOMELEC 1270142 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-5792 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility World Bank CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Mauritania +![cdata[Environmental policy and administrative management]]+ 962000.00 962000.00 962000.00 962000.00 962000.00 0 World Bank NA 0 World Bank NA 1043975 World Bank NA 2675575 World Bank NA 4809190 World Bank NA 1089640 World Bank NA 4810000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-8029 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility World Bank Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Mauritania +![cdata[Water sector policy and administrative management]]+ 1400000.00 1400000.00 1400000.00 1400000.00 1400000.00 0 World Bank Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy 0 World Bank Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy 1942373 World Bank Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy 1872041 World Bank Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy 1299711 World Bank Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy 853487 World Bank Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy 271004 World Bank Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy 6238617 World Bank Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy 7000000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-9294 Global Environment Facility Increase sustainable human development through the restoration of ecosystem services and an integrated ecosystem management approach in three Southern Mauritania landscapes. Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility FAO Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Mauritania +![cdata[Environmental policy and administrative management]]+ 1644501.00 1644501.00 1644501.00 1644501.00 1644501.00 0 FAO Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable 647566 FAO Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable 3246930 FAO Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable 1900315 FAO Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable 2179470 FAO Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable 8214131 FAO Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable 222914 FAO Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable 8222505 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-9747 Global Environment Facility NA Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Global Environment Facility UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Mauritania CEO Approval Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date Actual Completion Date ' Mauritania Islamic Republic of Mauritania 20.25 -10.5 +![cdata[Environmental education/training]]+ 316666.67 316666.67 316666.67 406288 UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Mauritania 179632 UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Mauritania 287974 UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Mauritania 0 UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Mauritania 905000 UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Mauritania 950000 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-10428 Global Environment Facility Strengthen Mauritania's capacities in climate transparency, according to the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement and thereby achieve its sustainable low-carbon development goals. Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency. Normal 0 false false false PT-BR JA AR-SA /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:PT-BR; mso-fareast-language:PT-BR;} The centralized data collection and sharing platform will not only improve knowledge of Mauritania’s efforts to reduce emissions and build resilience but also provide precious data for use in other development avenues. For example, data collected for preparing the inventory for the Waste sector will be available to set the scene for sanitation in the country and this information can be tapped for charting strategies for the future, including its relationship with health issues. Moreover, once the system is developed and operationalized, linkages with other environmental or socio-economic data can also be analysed, established and improved. These strengthened systems will enable Mauritania to better track and manage its natural resources, thus allowing for interventions to be planned, executed, and evaluated more promptly. The database of the centralized data collection and sharing platform will render possible the provision of up-to-date statistics, indicators and geographical information about climate change causes and impacts to the public, both for decision-making in the private sector or by citizens, and for the government itself for policymaking. Mauritania’s economy is centred mostly in agriculture and livestock, two sectors that are directly affected by climate change. Tracking of NDC adaptation activities will serve to provide information about climate change impacts on agriculture and livestock, such as the successive droughts. Such information will enable farmers make better informed decisions on farming practices while helping government to prioritise natural resources toward drought management programmes for those affected. Mauritania's climate actions earmarked in its NDC will require public and private sector intervention in the form of investments. With the more robust climate data sharing platform, the country will be better placed to track and evaluate the impact of its policies and allow for adjustments to improve outcomes. This higher efficiency can free up resources for other public and private sector investments and interventions, which will in turn benefit the country socio-economically. For example, based on the calculations under the mitigation MRV system, the government of Mauritania will be able to quantify the impacts of NDC actions, not only in terms of GHG emissions reduction but to also provide reliable information on the creation of jobs, the percentage of the population having access to electricity, the reduction in energy costs and on the overall improved welfare of communities. Similarly, the adaptation MRV system will not only increase resilience but also inform the government of Mauritania on other aspects such as food security, access to water resources and improved sanitation, thus enhancing decision-making. One important benefit, if not the most important especially for the medium and longer term, remains the mainstreaming of climate in the national planning processes. The wide array of disaggregated data collected, compiled, analysed and archived within the centralized data collection and sharing platform will provide a robust base for informed national policy-making on climate and other related matters, an element that will be fully developed as part of Output 1. Additionally, the CBIT project will establish formal institutional arrangements and a legal framework to MRV GHG emissions, NDC implementation with regards to mitigation and adaptation, as well as support received and needed as laid out under activity 1.2. This will guarantee a regular sustainable flow of data and other information to support public and private interventions. Global Environment Facility UNEP Department of Climate and the Green Economy - MEDD CEO Approval Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date ' Mauritania Nouakchott, Mauritania 18.08581 -15.9785 +![cdata[Environmental policy and administrative management]]+ 367400.00 367400.00 367400.00 200000 UNEP Department of Climate and the Green Economy - MEDD 0 UNEP Department of Climate and the Green Economy - MEDD 0 UNEP Department of Climate and the Green Economy - MEDD 1102200 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-10444 Global Environment Facility Improve well-being, livelihoods and the environment of rural communities in the wilayas of Adrar, Inchiri and Dakhlet Nouadhibou in Mauritania through sustainable land and ecosystem restoration and management Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.Complementary information since PIF The project main objective is now considering the overall improvement of well-being, livelihoods and the environment of rural communities through sustainable land and ecosystem restoration and management (see ProDoc §4.1 p.66 and ProDoc § 4.2 p. 68). Local socio-economic benefits are representing through increase livelihoods due to increase in productivity, connection to markets and dedicated value chain. Project supporting the role and access of women and youth in land and natural resource, which contributes in social local improvement. All of these practices, support the restoration of a natural resource and its more sustainable use, which contribute to soil organic carbon sequestration, increase land productivity and enhance livelihoods. Central level socio-economic benefit are related to strategic planning which reinforce current strategies and program with the integration of the overall ecosystem and LDN approach. Therefore, the project will indirectly reinforce socio-economic benefits through these planning, which is highly linked to GEBs.Global Environment Facility IUCN Direction de la Protection de Restauration des Espèces et des Milieux (DPREM) CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date ' Mauritania +![cdata[Forestry development]]+ 1099619 IUCN Direction de la Protection de Restauration des Espèces et des Milieux (DPREM) 3913626 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-10586 Global Environment Facility To enhance the conservation of key species in Mauritania through the creation and sustainable management of a new Protected Area in the arid Wilaya of Adrar. Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.1. The proposed project will support biodiversity conservation efforts to generate Global Environmental Benefits (GEBs) by creating and improving the management effectiveness of a new PA in an arid Wilaya of Adar. The global benefits associated with the Biodiversity focal area are the creation of and improved management effectiveness of 200,000 ha for conservation and sustainable natural resource use and 100,000 ha under sustainable land management in production systems in landscapes adjacent to the new PA. The 35,000 ha of El Ghallâouîya KBA will be extended towards the south-west where the KBA has the same contiguous landscape with the Guelb er Richatt Nature Reserve to create a 200,000ha terrestrial protected area. This will contribute to improving the conservation of the bird species in El Ghallâouîya KBA in Adrar Wilaya. The project will support conservation actions through changes in local community behavior and by improving and changing production practices in arid areas to be more biodiversity-positive with a focus on sectors that have significant biodiversity impacts such as agriculture and tourism, through technical capacity building and implementation of financial mechanisms. This approach will be scaled up to other areas in Mauritania, particularly the arid zones of the country. Socio-economic benefits from the project will include the improved livelihoods and reduced vulnerability of at least 1,775 community members. Furthermore, the project’s communication strategy will aim to reach at least 135,316 people through radio environmental education/awareness programs on the value of biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management. 2. Embedded in the principles of an integrated natural resource management approach, the generation of the aforementioned GEBs will consider the environmental conditions of the arid landscapes in Adrar Wilaya. The project will also consider existing production practices (including pastoral practices), how communities interact with the environment and the limited institutional frameworks, insufficient regulations and current land uses in Adrar. The rationale is based on an integrated approach to more holistically address underlying drivers of environmental degradation while simultaneously, addressing socio-economic concerns of local communities. In this regard, an integrated natural resource management approach will be valuable in ensuring economic, social and ecological sustainability in a resource-constrained and climate-impacted environment[1] as in Mauritania. [1] Sara J. Scherr, Seth Shames and Rachel Friedman. (2013). Defining Integrated Landscape Management for Policy Makers Global Environment Facility UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MESD) CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date Expected Completion Date ' Mauritania +![cdata[Environmental policy and administrative management]]+ +![cdata[Biodiversity]]+ +![cdata[Site preservation]]+ 400000 UNEP Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MESD) 2639726 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-11128 Global Environment Facility Demonstrate the benefits of wetland ecosystem services as a basis for continued social well-being, climate resilience, environmental sustainability and economic profitability at all scales in Mauritania, leveraging the potential of ecosystem restoration as a unifying framework for policy and local action. Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.The project co-benefits are presented in the table below: Sector Co-benefits Socio-economic benefits · Decoupling green economy from livelihoods and further increase of livelihoods diversification Decision power and structuration · 8 Functional structures over the NRM (AGLC and Communal Environmental Commission) · 30 professional women cooperatives · 50 % women participating in the management of wetlands and landscapes at local levels (decision levels in Village development Committee, AGLC, AGRN) · 30% women in Project steering committee (PSC) Climate resilient of communities · Improved producers’ perception on their capacities to face climate shocks · Increase water availability period during the year for all wetlands supported Benefits on mercury issues · Scientific results on mercury and chemical biological tissue contamination within watershed of intervention Global Environment Facility IUCN Great Green Wall National Agency within the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development CEO Endorsement Date Actual Implementation Start Date ' Mauritania 5304587 GEF XI-BRIDGE-6385676864-11551 Global Environment Facility The objective is to combat land degradation through the restoration, sustainable management and use of agro-silvopastoral landscapes and associated ecosystem services as well as strengthened sustainability of restoration activities through value chain development of Gum Arabic and other NTFPs. Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency.112. The project is designed to deliver significant socio-economic benefits at the local level in Mauritania, piloting an integrated approach that links land restoration efforts with value chain development. This aims to anchor Mauritania's restoration and protection activities in direct short- and long-term economic benefits for local populations, primarily through enhancing production and productivity levels of Gum Arabic and other critical Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), including fodder and grass. The project intends to support target communities in transitioning from an informal, low-value extraction model to a more structured, market-oriented approach, thereby delivering direct socio-economic benefits. Furthermore, the project will specifically target women- and youth-led cooperatives to benefit from value-chain strengthening activities, recognizing that women predominantly participate in the Gum Arabic and other NTFP value chains, with opportunities to integrate youth into production, aggregation, and marketing segments.113. While Gum Arabic is a priority value chain and strategic crop for Mauritania, the full potential for economic benefits from restoration activities within the project's lifetime is acknowledged as somewhat limited for newly planted trees. As such, the project aims to valorise existing and varied high-potential NTFP species, including Balanites aegyptiaca (desert date), Ziziphus mauritiana (jujube), Adansonia digitata (baobab), and various fodder species. Although target communities already engage in some production and processing of these products, current systems are poorly structured, lacking post-harvest processing, standardization, and direct market access, which leads to low and unstable revenues for producers. This is particularly evident with Gum Arabic, often viewed as a supplemental income source due to its dry season collection. However, significant value-added potential exists; for instance, information collected through field missions indicate that raw Gum Arabic sells for 100-200 MRU/kg locally, while processed Gum Arabic can fetch 350-400 MRU/kg in Nouakchott. Similarly, jujube powder can sell for 60-100 MRU/kg compared to raw fruit at 20-50 MRU/kg. Prices for NTFPs like gum, jujube, and baobab can increase by up to 200% during the off-season due to high national demand and low availability.114. By introducing improved harvesting tools and processing equipment that will be identified through the development of a catalogue of NTFP appropriate harvesting, processing and packaging equipment (Activity 3.1.1.4) , and providing technical training in sustainable harvesting, processing, and storage (Activity 3.1.1.3), the project aims to improve product quality and quantity. This is crucial given the current low gum production (averaging 100g per tree, down from 300g previously). Training in enterprise development and business management (Activity 3.1.3.1) will enable cooperatives to create viable business models and access financing (Activity 3.1.4.3) through coaching and facilitation services with a private sector partner and in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Industry. Furthermore, the project will establish an NTFP market information system (Output 3.1.2) to improve transparency and negotiation capacity for communities. Engagement with private sector actors, including buyers and exporters from Mauritania and neighboring countries like Mali and Senegal through trade fairs, will facilitate commercial contracts and long-term, mutually beneficial relationships (Activity 3.1.4.3). The project recognizes the potential for cross-border trade, building on existing regional trade patterns where NTFP markets are more developed, and aiming to ensure traceability and quality for regional and international markets through the development of the National Gum Arabic and priority NTFP strategy and standards (Output 1.1.1.), as well as ensuring B2B facilitation and trade fairs that include not only national companies but also those that are active in the sub-region, and if possible internationally.115. The project interventions, by enhancing understanding and approaches to sustainable agro-silvopastoral land restoration (Output 2.1.2) through agroforestry approaches, management, and monitoring (Output 1.2.2), and by connecting these with market-oriented production and processing practices, including not only Gum Arabic but also fodder/grass species (Component 3), aim to ensure benefits are accrued in an inclusive manner while promoting restoration and protection practices for sustainability.116. Furthermore, the communities’ involvement in decision-making processes for the management of agro-silvopastoral ecosystems (Output 2.2.1, Output 2.2.2) and the establishment/strengthening of community-based organizations (AGLCs, ADCs) under the delegated authority of the MEDD (Output 2.2.2) will increase their sense of ownership and responsibility in the management and monitoring of their natural resources. This will also reduce conflicts around land tenure and use rights among different resource users (Output 2.2.1, Activity 2.2.1.2). Through these participatory decision-making processes, the project will contribute to identifying a combination of actions and land-use practices that best support sustainable and equitable access to, and utilization of, socio-economic benefits derived from agro-silvopastoral landscapes while restoring natural resources and enhancing ecosystem functioning.117. The agroforestry practices to be adopted under the project (Output 2.1.2) will generate multiple co-benefits across environmental, social, and health dimensions. These include land restoration, improved water retention, and enhanced soil fertility, which are essential for maintaining agricultural productivity, regulating microclimates, and for supporting community health and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the restoration of grasslands and pasturelands (Output 2.1.2) will contribute to the recovery of key ecological functions, supporting biodiversity conservation, water catchment protection, and sustainable fodder production. This is particularly critical in Assaba and Trarza, where NDVI analyses and field reports indicate a decline in vegetative cover and the collapse of tree regeneration in many agro-silvopastoral systems.118. By reintroducing multipurpose native species such as Acacia senegal, Balanites aegyptiaca, and Ziziphus mauritiana into croplands, pastures, and communal rangelands (Output 2.1.2), the project will enhance ecological complexity, increase carbon sequestration, and strengthen the capacity of rural ecosystems to deliver services. These interventions align with GEF’s global environmental objectives, particularly in the areas of land degradation neutrality, dryland biodiversity, and climate-smart landscapes. In doing so, the project aims to reinforce nature-positive agro-silvopastoral livelihoods, while reducing reliance on resource-extractive and unsustainable practices.119. Climate resilience is a central objective of the project. Project activities will build the adaptive capacity of agro-silvopastoral systems to cope with projected climate risks such as intensified rainfall events, longer dry spells, and rising temperatures. To address these stressors, the project will promote climate-adaptive practices such as species diversification, water-efficient agroforestry practices, soil moisture conservation techniques (e.g., demi-lunes, mulching, composting), and rotational grazing systems in degraded rangelands (Output 2.1.2).120. Beyond technical solutions, the project will also support climate governance and institutional resilience at multiple levels. At the community level, Collective Local Management Associations (AGLCs) and Community Development Associations (ADCs) will lead local monitoring and adaptive management (Output 2.2.2, Activity 2.2.2.2), while at the institutional level, the project will enhance the capacities of regional (DREDD) and national authorities (MEDD) to coordinate cross-sectoral land use planning and resource management (Output 1.2.2). This multi-scalar approach ensures that climate adaptation is embedded in both grassroots practices and national policy frameworks, thereby enhancing long-term sustainability and systemic resilience in the face of climate shocks.121. The project champions decent rural employment by integrating principles of fairness, equity, and participation throughout its interventions. Restoration activities themselves will create employment opportunities for local communities through manual reforestation (Activity 2.1.2.1), rainwater harvesting (Activity 2.1.2.3), and the promotion of labor- and time-saving use of innovative technologies like drone seeding (Activity 2.1.2.2, Activity 2.1.2.4). Strengthening NTFP value chains (Component 3) will generate employment in harvesting, processing, and marketing (Output 3.1.1), providing alternative income sources to traditional, often precarious, agricultural jobs.122. Women are primary collectors of many NTFPs but face significant barriers in accessing equipment, training, and finance. The project specifically targets community cooperatives (with a focus on women and youth-led cooperatives) (Output 3.1.1, Activity 3.1.1.3), providing them with leadership, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training (Output 3.1.1, Activity 3.1.1.3). This directly addresses gender disparities in economic opportunities and decision-making roles within communities. While youth school attendance in Mauritania is high, the unemployment rate for young people (14-35 years) in Mauritania was 18.5% in 2019. By providing vocational training and entrepreneurial support (Output 3.1.3), the project creates pathways for young people to engage in sustainable, nature-based livelihoods.123. By formalizing value chains and strengthening cooperatives (Output 3.1.1, Activity 3.1.1.7), the project aims to improve working conditions, ensure fair prices for products, and reduce reliance on informal, often exploitative, market intermediaries. The project will work with financial institutions to develop tailored financial products for NTFP and restoration value chains (Output 3.1.4). This is crucial in a country where financial inclusion is low, with only 20.9% of adults having a bank account or mobile money in 2017, and a significant gender gap. By establishing revolving funds and strengthening Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) (Activity 3.1.1.6), the project will enhance local financial management and access to capital for community-led initiatives. These deliberate interventions ensure that the project's ecological restoration efforts are mutually reinforcing with socio-economic development, creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering dignified employment opportunities for Mauritania's rural population while addressing poverty and vulnerability in a climate-responsive context.Global Environment Facility FAO Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEV) CEO Endorsement Date ' Mauritania 5329452 GEF