FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Global Greengrants Fund Launches Environmental Justice Program Serving the Middle East and North Africa
In a region directly impacted by the ongoing effects of climate change, Greengrants seeks to catalyze the growing grassroots movement for environmental justice
Boulder, CO – February 23, 2021 – Today, Global Greengrants Fund announces our newest regional program to support grassroots organizations in the Middle East and North Africa. Greengrants has made a number of grants to this region, also known as MENA, over the years, and has seen the difference that grants to local grassroots organizations have made. We are excited to develop a dedicated grantmaking program with local partners in the MENA region.
“The MENA region is plagued by worrying environmental issues. The impacts of climate change are manifested in scarcity of water resources, longer drier seasons, sea-level rise, hotter and longer heatwaves, and more frequent dust and sand storms. Mismanagement of natural resources adds insult to injury.” Said Amy Ekwadi, coordinator for the new MENA board. “However, small grants could go a long way unleashing the creativity of the region’s young population towards tackling those life threatening risks.”
During the initial year of the MENA board, Global Greengrants plans to prioritize work in Lebanon and Morocco, and we will scale our support to other countries in the region as funding for the program increases. Projects will address both the environmental issues in the region, as well as seek to grow the strength of grassroots movements in the region by providing access to resources.
As with all Global Greengrants’ programs, our grantmaking in MENA will involve an intersectional approach and seek to support the leadership and engagement of women, youth, persons with disability, and other under-represented populations in environmental justice movements.
“Greengrants believes that communities and local civil society have the greatest understanding of their environment and resources and are the strongest defenders of them. We also believe that local environmental justice leaders are best suited to decide how to invest in strengthening these environmental movements. With the emergence in the region of vibrant grassroots movements working on climate, water, waste, inequality, and other fundamental challenges, we are excited to see the added impact they can have with this new source of support and solidarity.” Said Peter Kostishack, Director of Programs at Global Greengrants.
Through this new board in the MENA region, Greengrants aims to act as a catalyst for the growth of grassroots movements in the Middle East and North Africa, addressing pressing environmental issues.
For more information, contact Alex Grossman, Director of Communications – alex@greengrants.org.
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ABOUT GLOBAL GREENGRANTS FUND: Global Greengrants Fund mobilizes resources for communities worldwide to protect our shared planet and work toward a more equitable world. We believe solutions to environmental harm and social injustice come from people whose lives are most impacted. Since 1993, Global Greengrants has awarded over 12,000 grants in 168 countries worth more than $71 million. Learn more at www.greengrants.org.