ENG - UN CC:Learn

In a number of countries in the sub-region including Mali, extreme poverty is exacerbated by lack of adequate access to modern
energy services, which are often unaffordable. This situation is all the more difficult to manage for women in particular due to
steep cultural traditions. As a result of the non-availability of energy and wood fuel, rural populations in Mali are unable to replicate
their work, process foodstuffs, or profit from diverse development-related opportunities. UNDP has launched and implemented
the very successful multi-functional energy platforms programme to address this issue and provide better sustainable
livelihood opportunities for the rural poor in addition to launching an ambitious regional hydroelectric plan. Forest development
and management is another area where UNDP is involved with the national authority to provide long-term income generating
activities through sustainable biodiversity conservation. 2
Joseph Byll-Cataria, Resident Representative
CHEMICALS BIODIVERSITY ENERGY
PORTFOLIO
Insufficient or non-existent access to modern energy services has prompted a vigorous effort to combat poverty through increasing
access to energy in Mali. Three projects to develop renewable energy resources, multi-functional platforms and an ambitious regional
hydroelectric plan play a major role in meeting the energy challenge in Mali.The impact of these projects also improves the livelihoods
of women and young children who are most vulnerable to poor energy services. Donors for these projects include GEF, DANIDA, ADB,
NORAD and UNDP’s Energy Thematic Trust Fund. Mali is also drafting a GEF-funded strategy paper to address the harmful effects of climate
change.
UNDP is actively supporting Mali’s efforts towards conservation of biodiversity. For example, the Kita Forest Development project provides
long-term income-generating activities through sustainable tree harvesting and quota setting. In addition, the GEF-funded
regional indigenous vegetation project is working in Botswana, Mali and Kenya to establish a regional arid zone bio-database, rehabilitate
indigenous vegetation and degraded lands, and improve livestock production, technology transfer and training. At the global level,
UNDP is also assisting in the preparation of an Interim Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Conference of the Parties, also
funded by GEF, enabling Mali to meet its convention obligations.
Significant progress is being made towards compliance with Montreal Protocol commitments as a result of the implementation of the
refrigerant management plan funded by the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol. In addition to the establishment of a recovery
and recycling network and provision of equipment, extensive training is made available to ensure sustainability of efforts. Mali is also
participating in a regional methyl bromide (Me. Br.) phase-out project, implemented by UNDP for low-volume consumers in Africa. This
project provides policy strengthening assistance to prevent the introduction of Me. Br. use in the country.
CONTACTS
http://www.ml.undp.org/html/benvrion.htm
PARTNERS
Some of our Partners working with
UNDP and the Government in Mali
NORAD
Government of Switzerland
African Development Fund
DANIDA
1
Porcaro, J, Takada, M (Eds),“Achieving the Millennium Development Goals: The Role of Energy Services”, UNDP, 2005: http://www.undp.org/energy/docs/achievemdg.pdf. ;
2
http://www.ml.undp.org/html/benvrion.htm
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