UNEP is embarking on a new phase of work in Sudan, supported by the European Union, aimed at reducing the impact of local livelihood challenges related to resource scarcity.

Building upon the experience of the Wadi El Ku Catchment Management project, UNEP is partnering with the UN Office for Project Services to launch a natural resource management for sustainable livelihoods project in East Darfur.

The project aims to help improve livelihoods and alleviate poverty amongst conflict-affected communities. Project activities will concentrate on water, land and forest resources and will draw on existing Darfur experience and knowledge of integrated water resources, sustainable forest and livestock management.

UNEP will also implement a natural resources and peace-building project in West and Central Darfur and West Kordofan. The project will aim to help build the capacity of local and state institutions to manage natural resources for conflict reduction and sustainable development.

As part of the project, UNEP will help establish community level processes to mitigate disputes over natural resources, strengthen livelihood support and service delivery, and improve community management policies and institutions for natural resource management.

In order to achieve this, UNEP will work closely with locally-experienced Sudanese NGOs to help improve equal access to shared natural resources amongst targeted groups in the greater Darfur and Kordofan area.

For more details please write to sophie.brown@unep.org