CEF is a flexible, demand-driven funding mechanism that provides financial and technical assistance to sound environmental management and poverty reduction initiatives in priority ecosystems, habitats and urban areas in Kenya.  The Facility is aimed at reinforcing the capacity of communities to integrate environmental concerns into the development process.  This is done through their empowerment to identify and manage environmental initiatives supported by direct financing through a Community Environmental Grant Scheme. 

The support will mainly target local communities, local authorities, group ranches, marine and freshwater ecosystems, wildlife associations, conservation NGOs, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), government agencies, private ranches, research institutions, community wildlife sanctuaries and the private sector (tourism industry).  Preference will be given to projects/initiatives that expand people’s willingness and capacity to engage in sustainable environmental management and livelihoods enhancing activities.

Goal

The goal of CEF is to reduce poverty through improved environmental management.  The thrust of this programme is to enhance the integration of the environmental dimensions of poverty reduction into local development planning and implementation.

Objectives

• Promoting initiatives that integrate sound environmental management practices into the national and local development agenda
• Developing capacities of local and national level stakeholders to effectively management the natural resource base
• Supporting community driven initiatives that reduce poverty while promoting sound environmental management
• Supporting initiatives that reduce conflicts and threats to the environment