WASHINGTON, May 4, 2017 - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved a $40 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) to support the Government’s efforts for stronger governance and a $6.5 million grant in additional financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to strengthen participatory forest management initiatives.
‘‘These funds represent the World Bank’s response to the Government’s appeal for assistance in undertaking the necessary reforms, particularly in the public sector, in order to create an environment conducive to sustainable growth, in harmony with the Congo’s natural heritage and forest resources,” said Djibrilla Issa, World Bank Country Manager for the Republic of Congo.
The allocation of $40 million will ensure the launch of the Integrated Public Sector Reform Project (IPSRP), which will be implemented from 2017 to 2022. The project will help enhance public sector management and transparency. ‘‘The project aims, among other things, to improve collection of own-source revenues (including forest revenues), strengthen public expenditure management, support the implementation of public procurement and State reform, and enhance transparency and public accountability,” elaborated Jean Mabi Mulumba, World Bank Team Leader for this project.
The $6.5 million grant will provide additional funds for the Forestry and Economic Diversification Project (PFDE) whose implementation will be in effect from July 2017 to July 2021. It will help maximize the achievements of the project.
“The additional funds will ensure an increase in the number of local and indigenous community members benefiting from microprojects in agroforestry, especially those living in communities around the Ntokou-Pikounda and Nouabalé-Ndoki National Parks,” said Julian Lee, World Bank Team Leader for this project. “In addition to facilitating the establishment of a management structure for Ntokou-Pikouda Park, it will support ecotourism development in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park and buttress national anti-poaching efforts.”
Implementation of the PFDE started in March 2013, with initial funding of $32.6 million. The Government provided $22.6 million, while $10 million came from IDA funds.
