Latest news with #GCF
Zawya
30-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
FAO signs $33mln agreement to enhance treated wastewater use in southern Jordan
AMMAN — As part of national efforts to transform water use and management, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO) has signed an agreement with Consolidated Consultants for Engineering and Environment to provide consultancy services for the design and supervision of treated wastewater storage ponds. The agreement, signed at the FAO office in Amman, falls under the 'Building Resilience to Climate Change in Jordan through Improving Water Use Efficiency in the Agriculture Sector' (BRCCJ) project. The project aims to reduce the environmental impact of reclaimed water while enhancing climate resilience and water security in the agricultural sector, according to a statement by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. The new partnership will support the regulation and expansion of treated wastewater usage from three wastewater treatment plants in Madaba, Mutah and Tafileh, by improving irrigation infrastructure and preparing tender documents for the construction of dedicated storage ponds to help farming communities cope with the dual pressures of water scarcity and climate change. The BRCCJ project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by FAO in cooperation with the ministries of water and irrigation, agriculture, environment, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It is also part of the Economic Modernisation Vision Executive Programme, which aims to build sustainable and climate-resilient development pathways across the Kingdom, according to the statement. During the signing ceremony, FAO Representative in Jordan Nabil Assaf said, 'This agreement marks a critical step under Component 1 of the BRCCJ project, which focuses on building climate-resilient water systems to enhance water security.' He added, 'Water scarcity is one of Jordan's most pressing challenges, and climate change is exacerbating the situation. This project supports Jordan's Green Growth Plan and water strategies by promoting efficient and safe reuse of treated wastewater in line with Jordanian Standard No. 893:2021.' Assaf also noted that once the project is completed, additional volumes of treated water would be made available to farmers during the high-demand summer months. 'Maximising the reuse of treated water is essential to preserving Jordan's limited water resources and raising awareness of the water crisis,' he said. Hanan Awad, representing Consolidated Consultants, expressed appreciation to FAO for the opportunity to contribute to national water sustainability efforts. 'We are committed to delivering this project to the highest standards and to making a meaningful contribution to sustainable water management in Jordan,' she said. 'We look forward to playing a role in enhancing the use of treated wastewater as a reliable water source in line with national and international efforts to combat water scarcity and strengthen community resilience to climate change.' Valued at $33.25 million, the BRCCJ project targets four governorates within the Dead Sea Basin—Madaba, Karak, Tafileh, and Maan—which are particularly vulnerable to climate-related water stress. JT
BBC News
23-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Young people driven away from Guernsey by high prices
Guernsey's young people do not see a future in the island, according to a new study. The Quality of Life Report 2025 was compiled by the Guernsey Community Foundation (GCF) which found young people were being "driven away" by rising living also found that 22% of pensioners,19% of children and 17% of working age adults lived in relative poverty in Roberts, the foundation's chief executive and co-author of the report, said it was "intended to stimulate discussion before and after the election". The report is the first of its kind and makes a number of observations based on previously published data and a survey of 3,000 report found that 5% of islanders, about 3,200 people, often go without essentials like food and heating. 'Forced to share beds' Half (51%) of the poorest households do not have carpets or floor coverings in every room and more than a third (38%) do not have a bed for every person in the report found that in some cases the lack of a bed was down to cost, but more often it was due to a lack of bedrooms, so family members were forced to share beds. The GCF is a charitable organisation that conducts research, proposes changes to social policy and works with other charities to connect people in need in Roberts said the effects of poverty did "not appear to be fully or widely appreciated".He said the high cost of living meant "Guernsey is driving its people away"."Concerns about rising living costs and difficulties finding somewhere affordable to live are forcing some residents, especially young families, to move away, or to plan to move away. "Even though they want to stay, they don't see a future here, and that should concern us all." 'Young people suffering' Mr Roberts said the report also highlighted that young people are experiencing more bullying and have lower self-esteem than ever before."A lot of the island's young people are hurting. Low self-esteem, bullying, poor mental health, anxiety about the future."They are growing up in an island that is different to the one that their parents and their grandparents grew up in."The rate of high self esteem among pupils at schools dropped by 22% between 2016 and next general election is on 18 June 2025 - see a full list of the candidates here.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Capital Leasing secures $5m green loan from EBRD to support MSMEs in Jordan
Capital Leasing has signed a US$5 million loan agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) under the Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) in Jordan. The financing package includes US$1.25 million in co-financing from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), according to the EBRD. This is the first GEFF facility signed with a leasing company in Jordan and the seventh GEFF financing agreement in the country overall. The loan aims to expand access to finance for Jordanian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) investing in climate mitigation and adaptation technologies. Targeted beneficiaries include businesses and individuals in sectors such as energy services, technology supply, manufacturing and maintenance. Financing will support investments in climate-resilient and low-carbon technologies. The facility is supported by a grant of up to €560,000 from the European Union (EU) to promote the adoption of green technologies among MSMEs and households. The EU grant will support awareness raising and provide access to technical tools and green equipment. Capital Leasing will also receive technical assistance co-funded by the EBRD, EU and GCF. This includes support for implementation and monitoring of the facility and training programmes for Capital Leasing and its sub-borrowers on climate adaptation and technology deployment. The agreement was signed during the EBRD's Annual Meeting in London by Francis Malige, EBRD Managing Director, Financial Institutions, and Tamer Ghazaleh, Chairman of Capital Leasing. Capital Leasing is a subsidiary of Capital Bank of Jordan and provides financial leasing services to retail, SME and corporate clients across sectors, including vehicles, equipment and real estate. Since 2012, the EBRD has invested over €2.3 billion in Jordan across 75 projects. Around 70 per cent of this funding has supported the private sector, including through MSME lending and trade finance facilities. "Capital Leasing secures $5m green loan from EBRD to support MSMEs in Jordan" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Zawya
18-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EBRD, EU and GCF accelerate private-sector green financing in Jordan
EBRD, EU and GCF lend US$ 5 million to Capital Leasing in Jordan First loan to a leasing company under the Green Economy Financing Facility in Jordan Funds to promote Jordanian private-sector investments in energy and resource-efficiency technologies The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing Capital Leasing with a US$ 5 million loan under the Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF). This includes US$ 1.25 million of co-financing from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The loan to Capital Leasing marks the first to be signed in Jordan to a leasing company under the GEFF regional programme in Jordan, and the seventh GEFF facility to be signed in the country overall. The facility will mean easier access to finance for Jordanian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) investing in climate mitigation and adaptation technologies – for example, individuals and private companies working in energy services, or as technology suppliers, producers and service providers. The European Union (EU) is providing a grant of up to €560,000 to accelerate climate adaptation and mitigation technologies and services by local MSMEs and households. This grant will provide eligible sub-borrowers with access to dedicated green finance tools, equipment and solutions as well as awareness raising to encourage the sub-borrowers to prioritise greener technologies within their businesses. Capital Leasing will also benefit from a technical cooperation package funded by the EBRD, EU and GCF that will go towards implementation and monitoring of the facility. The eligible sub-borrowers and Capital Leasing will have the chance to take part in training on climate change mitigation, on-lending and adaptation technologies among MSMEs and retail clients. The signing ceremony was held during the EBRD's Annual Meeting in London and was signed by the EBRD's Head of Financial Institutions, Francis Malige, and Chairman of Capital Leasing, Tamer Ghazaleh. 'Climate action requires collaboration and innovation,' explained Francis Malige. 'It also requires patient, relentless focus, one investment at a time. Through this facility with Capital Leasing, and with the unwavering support of the EU and the GCF, we are empowering Jordanian entrepreneurs and small businesses to lead the way in adopting climate-smart technologies." Tamer Ghazaleh commented: 'We are honoured to partner with the EBRD, the EU and the GCF on this milestone initiative. This facility will enable us to extend green financing to a wider base of businesses and individuals across Jordan, supporting innovation and sustainability in key sectors. At Capital Leasing we are committed to playing an active role in driving the country's transition to a greener and more resilient economy.' Henrike Trautman, European Commission Director for the Middle East said: 'This new partnership is a tangible example of how the European Union is translating its climate ambitions into action — by enabling local businesses and households in Jordan to access affordable green financing. With this support, we are not only fostering a more sustainable and resilient private sector but also helping Jordan advance its green transition in a way that benefits communities and protects the environment.' Capital Leasing is fully owned by Capital Bank of Jordan and specialises in providing financial leasing services to retail, corporate and SME clients. It offers financing across various sectors and industries for assets such as passenger and commercial vehicles, equipment and plant machinery, and real estate. Since 2012 the EBRD has provided more than €2. 3 billion through 7 5 projects in Jordan, of which 70 per cent are in the private sector, including financial support to the Jordanian banking sector through MSME loans, subordinated debt and trade finance facilities.
Morocco World
16-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
EBRD Boosts Green Finance in Morocco with €70M Loan to Bank of Africa
Doha – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has partnered with multiple international organizations to provide a €70 million loan to Bank of Africa (BOA), aimed at promoting green lending in Morocco's private sector. The bank announced the financing package on Thursday, noting that it combines resources from the EBRD, Green Climate Fund (GCF), European Union (EU), and Canada through the EBRD's High-Impact Partnership on Climate Action (HIPCA). The funding will be split between a €35 million senior unsecured loan from GCF and another €35 million co-financed by HIPCA. This initiative falls under the EU-backed Morocco Decarbonisation and Climate Resilience Programme (GEFF+). BOA will use these funds to extend green loans to Moroccan private-sector companies, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises seeking to invest in climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies. The loan comes with a comprehensive technical cooperation package worth €6 million. The EU will provide €2.38 million in investment grants, while GCF will contribute the remaining €3.62 million. This support will help BOA develop its green lending practices and encourage private companies to invest in low-carbon technologies. The technical cooperation will also promote equal opportunities and women's access to climate finance. It includes training for BOA branch staff in gender-responsive green finance, capacity-building, and awareness-raising sessions to accelerate investments in sustainable energy across Morocco's private sector. Bank of Africa, the third-largest bank in Morocco, is listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange with presence in 32 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. It has been a key EBRD partner in green finance, with €113 million in green loans already extended through this cooperation. This financing initiative is part of a broader push by EBRD in Morocco this month. On May 6, BMCI became the first Moroccan bank to receive a comprehensive €65 million Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) Plus package from EBRD and partners, marking their fifth partnership. Other recent EBRD investments in the North African country include a $25 million equity investment in Dislog Group, disclosed on May 9, to strengthen the company's capital structure and advance its mergers and acquisitions strategy. Additionally, on May 13, Aya Gold & Silver secured a $25 million EBRD loan to develop its Boumadine polymetallic project. Morocco, a founding member of the EBRD, became one of the Bank's countries of operation in 2012. To date, the EBRD has invested €5.4 billion in Morocco through 117 projects.
