Concept Note Teaser: GCF Simplified Approval Process (SAP) - Abia NEWMAP-EIB (Enhanced Draft)
[Note: This Markdown draft provides updated core content for a ~4-page teaser based on all provided information. Final formatting according to GCF SAP templates and incorporation of visuals should be done separately.]
Project Title: Scaling Up Climate-Resilient Watershed Management and Nature-Based Solutions in Abia State, Nigeria
Executing Entity: Abia State Government (via NEWMAP-EIB SPMU)
Accredited Entity: [To be identified - e.g., UNOPS or another GCF AE]
Date: May 2025
GCF SAP Funding Requested: USD 10 - 20 Million (Aligning with the overall $20M grant need identified; SAP limit is typically up to $25M, adjust based on AE and final scope)
Project Duration: [e.g., 4-5 Years]
1. Project Objective & Context
- Objective: To enhance the climate resilience of vulnerable communities and ecosystems in Abia State by scaling up integrated watershed management interventions, focusing on nature-based solutions (NbS) and robust digital MRV systems at priority gully erosion sites, contributing to the overall ~US $65M program need.
- Problem Statement: Abia State faces severe gully erosion (~60% of ~72 sites require urgent action), exacerbated by climate change, threatening lives (Phase 1 protected ~7,560), infrastructure, and agricultural land. Existing interventions under NEWMAP-EIB (€175M EIB loan + NGN 1Bn State Counterpart) require additional grant resources, particularly for NbS, resilient livelihoods, and advanced MRV components, to meet the full scale of the challenge.
- Alignment: Directly supports Nigeria’s NDC adaptation goals, National Adaptation Plan Framework, and contributes to SDGs (1, 2, 6, 11, 13, 15). Leverages existing NEWMAP-EIB structure (EIB/UNOPS/State Govt partnership).
2. Project Description & Activities
- Component 1: Scaling Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Gully Remediation & Carbon Co-benefits:
- Activity 1.1: Implement large-scale bioremediation (vetiver grass, selected species) and afforestation at [e.g., 15-20] priority urgent gully sites, aiming for significant land reclamation (contributing to targets like 80ha+).
- Activity 1.2: Establish community-managed nurseries for NbS propagation and sustainable supply chains.
- Activity 1.3: Integrate NbS with existing/planned engineering works for hybrid solutions, maximizing resilience and cost-effectiveness.
- Component 2: Enhancing Climate-Resilient Livelihoods:
- Activity 2.1: Provide training and support for climate-smart agriculture practices in stabilized sub-catchments for [e.g., 5,000+] people.
- Activity 2.2: Support diversification into NbS-related livelihoods (nursery management, agroforestry, beekeeping).
- Component 3: Strengthening Digital MRV for Adaptation & Carbon Finance Readiness:
- Activity 3.1: Expand drone-based monitoring and AI analysis for NbS effectiveness, biomass estimation, and erosion change detection.
- Activity 3.2: Pilot low-cost IoT sensors for soil moisture/rainfall monitoring in target catchments.
- Activity 3.3: Develop community-based monitoring protocols integrated with digital tools, ensuring transparency and supporting potential carbon finance mechanisms (targeting ~$5M potential).
3. Budget Split (Indicative - for a $10M GCF Request Example)
| Component | GCF Funding (USD) | Co-Financing (USD) | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Scaling NbS | 5,000,000 | [Specify Source/Amt] | |
| 2. Resilient Livelihoods | 2,500,000 | [Specify Source/Amt] | |
| 3. Strengthening Digital MRV | 1,500,000 | [Specify Source/Amt] | |
| Project Management & M&E | 500,000 | [Specify Source/Amt] | |
| AE Fees (if applicable) | 500,000 | - | |
| Total | 10,000,000 | [Sum Co-Finance] |
- (Note: Budget needs scaling if requesting closer to $20M. Co-financing sources need detailed identification - State Govt in-kind/cash, EIB leverage, community contributions)
4. MRV Innovation
- Focus: Leveraging technology (Drones, AI, IoT) integrated with community monitoring for cost-effective, transparent tracking of adaptation benefits (lives protected, land reclaimed, resilient livelihoods) and mitigation co-benefits (carbon sequestration from NbS).
- Innovation:
- Drone-AI Integration: Automated vegetation cover assessment and erosion change detection.
- Community Digital Interface: Mobile tools/dashboards for community monitors.
- Carbon Estimation: Applying validated methodologies (e.g., IPCC guidelines adapted locally) to estimate carbon sequestration, tracked via the MRV system – supporting the ~$5M carbon finance target and Article 6 readiness.
5. Co-Finance Matrix (Indicative)
| Co-Financier | Type (Grant/Loan/In-Kind) | Amount (USD) | Status (Confirmed/Expected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abia State Government | In-Kind (Staff, Office) | [Estimate Value] | Confirmed |
| Abia State Government | Cash (Counterpart) | ~660,000 (NGN 1Bn total) | Confirmed (500M)/Pipeline(500M) |
| EIB (Leveraged from NEWMAP-EIB) | Loan (Parallel Finance) | [Estimate Leverage Value] | Confirmed |
| Community Contributions | In-Kind (Labour) | [Estimate Value] | Expected |
| [Other Potential Partners, e.g., AF] | [Grant/…] | [Amount] | [Expected/…] |
| Total Co-Financing | [Sum Co-Finance] |
6. Expected Impact & Sustainability
- Reduced vulnerability for [Number, e.g., 5,000+] people through direct intervention and livelihood support.
- [Number, e.g., 80+] Ha of land stabilized/re-greened through NbS.
- Enhanced carbon sequestration potential, contributing to mitigation goals.
- Strengthened local capacity for climate adaptation planning, implementation, and MRV.
- Sustainability ensured through community ownership (CWMCs), integration with state plans, and capacity building.