Niger's Environmental Ministry Staff Trained on Result-Based Budgeting

A training workshop on result-based budgeting for central and regional staff of Niger's Ministry of Environment, Hydraulics, and Sanitation opened in Zinder on November 10. The event was presided over by Zinder Region Secretary General, Idrissa Abou. The training is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN). It aims to improve the Ministry's planning, programming, budgeting, and budget execution chain.

The training seeks to enhance the capacity of Ministry staff in performance and budget execution. This will enable them to effectively utilize programmatic planning, management, and monitoring-evaluation tools. The goal is to improve budget allocation for the Ministry of Environment. According to Secretary General Abou, the workshop takes place in a context of national refoundation. Niger is striving for sovereignty and rigorous, transparent management of its resources under President Abdourahamane Tiani's leadership.

Abou emphasized that environmental protection is not only a conservation issue but also a vital sovereignty concern. He noted that the ecosystem is the foundation of economic development and food security for the population. To achieve concrete results, Abou stressed the need for technical tools to finance and effectively execute projects. He highlighted the biodiversity financing plan, which includes 14 financing solutions. The plan is being implemented with UNDP support.

The Secretary General thanked the UNDP for its multiple contributions to environmental conservation and biodiversity in Niger. He encouraged participants to be diligent and rigorous, hoping that the workshop outcomes will significantly improve budget execution for environmental protection and population well-being. BIOFIN-Niger Coordinator, Dr. Boubacar Moundjo, expressed gratitude to the UNDP for its support within the biodiversity finance initiative.

Dr. Moundjo also acknowledged the presence of regional authorities and partner structures, particularly the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The training is part of efforts to strengthen the Ministry's capacity for result-based budgeting. This approach will enable the Ministry to better allocate resources and achieve its objectives. The workshop brings together central and regional staff to enhance their skills in planning, budgeting, and budget execution.

The event is a significant step towards improving the Ministry's performance and effectiveness. By enhancing staff capacity, the Ministry can better address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. The training will also foster collaboration and coordination among Ministry staff, partners, and stakeholders. This will contribute to more efficient and effective use of resources.

The outcome of the training will be crucial in determining the success of Niger's environmental initiatives. The Ministry's ability to effectively plan, budget, and execute projects will have a direct impact on environmental conservation and sustainable development. The UNDP and BIOFIN support is expected to have a lasting impact on the Ministry's capacity to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development in Niger.

Key points

• The training aims to enhance the capacity of Ministry staff in performance and budget execution.
• The event is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN).
• The training seeks to improve budget allocation for the Ministry of Environment.