OSS strengthens its support for the implementation of the APICA-GNB project to accelerate climate change adaptation in Guinea-Bissau.

Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. 13-18 July 2026

Highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the coastal areas of Guinea-Bissau are facing increasing ecosystem degradation, soil salinization, and mounting pressure on the livelihoods of local communities. To address these challenges, the Adaptation of Agricultural Production Systems in the Coastal Areas of North-West Guinea-Bissau (APICA-GNB) project continues to advance with the support of the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), an accredited entity of the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

In this context, the OSS delegation, comprising Mr. Steve Muhanji, Head of the Project and Programme Development Division, Ms. Kaouther Hamrouni, Project Manager, and Mr. Aymen Ben Ahmed, Technical Assistant, is participating in the 4th Project Steering Committee Meeting alongside national authorities and project partners. Officially opened by His Excellency Mr. Carlos Pinto Pereira, Minister of Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Action (MABAC), the meeting provided an opportunity to review the project's implementation progress and endorse an Acceleration Plan aimed at enhancing implementation efficiency.

The plan outlines priority actions for the coming months, including the operationalization of Community Climate Centres and Community Observation Groups, the deployment of climate-resilient agricultural solutions, the restoration of coastal ecosystems, and the strengthening of monitoring, evaluation, learning, and knowledge management systems.

In parallel, the OSS is conducting a monitoring, evaluation, learning, and implementation support mission from 13 to 18 July 2026. Through consultations with national partners and field visits, the mission will assess progress achieved, identify key implementation challenges, and provide targeted technical support to accelerate project delivery and maximize its impact.

As an accredited entity of the Green Climate Fund, the OSS supports the Government of Guinea-Bissau well beyond its fiduciary responsibilities by providing technical expertise and strategic guidance to translate climate finance into tangible results for the populations of the Oio and Cacheu regions. The APICA-GNB project exemplifies the Organization's commitment to delivering innovative, inclusive, and sustainable climate adaptation solutions that strengthen the resilience of coastal communities while preserving the country's valuable ecosystems.