AGP Executive Report

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund council approved a new GEF-8 work programme that will send over $67 million to vulnerable countries, including Guinea-Bissau, with nearly $218 million in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks, boost food and water security, protect ecosystems, and improve disaster preparedness. Biodiversity & Wildlife Research: A new field report from Boé National Park, Guinea-Bissau highlights rare “accumulative stone throwing” by wild western chimpanzees—adult males repeatedly target specific trees, using pant hoots and drumming-like tree contact—adding to growing interest in how culture and communication may shape primate behaviour. Water Safety: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, noting that many African countries face unsafe supply linked to weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, and climate pressure. Regional Energy & Climate Outcomes: The World Bank says West Africa’s power integration push has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people and built 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries (including Guinea-Bissau), supporting more reliable supply and climate-related outcomes. Coastal Conservation Careers: A coastal reserves manager in the UK explains how species like little terns migrate to and from West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau, tying local conservation work to regional biodiversity.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund approved a new work programme for GEF-8, unlocking over USD 67 million (with nearly USD 218 million in co-financing) for countries including Guinea-Bissau, targeting flood and coastal risks, food and water security, ecosystem protection, and disaster preparedness. Biodiversity in Focus: A field team in Boé National Park, Guinea-Bissau investigated rare “accumulative stone throwing” by wild western chimpanzees—repeated rock-throwing at the same scarred trees—suggesting a potentially cultural communication behaviour. Water Safety Watch: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk worldwide, with many African countries facing unsafe supplies linked to infrastructure gaps, sanitation limits, and climate pressures. Food Security Pressure: WFP warned that funding shortfalls are forcing cuts in Guinea-Bissau’s June–August lean season, reducing school meals and suspending specialized nutrition for young children, pushing more families toward hunger and malnutrition.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF Council approved a new GEF-8 work program in Samarkand, bringing over $67 million to vulnerable countries including Guinea-Bissau, with nearly $218 million in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks, strengthen food and water security, protect ecosystems, and improve disaster preparedness. Food Security Pressure: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s June–August lean season will hit hard as funding shortfalls force cuts, with almost 130,000 people facing crisis hunger and school meals reduced from 283,400 to ~152,000, leaving 130,000+ children without daily nutrition; WFP also suspended specialized nutrition for under-twos. Electricity, Trade, and Climate Co-Benefits: The World Bank says its West Africa regional power programme expanded access to electricity for over three million people and built 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries (including Guinea-Bissau), supporting cross-border power trade and aiming for more reliable, lower-cost supply with climate outcomes. Wildlife and Culture in Boé: New field reporting from Boé National Park highlights rare accumulative stone throwing by wild western chimpanzees—repeated rock-throwing at specific trees—adding to growing interest in biodiversity and possible cultural behaviour. Water Safety Spotlight: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, noting that many of the lowest-ranked countries are in Africa, where weak infrastructure and sanitation leave rural communities relying on unprotected sources.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF councils approved a new GEF-8 work program that will send Guinea-Bissau more than $67 million in new climate support, with nearly $218 million in co-financing—aimed at cutting flood and coastal risks, boosting food and water security, protecting ecosystems, and strengthening disaster preparedness. Food Security Under Pressure: The World Food Programme warned that funding shortfalls are forcing cuts during Guinea-Bissau’s June–August lean season, with crisis-level hunger expected for nearly 130,000 people; school meals have already been reduced and specialized nutrition for children under two has been suspended. Safe Water Risk Spotlight: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, noting that many of the lowest-ranked countries are in Africa and face problems like weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, and climate pressure. Wildlife & Culture in Focus: New field reporting from Guinea-Bissau explores rare “accumulative stone throwing” by wild western chimpanzees, looking at the social and ecological context of a behavior that may be cultural. Regional Power & Climate Outcomes: The World Bank says a West Africa power integration programme has expanded electricity access to over three million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries including Guinea-Bissau, and is linking improved power reliability with climate-related outcomes.

Climate Resilience Finance: The GEF’s Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund council approved a new GEF-8 work programme for vulnerable states, including Guinea-Bissau, with over $67m in new funding and nearly $218m in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks, boost food and water security, protect ecosystems, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Food Security Pressure: The World Food Programme warned that funding shortfalls are forcing cuts during Guinea-Bissau’s June–August lean season, pushing children and vulnerable families deeper into hunger and malnutrition; school meals have been reduced and specialized nutrition for under-twos has been suspended. Power and Climate Outcomes: A World Bank-backed regional power programme expanded electricity access across West Africa, with Guinea-Bissau named among the countries benefiting from grid upgrades and cross-border trade—aimed at more reliable, affordable, and sustainable power with reported climate outcomes. Wildlife and Culture: New field reporting from Guinea-Bissau highlights rare chimpanzee stone-throwing behaviour, suggesting a potentially cultural communication pattern tied to specific trees. Water Safety (Global lens): A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, noting that many of the lowest-ranked countries are in Africa, where infrastructure and sanitation gaps persist.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF Council approved a new GEF-8 work programme that will send Guinea-Bissau over $67m in adaptation support, aiming to cut flood and coastal risks, boost food and water security, protect ecosystems, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Food Security Under Pressure: The UN World Food Programme warned that funding shortfalls are worsening hunger in Guinea-Bissau during the June–August lean season, with school meals cut from 283,400 to ~152,000 and specialized nutrition for under-2s suspended, leaving tens of thousands more children at risk. Regional Power and Climate Outcomes: A World Bank-backed West Africa power integration push reported 3+ million new electricity connections and thousands of kilometres of transmission lines across the West African Power Pool, including Guinea-Bissau, with the programme also citing climate outcomes and improved reliability. Wildlife and Culture Research: New field reporting from Guinea-Bissau highlights rare chimpanzee “accumulative stone throwing,” a behaviour researchers are studying for its social and ecological meaning.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund approved a new work program for 2030, with Guinea-Bissau among the beneficiaries—over $67m in new funding and nearly $218m in co-financing aimed at cutting flood and coastal risks, boosting food and water security, protecting ecosystems, and strengthening disaster preparedness. Food Security Pressure: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s lean season is set to worsen hunger and malnutrition as funding shortfalls force cuts, including fewer school meals (283,400 down to ~152,000) and suspension of specialized nutrition for children under two. Power and Climate Outcomes: A World Bank-backed West Africa power integration push reported gains for Guinea-Bissau and neighbors—over 4,000 km of transmission lines across 15 countries, electricity access for 3+ million people, and progress toward a regional electricity market that could improve reliability and support climate-related outcomes. Wildlife & Culture: New field reporting from Boé National Park highlights rare “accumulative stone throwing” by wild western chimpanzees, adding to growing interest in how animal behavior may reflect complex communication and culture.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund approved a new GEF-8 work programme, sending over USD 67 million (with nearly USD 218 million in co-financing) to vulnerable countries including Guinea-Bissau, targeting flood and coastal risks, food and water security, ecosystem protection, and disaster preparedness. Electricity Access & Climate Outcomes: The World Bank says its West Africa power integration programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people and built 4,000+ km of transmission lines linking 15 countries in the West African Power Pool, improving cross-border trade, utility finances, and reliability—with Guinea-Bissau among the connected markets. Food Security Pressure: WFP warns that funding shortfalls are forcing cuts during Guinea-Bissau’s June–August lean season, with almost 130,000 people expected to face crisis hunger, school meals reduced from 283,400 to ~152,000, and specialized nutrition for under-twos suspended. Wildlife & Culture Research: A new field report from Boé National Park highlights rare chimpanzee stone-throwing at specific trees, suggesting a potentially cultural behaviour linked to communication signals.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund council has approved a new GEF-8 work programme, bringing over USD 67 million to vulnerable countries including Guinea-Bissau, with nearly USD 218 million in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks, boost food and water security, protect ecosystems, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Electricity Access & Climate Outcomes: A World Bank-backed West Africa power programme says it has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people and built 4,000+ km of transmission lines linking 15 countries in the West African Power Pool, including Guinea-Bissau, aiming to launch a regional electricity market to improve reliability and reduce costs. Food Security Under Strain: The UN World Food Programme warns that June–August lean-season cuts are pushing children and vulnerable families deeper into hunger and malnutrition, including reduced school meals and suspended specialized nutrition for under-twos due to funding shortfalls and supply disruptions. Wildlife & Culture Research: A new field report from Boé National Park highlights rare chimpanzee stone-throwing behavior, with researchers linking it to social communication patterns in Guinea-Bissau’s wild chimpanzees.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund approved a new LDCF/SCCF work program for GEF-8, unlocking over $67 million for countries including Guinea-Bissau, with nearly $218 million in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks, boost food and water security, protect ecosystems, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Food Security Under Strain: The UN World Food Programme warned that June–August lean-season hunger in Guinea-Bissau is worsening as funding shortfalls force cuts, including fewer school meals (from 283,400 to about 152,000) and suspension of specialized nutrition for children under two, leaving tens of thousands without critical support. Power and Climate Co-Benefits: A World Bank-backed West Africa power programme says it has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people and built 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries (including Guinea-Bissau), aiming to improve reliability and support a regional electricity market. Wildlife Research in Boé: New field reporting from Boé National Park highlights rare chimpanzee stone-throwing behavior, with researchers linking it to social communication and the local ecological context.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund council approved a new LDCF/SCCF work program for 2030, unlocking over USD 67 million for vulnerable countries including Guinea-Bissau, with plans to cut flood and coastal risks, boost food and water security, protect ecosystems, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Food Security Pressure: The UN World Food Programme warned that June–August lean-season funding shortfalls are worsening hunger and malnutrition in Guinea-Bissau, cutting school meals from 283,400 to about 152,000 and suspending specialized nutrition for children under two, leaving tens of thousands without critical support. Power and Climate Co-Benefits: The World Bank says its West Africa power integration push is expanding cross-border electricity trade across 15 countries (including Guinea-Bissau), with 4,000+ km of transmission lines built and millions gaining access since 2019—aiming for more reliable, affordable, and climate-friendly supply. Wildlife Insight: A new field report from Boé National Park highlights rare chimpanzee stone-throwing behavior, linking repeated rock-throwing at specific trees with communication signals like pant hooting and drumming.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF Council approved a new 2030-guided work program for vulnerable countries, including Guinea-Bissau, with over $67m in new funding and nearly $218m in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks, boost food and water security, protect ecosystems, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Food Security Pressure: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s lean season is set to worsen hunger and malnutrition as funding shortfalls force cuts, including reduced school meals (283,400 down to ~152,000) and suspension of specialized nutrition for under-twos, leaving tens of thousands without critical support. Wildlife & Culture in the Wild: New reporting from Boé National Park explores rare “accumulative stone throwing” by wild western chimpanzees—repeated rock-throwing at the same trees—adding a fresh angle on animal behavior, communication, and conservation interest in Guinea-Bissau’s biodiversity hotspots. Energy Infrastructure Risk: OMVG leadership warns that financial constraints and contract tensions could delay major projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG interconnection, threatening energy integration and community development.

Climate Finance for Resilience: The LDCF/SCCF Council has approved a new GEF-8 work program, unlocking over $67 million for vulnerable countries including Guinea-Bissau, with nearly $218 million in co-financing to cut flood and coastal risks, boost food and water security, protect ecosystems, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Food Security Pressure: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s lean season is set to worsen hunger and malnutrition as funding shortfalls force cuts, including reduced school meals (283,400 down to ~152,000) and suspension of specialized nutrition for children under two, leaving tens of thousands without critical support. Wildlife & Culture Research: A new field report from Boé National Park explores rare “accumulative stone throwing” by wild western chimpanzees—repeat visits to the same trees, pant hoots, and drumming—highlighting how social and ecological context may shape long-running animal communication.

Chimpanzee Culture in Boé National Park: New field reporting from Guinea-Bissau describes rare “accumulative stone throwing” by wild western chimpanzees—adult males repeatedly target the same trees, with pant hoots and buttress drumming that may signal a long-running social tradition. Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF approved over USD 67 million for Guinea-Bissau and other vulnerable countries under the Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund, aiming to cut flood and coastal risks and boost food and water security. Hunger Warning as Aid Cuts Bite: WFP says funding shortfalls are forcing cuts during Guinea-Bissau’s June–August lean season, reducing school meals and suspending specialized nutrition for children under two, pushing more families toward crisis hunger. Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea: Guinea-Bissau joined Obangame Express OE26 in Cameroon, a West and Central Africa exercise targeting illegal fishing, piracy, and trafficking to improve coordination and readiness.

Food Security Crisis: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s June–August lean season could push nearly 130,000 people into crisis hunger, with school meal support cut from 283,400 to about 152,000 pupils and specialized nutrition for under-twos suspended, leaving around 56,000 children without key support amid funding shortfalls and rising costs. Maritime Environment & Illegal Fishing: Obangame Express OE26, a major West and Central Africa sea-safety drill, wrapped up May 1 in Cameroon, bringing together more than 30 countries including Guinea-Bissau to tackle sea crimes like illegal fishing, piracy, and trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. Regional Energy Risks: OMVG’s Guinea minister and chairman Laye Sekou Camara warned that financial constraints and contract tensions could delay flagship energy projects such as the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG Interconnection, urging member states to clear dues and secure 2026 budgets.

Food Security Crisis: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s June–August lean season is set to push children and vulnerable families deeper into hunger and malnutrition, with nearly 130,000 people facing crisis levels and 73% lacking essential nutrients; school meal support has already been cut from 283,400 to about 152,000 students, and WFP has suspended specialized nutrition for under-twos, leaving around 56,000 children without critical early support amid funding shortfalls and supply disruptions. Maritime Environment & Illegal Fishing: Obangame Express OE26, a major Gulf of Guinea maritime security drill, wrapped up May 1 after three weeks of joint work against sea crimes including illegal fishing, piracy, and trafficking, with Guinea-Bissau among the participating countries. Mangroves & Coastal Protection: A roundup on the world’s largest mangrove cover points to Bangladesh’s Sundarbans as the biggest contiguous mangrove forest, highlighting how mangroves help buffer storms and store carbon—relevant for coastal resilience planning.