The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established by donor governments in 1991, largely to pre-empt politically more radical alternative models of conservation finance proposed at the Rio Earth Summit. It helps so called developing countries (that is, poorer governments) to fund projects and programs that are claimed to protect the global environment. GEF grants support projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants. The GEF is run from the World Bank, which limits its independence of both action and policy.

GEF Funding

Since 1991, the Global Environment Facility has provided $6.2 billion in grants and generated over $20 billion in co-financing from other sources to support over 1,800 projects that produce global environmental benefits in 140 developing countries and countries with economies in transition. Up to 20% of this funding flows through Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

GEF funds are contributed by donor countries. In 2002, 32 donor countries pledged $3 billion to fund operations through 2006.

Management of GEF Projects

GEF projects are managed by a set of Implementing Agencies, notably:

• United Nations Environment Programme
• United Nations Development Programme
• World Bank

External links

• GEF Web site - What is the GEF?
• GEF International Waters Resource Centre
• Independent academic research-based critiques of the GEF
• Independent documentary about the GEF
• MetaMute article: After the Greenrush - Saving Nature for Capital with the Global Environment Facility

Recent news

• GEF Council Approves $224 Million in Grants for 19 Projects to Improve the Global Environment (21 November 2003)
• Other GEF Press Releases

Globale Umweltfazilität