About the GEF
An independent financial organization, the GEF provides grants to developing countries for projects that benefit the global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities.
GEF´s Organizational Structure
Types of Projects
GEF projects address six complex global environmental issues:
- Biodiversity
- Climate Change
- International Waters
- Land Degradation
- The Ozone Layer
- Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
GEF Funding
Since 1991, the Global Environment Facility has provided $6.8 billion in grants and generated over $24 billion in cofinancing from other sources to support over 1,900 projects that produce global environmental benefits in more than 160 developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
GEF funds are contributed by donor countries. In 2006, 32 donor countries pledged $3.13 billion to fund operations for four years.
Management of GEF Projects
GEF projects are managed by GEF Implementing Agencies:
- the United Nations Environment Programme
- the United Nations Development Programme
- the World Bank
Seven other international organizations, known as GEF Executing Agencies, contribute to the management and execution of GEF projects: African Development Bank (AfDB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
GEF Project Information
Since 1991, GEF has provided grants for more than 1,900 projects in more than 160 countries.
Search the GEF database for project information and documents.
GEF´s Organizational Structure
GEF Member Countries include developing and developed countries, as well as those with economies in transition. Each country has a GEF representative know as a "Focal Point"
The GEF Council is the main governing body of the GEF. It is comprised of 32 members who represent GEF member countries. All GEF full-size projects must be approved by the GEF Council.
The GEF Assembly is comprised of all the countries that are members of the GEF. It meets once every four years to review the policies and operations of the GEF. Amendments to the GEF Instrument—the document that establised the GEF—can be made only by the Assembly.
GEF CEO and Chairperson Monique Barbut heads the GEF Secretariat, which serves and reports to the Assembly and Council. The Secretariat coordinates the implementation of GEF's projects and programs, as well as the formulation of policies and operational strategies.
Implementing Agencies and Executing Agencies are responsible for creating project proposals and for managing GEF projects.
Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) participate in the GEF activities and assist in the design, execution, and monitoring of projects.
The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) provides objective scientific and technical advice to the GEF.
The Monitoring and Evaluation Unit conducts reviews of GEF´s work and publishes lessons learned so that the GEF´s effectiveness can enhanced.
As the financial mechanism for international environmental conventions, the GEF funds initiatives that help developing countries meet the objectives of the conventions: Convention on Biological Diversity; United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants; and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. GEF also collaborates closely with other treaties and agreements.