What's New
Statement by CEO Monique Barbut
Turning Up the Heat: A Call for More Concerted Global Action on Climate Change
WASHINGTON, DC, April 13, 2007 - One of the hottest items on the world’s virtual newsstands since April 6 has been the newest report launched by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The report estimates with greater than 90% confidence that climate change over recent years is human-induced. This and other such reports are heating up the public discourse on climate change impacts around the world. Are we, as a global society, finally waking up to these urgent threats for dire changes to the planet? And what should we do about it?
Beating the Heat with Technology and Innovation:
Beijing’s hydrogen-powered fuel cell buses spell hope for the future
Beijing, China and Washington, DC, April 9, 2007 – In an April 5 visit to Beijing, Monique Barbut, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the 177-nation Global Environment Facility (GEF), took a ride on one of the three zero-emission, hydrogen-powered fuel-cell buses now plying the streets of Beijing and saw first-hand a state-of-the-art refueling station for the buses, part of a GEF-funded project at the fore of the global response to climate change.
Revitalizing the GEF
The GEF, replenished in 2006 for $3.13 billion, is undergoing an institutional sea change. In December 2006, new CEO and Chairperson Monique Barbut announced a sweeping Sustainability Compact to create a revitalized GEF which is strategic, innovative, equitable, accessible and focused.
On April 2, 2007, at a GEF Sub-regional Workshop for countries in East and South East Asia, CEO Barbut outlined the current actions the GEF Secretariat has taken with partners to achieve the Compact goals through a series of global institutional changes.
Statement by CEO Monique Barbut on World Water Day 2007
Winning the Water Wars? New Models for Post-Conflict Cooperation on Water
WASHINGTON, DC, March 22, 2007. On World Water Day 2007, we stand face-to-face with the frightening specter of increasingly scarce and poor-quality water around the globe. In the public glare of this urgent problem, there are success stories which identify real solutions. They deserve to be aired and understood.
Tackling Climate Change Now:
GEF Project in India's Karnataka State Shows How
WASHINGTON, DC, January 30, 2007. The just-concluded World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland may well have succeeded in casting the spotlight on climate change, but practical solutions are already being developed. Monique Barbut, GEF CEO saw a pioneering project during a recent visit to Koratgere village, a two-hour drive from teeming Bangalore city, deep in the heart of Karnataka state dubbed India’s Silicon valley.
Special Climate Change Fund Finances Adaptation Projects
WASHINGTON, DC, December 18, 2006. Poor communities in flood-prone Guyana and drought-stricken Kenya, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe will soon have a better chance at fighting the impacts of climate change, thanks to two innovative, multi-million dollar projects financed by the Global Environment Facility’s Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF).
21 New Countries Added to the GEF Small Grants Programme
WASHINGTON, DC, December 12, 2006.A newly formed Steering Committee of the GEF Small Grants Programme, comprising the GEF Secretariat, Implementing Agencies and Executing Agencies, held its first meeting on December 11, 2006. A major outcome of the meeting, to be conveyed to all countries and GEF operational and political focal points by the end of this week, was the announcement that 21 new countries who applied are eligible for grant funding from the SGP.
CEO Spells Out New Vision for GEF in Five Point Sustainability Compact
WASHINGTON, DC, December 5, 2006. In a major policy speech to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council meeting today, Monique Barbut, GEF CEO and Chairperson, outlined an exciting new vision for GEF, the world’s largest financier of global environmental protection projects. “I want to break apart the complex web of bureaucracy which today defines the GEF and put in place a five-point Sustainability Compact so that the GEF can be counted on as a leading force for sustainable development for all people,” she said.
"Environment is the Main Issue of the 21st Century" - GEF CEO and Chairperson
MONTREAL, CANADA, November 30, 2006. Monique Barbut, GEF CEO and Chairperson delivered a hard-hitting speech to the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations today. Addressing an influential audience of policymakers, environmentalists, and development practitioners, she noted that protecting the earth's natural resource base requires urgent actions, including embedding environmental issues into economic development, unleashing the power of markets, and igniting the talents of policymakers to become champions of sustainability.
Read Ms. Barbut’s Statement English, French
GEF CEO Speaks at High Level Segment of Climate Change Convention Meeting
NAIROBI, KENYA, November 15, 2006. GEF CEO and Chairperson Monique Barbut addressed the Joint High-level Segment of the COP 12 and COP/MOP 2 at the United Nations Climate Change Convention Conference today in Nairobi, Kenya. Ms. Barbut spoke of the challenges in linking adaptation to development and reaffirmed GEF’s commitment to helping vulnerable countries adapt to climate change.
Read Ms. Barbut’s Statement English, French
View webcast of Ms. Barbut’s Statement English, French
Climate Change Convention Meeting Opens in Nairobi
NAIROBI, KENYA, November 14, 2006. Up to 7,000 delegates from around the world are in Nairobi, Kenya for the twelfth session of the Conference of the Parties to the Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC). The conference, which runs from November 6 to 17, 2006, is the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa and is being held in conjunction with the second meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol.
Draft Annual Report
October 5, 2006
Revised Draft Text of Annual Report 2005
Comments received from the United States
Foiling the Use of Harmful Chemicals in Anti-Fouling Ship Paints
WASHINGTON, DC, 27 September, 2006. Fishing boat owners in China’s high seas and waterways use paints laced with harmful chemicals to thwart barnacles and seaweeds. A new GEF-funded project aims to tackle the problem of these toxic anti-fouling ship paints.
STAP Seeks Applicants to Complete Roster of Experts
WASHINGTON, DC, 6 September, 2006. The Scientific & Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) to the Global Environment Facility is seeking experts to review project proposals submitted to the GEF. As the GEF begins its fourth phase, STAP is inviting qualified candidates with expertise in specific areas needed to complement the existing roster, in order to address GEF priorities in the coming four years. The application deadline is October 1, 2006.
View call for applications (pdf 37 kb)
Third GEF Assembly Comes to a Close
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, August 30, 2006. The Third Assembly of the Global Environment Facility concluded today in Cape Town, South Africa. Held every four years, the GEF Assembly gathers ministers and high-level officials from GEF member States to review the policies and operations of the GEF. Over 1,200 participants were in attendance, representing governments, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia and the private sector.
GEF Gets a $3.13 Billion Boost;
New Funds Will Combat Environmental Degradation
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, August 28, 2006. The world’s largest environmental funding body—Global Environment Facility (GEF)—received its biggest ever financial boost today with 32 governments agreeing to contribute $3.13 billion to finance environmental projects over the next four years.
The agreement was endorsed by the 32-member GEF Council in Cape Town where the Third GEF Assembly will commence tomorrow.
Green Team Climbs Aboard South Africa's World Cup Transport Plan
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA/WASHINGTON, DC, 28 August 2006. An ambitious plan to boost public transport in the run up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup is to get a helping hand from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations it was announced today.
The Government of South Africa has embarked on a multi-million dollar initiative—the Public Transport Infrastructure Fund—to upgrade bus and rail services in time for the opening whistle in 2010.
Developing Country Cities Climb On Board for Sustainable Public Transport Push
WASHINGTON, DC, 21 August 2006. A 21st century public transport project is getting underway in Jakarta in a move highlighting growing determination to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the fast growing cities of Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The nearly $200 million Indonesian Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) project aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by over 30 million tonnes over 20 years partly by orchestrating a 30 percent increase in passengers switching from private automobiles to buses.
Third GEF Assembly Goes to Cape Town, South Africa
The Third GEF Assembly is being hosted by the Government of South Africa from August 29-30, 2006 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Shrimp Fishermen Get a Taste for Environment-Friendly Trawling
WASHINGTON/NAIROBI/ROME, August 7, 2006. Shrimp lovers can tuck into their favourite food with a less guilty conscience courtesy of a pioneering project that is reducing the environmental damage from shrimp trawling. The project, funded by the multi-billion dollar Global Environment Facility (GEF), has dramatically cut the unwanted catch of young fish, turtles and other ‘by-catch’ by as much as 30 to 70 percent in some countries.
July 18, 2006
Draft Text of GEF 2005 Annual Report
June 26, 2006
Compilation of Technical Comments Submitted by Council Members on the June 2006 Work Program
French President Congratulates New GEF CEO
Paris, France, June 23, 2006. The President of France, His Excellency Mr. Jacques Chirac yesterday congratulated Mrs. Monique Barbut on her appointment as CEO of the Global Environment Facility. The letter conveys felicitations to the French national on her unanimous appointment to lead the GEF, and reaffirms France's commitment to the global effort to protect the environment.
View President Chirac's letter
New GEF CEO Appointed
June 9, 2006. The Council of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) yesterday appointed Mrs. Monique Barbut, a French national, to a three-year term as its Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson.
STAP Meeting Held in Washington
May 16, 2006. The GEF’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) held its semi-annual meeting in Washington DC, April 4-6, 2006. “Our mandate is to provide the GEF with the best strategic scientific and technical advice,” said Yolanda Kakabadse, STAP Chair, while welcoming participants and providing them with an overview of STAP activities over the past year.
Winners Announced for 2006 Development Marketplace
May 10, 2006. 30 projects, many of them recognized for their contribution to the global environment, have been selected as winners in a global competition, Development Marketplace 2006, held at the World Bank and co-sponsored by the GEF. The winners were chosen from 118 projects, drawn from 55 countries.
Persistent Organic Pollutants Convention Meeting Opens in Geneva, Switzerland
May 2, 2006. The second Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants opened on May 1, 2006, under the chairmanship of Nicholas Kiddle of New Zealand. Len Good, GEF CEO and Chairman, spoke at the opening and called for integration of national chemicals programmes and mainstreaming of chemicals management in national development strategies.
Read more in Earth Negotiations Bulletin
Bangladesh Hosts Climate Fund Meetings
April 12, 2006. A three-day meeting on the Least Developed Countries Fund to offset the adverse impacts of global climate change concluded April 6, 2006 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
“The most vulnerable countries will be placed on more solid ground from which to achieve their sustainable development goals,” said Richard Hosier, GEF Climate Change Team Leader, addressing GEF support for adaptation at a press conference.
Two-Track Direction for Conserving Biodiversity
March 29, 2006. At an historic opening of the Ministerial Segment of the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of the Parties in Curitiba, Brazil, Global Environment Facility CEO and Chairman Len Good outlined the evolving two-track GEF response to biodiversity conservation, with a growing focus on mainstreaming biodiversity in production landscapes while continuing to support protected areas as the cornerstones of conservation.
Achim Steiner Appointed Executive Director for UNEP
March 23, 2006. A new Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been appointed to succeed two-term incumbent Klaus Toepfer.
Achim Steiner, currently the Director-General of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), will assume the role for a four-year term starting on June 16, 2006.
Biodiversity Convention Meeting Opens in Curitiba,
Brazil’s Ecological Capital
March 20, 2006. The eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-8) opened today in Curitiba, Brazil. Over 100 Ministers and 3000 delegates are attending the meetings that run through March 30, 2006.
“The Parties to the Convention can count on the GEF as a proactive partner,” said Gonzalo Castro, GEF Biodiversity Team Leader, while providing an update on GEF activities to the plenary.
GEF Drive for Sustainability at
4th World Water Forum
March 14, 2006. With the kickoff of the 4th World Water Forum on March 16 in Mexico City, global attention will once again focus on the role of water resources as drivers of development. In keeping with its mandate of mobilizing international cooperation to safeguard international waters, GEF is organizing a slate of exciting events that will be held throughout the Forum.
Parliamentarians to Tackle Climate Change
March 2, 2006. In a major development, Prime Minister Tony Blair of UK has challenged parliamentarians and business leaders from rich and rapidly-industrializing countries to do more to combat climate change.
“I have no doubt, whatsoever, that climate change is the greatest environmental challenge we face,” said Prime Minister Blair lending his support to a new initiative, the G-8 + 5 Legislators and Business Leaders Climate Change Dialogue.
The initiative was launched by GLOBE and Com+ Alliance, of which the GEF is a founding member.
Read more (pdf 9kb)
Statement by Prime Minister Tony Blair (pdf 5mb)
176 GEF Member Countries to gather in Cape Town for Historic Assembly
February 22, 2006. Representatives from 176 countries, leading environmentalists, policymakers from public and private sectors and civil society will meet at the Third GEF Assembly, hosted by the Government of South Africa during August 29-30, 2006. The Assembly will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CITCC). As the principal governing body of the GEF, the Assembly will chart a forward-looking agenda and work program for the GEF, including field visits to GEF-financed projects.
Updates will be posted as program and other details become available.
GEF Cosponsors Forum on Renewable Energy Policy
February 1, 2006. To make good on a promise to developing countries to explore policy and capacity development for renewables, the GEF has been cosponsoring and co-organizing the International Grid-Connected Renewable Energy Policy Forum on February 1-3, 2006, in Mexico City. The forum, also sponsored by the Energy Ministry of Mexico and the World Bank, and organized in cooperation with the Global Wind Energy Council, is aimed at facilitating greater use of on-grid renewable energy in the developing word.
View press release: English (PDF 137 KB), Spanish
Speech by Len Good
Chairman and CEO Leonard Good to Retire in
July 2006
In November 2005, GEF CEO Leonard Good announced to the GEF Council that on completion of his three-year term on June 30, 2006, he would not seek a second term but would return to private life in Canada. Over the coming months until his departure, Mr. Good will lead the GEF in finalizing the fourth replenishment of the GEF, organizing the third GEF Assembly, and preparing for the implementation of the new Resource Allocation Framework (RAF).
Benchmark Ecosystem Assessment Wins Award
December 22, 2005. The 1,360 scientists whose research contributed to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) were awarded the prestigious Zayed Prize, worth $300,000, for Scientific and Technological Achievement. “This award recognizes the importance of the Assessment to our understanding of trends in the health of the world’s ecosystems," said Leonard Good, CEO and Chairman of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which provided $7.3 million towards the MEA.
December 8, 2005
Compilation of Technical Comments Submitted by Council Members on the November 2005 Work Program
GEF at Historic Climate Change Conference
December 1, 2005. Up to 10,000 delegates are meeting in Montreal, Canada for the eleventh session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC). The conference, which runs from November 28 to December 9, is the largest intergovernmental climate conference since the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997. Parallel to the conference, the first ever meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol will be held. As the financial mechanism for the UNFCCC, the GEF is playing a critical role at the conference, presenting its Resource Allocation Framework (RAF), launching new publications, and hosting side events and an exhibit.
UNFCCC Conference web site
GEF's work on climate change and renewable energy
Update, December 5 - RAF side event (pdf 212kb | 6 pages)
Update, December 6 - Report to COP (pdf 71kb | 2 pages)
UpDATE, December 7 - High-level Panels, pgs 4 & 6
(pdf 240kb | 7 pages)
Update, December 8 - High-level Panels, pg 2
(pdf 202kb | 6 pages)
New Publications for Climate Change Convention
December 1, 2005. The GEF’s work on climate change mitigation and renewable energy is featured in two new series released by the GEF to coincide with the eleventh session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Climate Change Convention, held November 28–December 9, 2005 in Montreal, Canada.
View climate change and renewable energy publications
NGO Guide to the GEF
November 30, 2005. This new guide is intended to help NGOs understand how the GEF operates, how to apply for its funds, and how to influence its policies. It was developed by NGOs for NGOs, and is a work in progress as the GEF evolves and adopts new policies.
View the NGO Guide to the GEF
GEF-Development Marketplace Partnership
November 21, 2005. Awards of up to $200,000 to fund environmental projects can be won under a new partnership between the GEF and the Development Marketplace, a competitive grant program of the World Bank that funds innovative, small-scale development projects. The GEF Council took the decision to collaborate with the Development Marketplace at a meeting in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, November 17. Support for the competition will give the GEF increased reach to local organizations in civil society, the private sector and government.
N.B. Call for proposals now closed (Dec 1, 2005)
View press release (pdf 101kb)
View call for proposals (pdf 127kb)
New Publications for International Year of Deserts and Desertification
October 31, 2005.Sustainable land management is the theme of several new publications issued by the GEF in honor of the International Year of Deserts and Desertification (2006).
View sustainable land management publications
Annual Report 2004: Producing Results for the Global Environment
October 31, 2005. The annual report is a review of GEF activity during fiscal year 2004, including financial statements, lists of GEF Council members, focal points, and NGO contacts, as well as latest information on GEF’s portfolio and new projects.
View the report (pdf 1.4mb)
September 14, 2005
Compilation of Technical Comments Submitted by Council Members on the July 2005 Intersessional Work Program
Progress Report on the Millennium Development Goals
September 8, 2005. This report explains how the GEF family is committed to helping reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by mobilizing international cooperation to protect the global environment in ways that promote sustainable development and create opportunities for the world’s poor. Sections on each of the eight critical MDGs illustrate the GEF's contribution to achieving the goals.
View the report (pdf 4mb)
Council Adopts Major Reform Program
September 2, 2005. The GEF Council has adopted a major reform program that will change the way GEF provides grants to developing countries.
The new resource allocation framework (RAF) will explicitly link the award of GEF resources to a country’s potential to generate global environmental benefits as well as its performance, including transparency and good governance.
More about the reform program (pdf 95kb)
August 3, 2005
Compilation of Technical Comments Submitted by Council Members on the June 2005 Work Program
May 12, 2005
GEF Resource Allocation Framework: Technical Note 5: GEF Benefits Index for Biodiversity (GBIBIO)
May 4, 2005
GEF Resource Allocation Framework: Technical Note 4: GEF Benefits Index for Climate Change (GBIcc)
April 27, 2005
GEF Resource Allocation Framework: Technical Note 3: Threshold for Individual Country Allocations
April 25, 2005
Compilation of Technical Comments Submitted by Council Members on Intersessional Work Program Approved in April 2005
April 4, 2005
Job Announcement - Team Leader - Communications & Outreach
March 31, 2005
Draft Annual Report 2004
November, 2004
GEF Council Meeting, November 17-19, 2004
Joint Summary of the Chairs
October, 2004
Written Comments received regarding the GEF Seminar on Resource Allocation Framework, September 27-28, 2004
Belgium
Bolivia
Canada
Colombia
India
Mexico
Spain
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States
UNFCCC
August, 2004
GEF Seminar on Resource Allocation Framework
September 27-28, 2004
Paris, France
Contact: Secretariat@theGEF.org
GEF Resource Allocation Framework (Zip File)
Annotated Provisional Agenda
Provisional Agenda
July 2004
Written Comments received from Council Members regarding GEF/C.23/7 Performance Based Allocation Framework for GEF Resources:
Colombia (June 29, 2004)
Colombia (June 30, 2004)
Denmark
France
Germany
India
Netherlands
Pakistan
Action Plan to respond to recommendations for improving GEF's performance
Summary of the Meeting of Potential Donors for the Special Climate Change Fund
Attachments
June 2004
Annual Report 2003 - Making a difference for the Environment and People
June 2004 - GEF Global Action on Renewable Energy
- The GEF and Renewable Energy
- Financing for Renewable Energy
- Supporting New Renewable Energy Technologies
- The China-GEF Partnership for Renewable Energy
- Promoting Solar PV Systems in Sudan
June 2004 - Special Report
Converting the World to Renewable Energies
May 2004
Forest Matters: GEF´s Contribution to Conserving and Sustaining Forest Ecosystems
May 2004
Instrument for the Establishment of the Restructured Global Environment Facility
Rules of Procedure for the GEF Council
March 11, 2004
Revised Draft Annual Report 2003
March 9, 2004
Revised List of Annexes to the Project Cycle: An Update (GEF/C.22/Inf.9)
February 2004
Intersessional Work Program Submitted for Council Approval
Job Announcement: Director, Monitoring and Evaluation
(Closing Date: March 12, 2004)
Definition of Project Changes (revised), February 11, 2004
Joint Summary of the Chairs, GEF Council Meeting, November 19-21, 2003
Speech by Len Good to the GEF Council, November 19, 2003
November 2003
Council Meeting Documents
November 12, 2003
Talking Points Vol.3 No.2