The Global Environment Facility (GEF), established in 1991, helps developing countries fund projects and programs that protect the global environment. GEF grants support projects address six complex global environmental issues: biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants.

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.

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

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.

GEF Project Information

Since 1991, GEF has provided grants for more than 1,300 projects in 140 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.

The GEF Secretariat serves and reports to the Assembly and Council. It is headed by the GEF CEO and Chairman Len Good. The Secretariat coordinates the implementation of GEF activities such as projects, 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 four international environmental conventions, the GEF helps fund initiatives that assist developing countries in meeting the objectives of the conventions. GEF also collaborates closely with other treaties and agreements.

Source: http://www.gefweb.org/