Global Environment Facility

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a family of funds for the environment and serves as the financial mechanism for six multilateral environmental conventions. In that capacity it supports developing countries in meeting their obligations and objectives under international environmental agreements, and in addressing the root causes of environmental degradation. Its work spans biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, international waters, pollution and environmental finance.

Operationally, the GEF provides financing primarily as grants for country-driven priority environmental projects and programmes. Over more than three decades it has provided more than $27 billion in financing and mobilised a further $155 billion in co-financing alongside GEF support. Its remit covers developing countries worldwide, within a global network of member countries.

Governance is exercised through member countries, the GEF Council and the Secretariat, working with implementing agencies and a wider set of partners including government agencies, civil society organisations, private companies and research institutions. The institution describes its approach as country-led and integrated, oriented towards partnership-based delivery of international environmental commitments.