The Global Environment Facility (GEF)
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established in October 1991 on the eve of the Rio Earth Summit to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems.
Since its establishment the GEF:
- provided USD 21.1 bln in grants,
- mobilized USD 114 bln in co-financing,
- implemented 5,000+ projects in 170 countries,
- supported 25,000+ civil society and community initiatives in 133 countries through the Small Grants Programme.
At the 54th GEF Council Meeting principles of the Facility were reviewed, so now the GEF:
- channels its investments to catalyze transformational change in systems with major environmental damage, in particular energy, city infrastructure and food;
- gives preference to integrated projects and programs that address more than one global environmental problem at a time relying on the unique position and mandate of the GEF;
- implements new strategies and policies to enhance results — through stronger engagement with the private sector, indigenous peoples, and civil society, — and has an increased focus on gender equality.