Global Environment Facility (GEF): Empowering Global Environmental Action

• In June 2024, the 67th Council meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) approved a landmark funding package of $736.4 million to support 34 environmental projects worldwide. 
• This comprehensive funding encompasses initiatives under the GEF Trust Fund, the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), and the newly established Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF).

Key Initiatives and Global Impact

Great Green Wall (GGW) Initiative

• The GGW project aims to restore landscapes and ecosystems across the Sahel region of Africa. 
• By combating desertification and promoting sustainable land management, the initiative seeks to enhance climate resilience and improve livelihoods in the region.

Sustainable Cities Integrated Program (SCIP)

• SCIP is a 20-country program designed to catalyse urban system transformation. 
• It focuses on promoting sustainable urban development through integrated approaches that address climate change, resource efficiency, and social inclusion.

Coral Bond Initiative

• Building on the success of the 2022 "rhino bond," the Coral Bond aims to connect private capital with urgent conservation needs. 
• This innovative financing mechanism supports coral reef restoration and protection efforts, enhancing marine biodiversity and resilience.

India's Contribution: CoHABITAT Project

• India is set to benefit from GEF funding through the CoHABITAT project, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands, forests, and grasslands along the Central Asian Flyway. 
• With a grant of $10.7 million, the project aims to secure populations of migratory bird species in India.

About the Global Environment Facility (GEF)

• Established: 1992, during the Rio Earth Summit.
• Governance: The GEF Council serves as the main governing body.
• Trustee: World Bank.
• Secretariat: Washington, D.C., USA.
• Member Countries: 186 countries, including India.

Key Initiatives:

• Small Grants Programme (SGP): Supports community-led conservation initiatives.
• Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF): Funds climate adaptation projects in vulnerable nations.
• Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF): Addresses climate variability and change.
• Planet GOLD: Aims to reduce mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining.
• Blue Nature Alliance: conserves Ocean and marine biodiversity.