The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has greenlit a substantial financial package exceeding $372 million to combat pressing environmental threats across the globe, with Nigeria and other African nations set to benefit. The decision was made during recent Council meetings, with the funds earmarked for 36 innovative programmes and projects spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Breakdown of Funding and Strategic Focus
The new funding is drawn from several critical financial mechanisms under the GEF umbrella. The allocation includes $291 million from the GEF Trust Fund, $49 million from the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), $3 million from the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), and $29 million from the newly established Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF). This integrated financial approach is designed to address interconnected crises.
The initiatives have ambitious, measurable goals, including:
- Protecting and managing hundreds of millions of hectares of vital ecosystems.
- Significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Empowering civil society and Indigenous Peoples to lead sustainable solutions.
Specific project areas will tackle illegal fishing, marine habitat protection, reduction of mercury pollution, and the promotion of regenerative agriculture and landscape restoration.
Catalytic Impact and Leadership Transition
A key highlight of the GEF's strategy is its ability to leverage significant additional investment. Projects approved since July 2022 are projected to mobilise $8.50 in co-finance for every single GEF dollar, including a substantial $8.1 billion from private sources. This demonstrates the facility's role in scaling up public and private capital for environmental action.
The Council meetings underscored the essential role of local communities. Programmes under the GBFF, LDCF, and SCCF will emphasise community stewardship, sustainable livelihoods, and rights-based approaches to build resilience in vulnerable regions.
The meeting also marked a leadership change. Carlos Manuel Rodríguez stepped down as GEF Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson. The Council appointed Claude Gascon, the GEF Director of Strategy and Operations, as the interim CEO to steer the organisation forward.
Progress Report and Future Ambitions
Representatives from the GEF's 186 member countries reviewed impressive progress towards the 2022-2026 targets. According to the latest monitoring report, the GEF has achieved remarkable results over the past four years:
- Mitigated over one billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Supported the conservation of 118 million hectares of protected land areas.
- Placed 15 million hectares of land under restoration.
- Eliminated 60,000 tonnes of hazardous chemicals.
"The progress made towards achieving our targets reflects an unprecedented record of delivery, scale, and ambition," stated Interim CEO Claude Gascon.
Looking ahead, discussions have begun for the next funding cycle (GEF-9), which starts in July 2026. The goal is to create a more streamlined and effective process. The current cycle, GEF-8, which totals $5.3 billion, will conclude in June 2026. The final negotiations will culminate at the Eighth GEF Assembly in Uzbekistan in June 2026, setting the strategic direction for environmental action up to 2030.
