December 20, 2024 - The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has announced a commitment of $99.8 million in funding for UNEP initiatives aimed at delivering substantial environmental benefits. This funding, announced during the 68th GEF Council, will support projects focused on addressing the crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss and pollution and waste.
The six projects and three programs led and co-led by UNEP are designed to strongly contribute key outcomes including:
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Addressing chemicals of concern and waste: Initiatives will target the reduction and management of hazardous chemicals and waste, ensuring safer and healthier environments.
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Supporting marine and terrestrial habitats: The new projects will support the cooperative management of 16.1 million hectares of marine habitats and 28.6 million hectares of terrestrial habitats, promoting the sustainable use and conservation of these critical ecosystems.
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Strengthening capacity on transparency: UNEP will support enhancing national and regional capacities for implementing enhanced transparency framework in the Caribbean region.
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Benefitting communities: The initiatives are expected to benefit 45 million people, with a strong emphasis on gender equality, as half of the beneficiaries will be women.
The newly funded projects will span developing countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), ensuring that support reaches the regions most in need.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said the funding is a welcome investment in tackling the world’s environmental challenges and working for the planet and people.
“This funding is a testament to our ongoing efforts to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. By investing in these critical areas, we are not only protecting our natural world but also enhancing the well-being of communities around the world.”
GEF CEO and Chairperson, Carlos Manuel Rodríguez said, "These projects will mark a significant advancement in tackling the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. By fostering integrated actions across multiple fronts, they will empower countries worldwide to achieve substantial environmental benefits. Clear and effective communication of their objectives and impacts will be essential to ensuring their success throughout their implementation.”
For more information on UNEP and our work with the Global Environment Facility, reach out to us at unep-gef@un.org.
