Implementation Launch of the GEF GOLD Programme

The Global Opportunities for Long-term Development in Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Programme (GEF GOLD) held its implementation launch on 18-19 February 2019 at the Goldsmiths' Centre in London. 

The GEF GOLD programme is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment). It will be implemented by Conservation International, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Environment, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), in collaboration with a range of other partners, including members of the Global Mercury Partnership. 

The programme will help miners in eight countries (Burkina Faso, Colombia, Guyana, Indonesia, Kenya, Mongolia, Peru and the Philippines) replace toxic mercury with cleaner techniques, as well as improve access to finance and facilitate formalization of the sector.

At this milestone event, participants learned more about the GEF GOLD Programme, and exchanged ideas with members of the financial community, gold buyers/ users, ASGM policy experts, and governments, regarding specific opportunities for collaboration, investment and creating responsible gold supply chains. The launch was hosted by UN Environment, UNIDO and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), who are co-leads of the ASGM Area of the Global Mercury Partnership.