Global Environment Facility
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established in 1991 and unites 182 member governments — in partnership with international institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector — to address global environmental issues. Today the GEF is the largest funder of projects to improve the global environment.
The GEF as Financial Mechanism of the UNCCD
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) became a financial mechanism of the UNCCD in May 2010, when the GEF instrument was amended by its Fourth Assembly. Since then, under the fifth replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund (2010-2014) and its Land Degradation Focal Area (LDFA), the GEF directly contributes to implementation of the Convention, including its UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework adopted at UNCCD COP13 in Ordos, China.
Although the LDFA strategy the UNCCD Strategy have different time frames, there are strong linkages at multiple levels, which both institutions are aiming to strengthen within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between the COP and the GEF.
The LDFA provides the framework for eligible countries to utilize GEF resources for implementing the UNCCD. Through the focal area, the GEF provides incremental financing for countries to invest in sustainable land management (SLM) activities that generate multiple environmental and development benefits.