The Global Environment Facility has granted $52.8 million for four new projects led by the UN Environment Programme. This funding focuses on ecosystem restoration, clean transportation, and enhancing climate reporting. The approvals came during the GEF’s 70th Council meeting in Washington, D.C., shortly after the United Nations Environment Assembly.
These projects mark a shift towards practical environmental finance. Rather than just signaling policy, funding is now tied to specific outcomes. The aim is to tackle land and marine degradation, reduce transport emissions, and close gaps in climate accountability in developing nations.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen highlighted these investments as essential for translating multilateral commitments into actionable programs that align with climate, biodiversity, and pollution priorities. Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, the CEO of the GEF, described the initiatives as integrated efforts that benefit both ecosystems and communities.
Focus on Madagascar
Two of the initiatives target Madagascar, emphasizing both ecosystem protection and clean transportation. A $7.2 million project will enhance management of over 655,000 hectares of wetlands and marine areas. It plans to restore 24,000 hectares of mangroves and improve livelihoods for about 60,000 people. The expected outcome is a significant reduction of over 41 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, positioning wetlands as key climate assets.
Additionally, a $2 million project aims to expand electric mobility in Madagascar. This funding will support policy changes and build institutional capacity to lower vehicle emissions, especially in urban regions.
Indonesia’s Blue Economy Initiatives
In Indonesia, a $9 million initiative will improve marine governance to support a sustainable blue economy. This project aims to sustainably manage 1.42 million hectares of marine habitats and restore 50,000 hectares of mangroves and seagrass. It is projected to prevent around 2.19 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over 20 years, benefiting approximately 200,000 people through better ecosystem services and livelihoods.
This initiative also addresses pollution from land to sea by integrating spatial planning, which is crucial for countries facing rapid development and environmental challenges.
Building Climate Transparency
The largest funding allocation, $34.6 million, will aid 25 countries in preparing their Biennial Transparency Reports to the UNFCCC, part of the Paris Agreement. This program will help produce 50 national climate reports, strengthening emissions tracking and climate governance. As reporting requirements grow under the Paris framework, many countries struggle with limited capacity. This initiative seeks to bridge that gap.
A Longstanding Collaboration
This funding continues a collaboration between UNEP and the GEF that spans over three decades. Together, they have executed more than 1,000 projects in 160 countries, backed by $3.3 billion. Over the past eight years, these joint efforts have helped prevent 77 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, rehabilitated 1.1 million hectares of marine ecosystems, and improved waste management policies in 70 countries.
Looking ahead, as the GEF-9 replenishment approaches in 2026, the spotlight is on whether these models can expand fast enough to tackle growing environmental risks.
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