Global Environment Facility

Fighting deforestation, protecting biodiversity, and strengthening communities, all at once. In Benin🇧🇯, GEF-financing is helping make all three possible. Through the creation of communal plantations and wildlife ranches, and by providing training in farming, market gardening, livestock rearing, and other nature-positive livelihoods, local communities are gaining the tools they need to thrive, while preserving their environment. The project is implemented by African Development Bank Group, and stands as an inspiring example of how environmental protection and sustainable development go hand in hand. Discover more: https://lnkd.in/eBjCFU_p #ForNature #Deforestation #Biodiversity

Today, in #Panama, The Global Environment Facility (GEF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment of Panama, begins its Expanded Constituency Workshop (ECW) for Latin American countries. The event opened with inspiring remarks from the Minister of Environment of Panama, Juan Carlos Navarro, who linked the workshop’s upcoming discussions with issues of pollution and biodiversity loss in the region. He emphasized the need to act now to address overexploitation, illegal mining and other unsustainable activities. A video message from Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson, emphasized that all GEF projects begin with the needs of countries, and in this regard, the conversations this week would strengthen planning and coordination. Over the next four days, operational and political focal points, the MEA convention focal points, along with key stakeholders share experiences and lessons learned from previous GEF projects and programs. They will strengthen knowledge, build capacity, and inform the design of future interventions aimed at achieving greater impact at scale. Countries will be exposed to up-to-date baseline information on activities financed by the GEF family of funds (GEF Trust Fund, Global Biodiversity Framework Fund – GBFF, and Small Grants Program – SGP). They will gain exposure to the GEF’s integrated programming approach. A day will be devoted to bilateral discussions between GEF Secretariat staff, Agencies, and participating countries to review national priorities and adaptively manage GEF portfolios. The event will focus on targeted capacity-building sessions for GEF Operational and Political Focal Points to strengthen coordination, portfolio management, and strategic engagement. A field visit will give participants the chance to observe local initiatives supported by the GEF around Panama City. MINISTERIO DE AMBIENTE #Biodiversity #SustainableDevelopment #Sustainability

The GEF’s Heart of Conservation Initiative and Inclusive Conservation Initiative are led by, and work in partnership with, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, recognizing their leadership and self-determined efforts to safeguard globally significant biodiversity and ecosystems. WWF Conservation International IUCN Learn more: https://lnkd.in/exAZWJYm #ForNature #ConservationFinance

Congratulations to the University of Canterbury, the Government of New Zealand, and the World Adaptation Science Programme for hosting an outstanding Adaptation Futures 2025 in Ōtautahi Christchurch! We were honored to hear perspectives from across generations and borders – from powerful youth advocates like Cynthia Houniuhi, to pragmatic national voices such as Secretary James Palmer and Dame Patsy Reddy, regional champions like Minister Maina Vakafua Talia, and Indigenous leaders like Kiri Allan, Marama Royal and Lisa Tumahai CNZM. At the Global Environment Facility, we’ve listened – and we’re committed to turning learning into action. The Pacific is on the frontline of climate change, and your vision, wisdom, and lived experiences must guide our shared path forward. We look forward to deepening our collaboration as we head toward #COP30 in Belém – and beyond.🌿 #Adaptation #ClimateResilience #GEF #PacificLeadership #Christchurch #COP30

At the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the IUCN co-hosted a pre-launch event for the upcoming GEF Civil Society Organization (CSO) Challenge Program. This pilot initiative, implemented by IUCN in partnership with RTI International and supported with $10 million in GEF funding, will offer grants of up to $300,000 to civil society organizations with proven environmental solutions that are ready to scale. The program will be open to CSOs in all GEF-eligible countries, with a strong emphasis on proposals led by youth, women, and Indigenous Peoples. “For the GEF this is not just about equity, but also about catalyzing transformative change,” said the GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodriguez. “The GEF Small Grants Program and the forthcoming challenge program are essential elements of our commitment.” Calls for proposals are expected to be announced in January 2026. Read the press release: https://lnkd.in/dy4q3czi #GEFatIUCNcongress #IUCNcongress #CivilSociety #GEFSGP #SmallGrantsProgramme #CSOs

The Global Environment Facility and UN Environment Programme, together with the CAF -banco de desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe- and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), have launched the Net-Zero Nature-Positive Accelerator Integrated Programme. Backed by $100 million in GEF funding and $700 million in co-financing, this initiative supports 12 countries in integrating environmental goals into national plans, advancing global commitments including the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Framework. The program is designed to deliver measurable impact, including the restoration or improved management of 1 million hectares of land and a reduction of approximately 75 million tons of CO2. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson of the GEF, stated: “GEF funding helps countries everywhere reduce risks, increase resilience, and address crises. This program will help countries mobilize finance at scale, integrate nature-based solutions into decarbonization strategies, and accelerate the systemic change required for a sustainable future.” Read more about this transformative initiative and its potential to enhance integrated action: https://lnkd.in/eipGtU25

Thank you Amanda Ellis for your excellent moderation and summary at #Adaptation2025 in #Christchurch! Adaptation Futures 2025 This conference has been truly exciting as a space for constructive discussions on the trends and future of adaptation. The Global Environment Facility prioritized strategic support for this event, and it has proven invaluable in connecting so many diverse stakeholders. The panel's key learnings resonate deeply - particularly the emphasis on adaptation as a PROCESS rather than isolated projects, the critical need for patient capital, and the importance of indigenous and local knowledge in design and implementation. These conversations and connections are exactly why bringing together experts, practitioners, and decision-makers matters. Thank you to all the panelists and organizers for creating this important dialogue on building truly sustainable adaptation finance.

Food systems are essential to a thriving planet and thriving people. They feed all 8.1 billion people on Earth and employ 1.3 billion people from farm to table - about 40% of the global workforce. The GEF’s Food Systems Integrated Program, led by the FAO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is channeling $282 million in GEF funding and approximately $2 billion in co-financing to support countries in transforming their food systems. This transformative effort focuses on reshaping value chains, business models, finance, policies, institutions, and landscape management to build more sustainable and resilient food systems worldwide. Read the story: https://lnkd.in/eiYQkG5w #BetterFoodsBetterFuture #FoodSystems #WorldFoodDay

Big news for #GenerationRestoration! Four new United Nations World Restoration Flagships have just been announced! We’re celebrating four inspiring initiatives: Collaborative Rangelands Restoration in Jordan, Revitalizing Korea's Forests from Fires, Bamboo-based Restoration, and The Restoration Initiative. From reviving biodiversity and helping ecosystems recover from the devastating effects of wildfires to promoting soil reviving restoration that benefits both nature and communities, these projects are powerful examples of win-win solutions for people and the planet. Congratulations! https://lnkd.in/d8vWq5zC FAO