68th GEF Council Meeting – December 16-18, 2024 (Virtual)

GEF Council to Review $650 Million for Environmental Action and Advance Reforms

From December 16-20 2024, representatives of the Global Environment Facility’s recipient and donor countries will convene virtually to review over $650 million in funding for initiatives addressing chemical pollutants, climate adaptation, and biodiversity loss. The agenda includes $554 million from the GEF Trust Fund, $92 million from the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), and $12 million from the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF).

Council members will assess 31 proposed projects spanning 133 countries, with a focus on pollution management, biodiversity protection, climate action, and land degradation. These efforts include strengthening Indigenous- and community-led stewardship and supporting Small Grants Programme initiatives. A new phase of the Inclusive Conservation Initiative is also under consideration, targeting increased funding for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

The Council will also discuss progress on programming for the new Global Biodiversity Framework Fund and ongoing reforms to streamline the GEF’s project cycle, enhancing efficiency and impact. Updates from the GEF’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel and Independent Evaluation Office will complement the discussions.

With significant achievements already made during the GEF-8 cycle, this meeting sets the stage for the upcoming GEF-9 replenishment process, ensuring continued progress toward 2030 global environmental goals.