NEWS

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Naoko Ishii has announced US$256 million in funding for projects on biodiversity, chemicals and wastes, forests and capacity building. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), during which the GEF also showcased its work with SIDS.

Announcing the financing, Ishii said “The challenges facing SIDS are global challenges,” such as how global ecosystems can sustain global aspirations for economic growth and prosperity. She explained that “sustainable development is not a choice, but a necessity” for SIDS who face threats from climate change and associated sea-level rise, natural resource depletion, including of their marine resources, coastal and land pollution, and soil degradation, among other challenges.

The GEF highlighted several initiatives at the Conference, in line with the Conference's focus on partnerships. Through the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP), Pacific Islands are working with the GEF, World Bank and regional organizations to support sustainable tuna fishing and harmonize regional management approaches. The program aims to address declining marine biodiversity and fish stocks, and empower coastal fishing communities to conserve coral reefs and mangroves, which support biodiversity and fisheries. As part of its work on renewable energy in SIDS, the GEF is partnering with SIDS Dock, the Clinton Climate Initiative and others to support SIDS to develop their renewable energy potential, including solar and wind power. The GEF's work with the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change (PACC) aims to enhance Pacific SIDS' capacity to adapt to climate change by integrating adaptation measures into development plans and policies.

GEF resources for the period 2014-2018 represent the largest amount of GEF resources ever provided for SIDS, and a nine percent increase compared to the previous four-year period. The financing will also provide support for: a Chemicals and Waste window; the GEF International Waters program; its Sustainable Forest Management incentive program; SIDS countries to fulfill their reporting obligations under international environmental conventions; and dedicated country allocations.

The SIDS Conference took place in Apia, Samoa, from 1-4 September 2014. [GEF Press Release] [IISD RS Story on Biodiversity, Forests and Oceans at SIDS Conference] [IISD RS Story on SIDS Oceans Partnerships] [IISD RS Story on GEF-UNDP Publication]