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Global Environment Facility (GEF) - Gensis, Focus Areas, Structure, Associated Agencies And More
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The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral financial agency that provides funding to poor countries for environmental activities that simultaneously promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities. Global Environment Facility is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS Examination.
In this article on the Global Environment Facility, we shall discuss its genesis, objectives, principles, importance for India and current events associated with FATF. This will be very useful for aspirants in the UPSC Prelims Exam.
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What is Global Environment Facility (GEF)?
The GEF is a multilateral financial organization. It provides grants and concessional loans to developing countries for projects that protect the global environment. The GEF was set up in 1991. It has its headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Genesis of the Global Environment Facility
- The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established in October 1991 as a pilot program with the World Bank to aid in the protection of the global environment and the promotion of environmental sustainability.
- It was reformed and established as a permanent, distinct organization during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit with the purpose of assisting in the resolution of the world’s most significant environmental concerns.
Focus Areas of the GEF
Biodiversity, climate change (mitigation and adaptation), chemicals, international waters, land degradation, sustainable forest management/REDD+, and ozone layer depletion are among the GEF’s main priority areas.
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Structure of Global Environment FacilityAssembly
- The Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of the GEF. It is composed of 185 member countries.
- The Assembly meets every three to four years. It sets the overall direction of the GEF and approves its work program.
Global Environment Facility Council
- The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council is the governing body of the GEF.
- The Council has 32 members, appointed by constituencies of GEF member countries.
- The Council meets twice a year to review and approve the GEF's work program, budget, and policies.
Secretariat
- The Secretariat is the operational arm of the GEF. It is responsible for implementing the work program of the GEF. It provides technical and financial support to developing countries.
- The CEO and Chairperson head the Secretariat. They are appointed by the Council.
Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP)
- The STAP is an independent body that provides scientific and technical advice to the GEF. It is composed of 20 experts who are appointed by the Council.
- The STAP reviews the scientific and technical aspects of GEF projects and programs. It provides guidance to the Secretariat.
Independent Evaluation Office (IEO)
- The IEO is an independent body that evaluates the performance of the GEF. It is composed of 10 experts who are appointed by the Council.
- The IEO reviews the effectiveness of GEF projects and programs. It provides recommendations to the Secretariat.
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Agencies associated with GEF
The agencies associated with the GEF include the following:
- Asian Development Bank
- African Development Bank
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
- Food and Agriculture Organization
- Inter American Development Bank
- International Fund for Agricultural Development
- United Nations Development Program
- United Nations Environment Program
- United Nations Industrial Development Organization
- World Bank Group
- Conservation International
- Development Bank of Latin America
- Development Bank of Southern Africa
- Foreign Economic Cooperation Office (Chinese Government)
- Brazilian Biodiversity Fund
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- West Africa
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India and the GEF
- India is a member of the GEF and has been involved in the GEF since its start in 1991.
- The GEF has funded over 100 projects in India, with a total value of over $1 billion.
- These projects have focused on a variety of environmental issues. This includes climate change, biodiversity, land degradation, and international waters.
- The GEF has played a significant role in helping India to address its environmental challenges.
Here are some specific examples of GEF-funded projects in India:
- The India Ecodevelopment Project - This supports the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources in seven priority sites in India.
- The Green India Mission - This aims to increase forest cover in India by 5 million hectares by 2030.
- The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change - This supports adaptation projects to help India cope with the impacts of climate change.
Study the Global Environment Outlook for UPSC!
GEF’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The GEF has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in a number of ways, including:
- Providing funding for projects that address the environmental drivers of the pandemic. The GEF is funding a project to reduce the illegal wildlife trade. Wildlife trade is a major driver of the spread of zoonotic diseases.
- Supporting countries to build resilience to the impacts of the pandemic. This includes projects:
- to improve water and sanitation infrastructure,
- to promote sustainable agriculture, and
- to protect biodiversity.
- Working to prevent future pandemics. The GEF is supporting research on the origins of COVID-19 and ways to prevent the emergence of future pandemics.
Here are some specific examples of GEF-funded projects that are addressing the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Reducing the Risk of Pandemics from Wildlife
- Building Resilience to Climate Change and Pandemics
- Preventing Future Pandemics from Emerging
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We hope that all your doubts regarding the Global Environment Facility will be cleared after going through this article. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam.
Global Environment Facility - FAQs
In which year was the Global Environment Facility established?
The Global Environment Facility was established in 1997.
Give details about the genesis of the Global Environment Facility?
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established in October 1991 as a pilot program with the World Bank to aid in the protection of the global environment and the promotion of environmental sustainability. It was reformed and established as a permanent, distinct organization during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit with the purpose of assisting in the resolution of the world's most significant environmental concerns.
Give basic details about the Global Environment Facility?
It is a financial entity that is self-contained. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is an international financial agency that provides financing to developing countries for projects that enhance the global environment while also improving long-term livelihoods in local communities. It was formed as a fund by the World Bank in 1991.
Explain in brief the mechanism of action at the GEF?
It has a one-of-a-kind partnership with 18 international organizations, including UN agencies, multilateral development banks, state entities, and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Today, the GEF is an international collaboration that comprises 183 countries, international institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector to address global environmental challenges. The UNFCCC, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the Minamata Convention on Mercury all have their own financial structure.
What are the priority areas of the Global Environment Facility?
Biodiversity, climate change (mitigation and adaptation), chemicals, international waters, land degradation, sustainable forest management/REDD+, and ozone layer depletion are among the GEF's main priority areas.
What is the relationship between India and the Global Environment Facility?
The Indian government and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are working together to protect the environment (GEF). Since its inception in 1991, India has been a member of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a developing country. It has had a major influence on the GEF. India is both a donor and a beneficiary of GEF funds.
What are the steps taken by the Global Environment Facility for the COVID 19 Pandemic?
To help solve the current crisis and reduce the risk of new environmental crises occurring in the near future, the GEF has established a set of initiatives that are classified into urgent, medium, and long-term plans. The response also includes efforts to aid a green economic recovery that is consistent with sustainable and nature-based development.