ABSTRACT
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has been providing critical financial support to developing countries for fighting global environmental problems since 1991. The GEF has funded more than 4,700 projects in 170 countries and, through its Small Grants Program, supported nearly 24,000 civil society and community initiatives in 128 countries. The GEF was first set up as a voluntary pilot phase in 1991, with the World Bank serving as its trustee. The GEF was formally established with its current governing structure in 1994. It has a small secretariat and a Council in which developed and developing countries are represented equally. Donor countries’ original promise for the GEF was to provide financial grant resources “additional” to official development assistance that would be used to fund “incremental costs” of investments that could turn regular development projects into projects with global environmental benefits. Considered on its own merit the GEF is making a critical difference around the world.
