The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are founding partners, with UNDP serving as one of GEF’s main implementing Agencies. UNDP channels GEF grants into thousands of projects worldwide, focusing on biodiversity, climate change, land restoration, and community-driven initiatives.
Founding & Partnership
GEF was established in 1991 by the World Bank, UNDP, and UNEP.
UNDP is both a founding partner and a major implementing agency, responsible for designing and executing GEF-funded projects in collaboration with national governments.
UNDP’s Role
Project Implementation: UNDP manages about 40% of GEF grants, supporting projects in over 120 countries.
Capacity Building: Helps governments integrate environmental priorities into national development strategies.
Community Engagement: Through the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by UNDP, more than 20,000 grants have been awarded to civil society and community based organizations in over 125 countries.