gef_fundorfolly_1993-6e93a33e034c9216.pdf

The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) was established in 1990 as a three-year pilot program to address global warming, ozone depletion, biodiversity loss, and international water pollution. Operated by the World Bank, UNDP, and UNEP, the GEF provides grant or concessional funding for projects that offer global environmental benefits but lack economic viability without assistance. However, the facility faces significant criticism from NGOs and developing countries regarding its lack of transparency, restricted membership—due to a SDR $4 million contribution requirement—and the potential for 'greenwashing' World Bank projects. As the pilot phase ends in 1993, there are calls for restructuring to ensure universal membership and greater accountability to the climate change and biodiversity conventions.

• The GEF was established in November 1990 as a three-year pilot program with an initial funding commitment of SDR 1 billion (approximately $1.3 billion US) to address four priority areas: global warming, ozone depletion, loss of biodiversity, and pollution of international waters.
• The GEF is managed through a tripartite agreement between the World Bank, which acts as administrator for investment projects; the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), responsible for technical assistance and pre-investment studies; and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which provides environmental expertise.
• Developing countries and NGOs face significant barriers to participation in the GEF, including a requirement for countries to contribute SDR $4 million to become a Participant and the exclusion of NGOs from Participants' meetings.
• As of October 31, 1992, the World Bank had approved nine investment projects totaling $98.4 million, while UNDP had approved twelve freestanding technical assistance projects totaling $74.5 million.

APA

Center for International Environmental Law (n.d.). gef_fundorfolly_1993-6e93a33e034c9216.pdf. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/GEF_FundorFolly_1993.pdf

Chicago

Center for International Environmental Law. gef_fundorfolly_1993-6e93a33e034c9216.pdf. n.d. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/GEF_FundorFolly_1993.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Center for International Environmental Law |title=gef_fundorfolly_1993-6e93a33e034c9216.pdf |url=https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/GEF_FundorFolly_1993.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{centerforinternationalenvironmentallawndgeffundorfolly19936e93a33e034c9216pdf, author = {{Center for International Environmental Law}}, title = {{gef\_fundorfolly\_1993-6e93a33e034c9216.pdf}}, institution = {Center for International Environmental Law}, url = {https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/GEF_FundorFolly_1993.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }