The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a financial
mechanism that provides grants to developing countries for projects that benefit the
global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities. GEF projects
address six designated focal areas: Biodiversity, Climate Change, International Waters,
Ozone Depletion, Land Degradation and Persistent Organic Pollutants.
India has formed a permanent Constituency in the
Executive Council of the GEF together with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and
Maldives. The Council Meetings are held semi-annually or as frequently necessary. At each
meeting, the Council elects a Chairperson from among its members for the duration of that
meeting. India's Executive Director in the World Bank represents the GEF Council from our
Constituency.
India is both a donor and a recipient of GEF. It has
been a leading developing country participant in the GEF since its inception in 1991
and has played a major role in shaping the restructuring of the GEF. It had contributed US $
6.0 million to the core fund in the GEF Pilot Phase. India has pledged an amount of US $ 9.0
million towards the resources of each of the Five GEF replenishments. The total funds
pledged so far amounts to US$ 51 million and an amount of US$ 48.75 million has been paid by
December 2012 towards GEF replenishments.
Ministry of Finance is the political focal point
while Ministry of Environment & Forests is the Operational Focal Point for the GEF Projects.
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